This fruit called ‘fruit’ is popular in the tropics and Nigeria and some other African countries boast of its abundance.
In fact, growing up, this fruit called fruit was in front of our building and I remember how often I climbed it.
But the funny thing is that, back then, we did not know so much about this fruit.
We just eat it and know that it is sweet. We know it will be beneficial to our health, but what specific benefits there are, we do not know.
Unfortunately, people still eat this fruit today and they call it fruit. Quite a lot of the persons who eat do not even know these things under listed about the fruit.
Some will surprise you.
1. The Name Of This Fruit Called Fruit
Many people do not know that the name of the fruit is Tropical Almond (Terminalia catappa). They just call it fruit or almond.
Now you know that it is found in the tropics.
Nigeria is one of the countries you have it in abundance.
They even come in different colours and as the colours differ, so are the nutritional values.
2. Tropical Almond Can Treat Liver Disease
According to a study, the leaves contain many hydrolysable tannins which contribute to medicinal uses of the leaves that include: the treatment of liver related diseases (1).
A study says tannins exert several pharmacological effects, including antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity as well as antimicrobial, anti‐cancer, anti‐nutritional and cardio‐protective properties (2).
You want to get rid of toxins from your system, get some of the leaves, boil it and drink it. You may even wash the leaves, squeeze them raw and drink the juice.
3. Can Treat Sickle Cell Disorders
Tropical Almond can also treat sickle cell disorders.
This fruit is rich in nutrients that are beneficial to people with this condition.
According to a study, Tropical Almond is a rich source of potassium, zinc, iron, magnesium and copper.
It also contains tannin, phenols, flavonoids, saponin, alkaloids and glycosides.
Basically, the presence of tannins in the plant and other antioxidants are the reasons it is able to treat sickle cell disorders.
4. It Can Serve As A Form Of Dye
A study says the leaves of Tropical Almond could be used as dye.
Also, this dye effect could be seen in the fruits when you eat them.
After eating the red specie, you will find that your fingers will change colour and even become darker (indigo) after a while.
The presence of tannins in the plant is what makes it produce the dye effect.
5. Treatment For Dermatitis, Hepatitis
A study says the plant is also good for the treatment of dermatitis and hepatitis.
According to a study, tannic acid, which is widely distributed in plants and foods, has HCV antiviral activity in cell culture at low micromolar concentrations.
Furthermore, the study says it may provide a relative inexpensive adjuvant to direct-acting HCV antivirals and warrants future investigation (3).
6. Reduction Of Ear Inflammation
Another study also says the leaves could be help reduce ear inflammation.
According to a study, some antioxidants are able to lower inflammation in the ear (4).
7. Rich In Other Nutrients
Tropical Almond is rich in protein and glutamic acid which is the major essential amino acid in the seed.
Also, the seed contains saturated fatty acid – palmitic acid and unsaturated fatty acid – oleic acid.
It has linoleic acid and it is rich in sucrose. A study also says it has trace amount of glucose, fructose and lipids which are beneficial to human.
8. Tropical Almond Is Anti-cancer
Cancer is increasingly becoming a major cause of death.
But adding Tropical Almond to your diet could lower risk of certain cancers.
According to a 2015 study, The fruit is rich in fibre.
Basically, the study says the total dietary fibre obtained was found to be 9.97 %(5).
Furthermore, the study says the fibre content helps lower the risk of colorectal cancer.
9. Lowers Risk Of Diabetes
A study recommends an incorporation of Tropical Almond into the diet of diabetic and antherosclerotic patients (6).
This is because it contains high amount of fibre which is great for your guts and reduces the risk of obesity.
Fibre when taken, helps you stay full for a long period of time. Also, this reduces craving for food.
10. Reduces Blood Cholesterol
The presence of cholesterol in the blood vessel could cause a clog and further affect the heart.
But the high level of fibre in Tropical Almond helps in reducing the chances of fat particles sneaking into your arteries.
That way it becomes difficult for plaques to form in your blood vessel.
11. Promotes Good Heart Health
Fortunately, people who are prone to heart disease, could snack on this fruit and get the benefit.
Tropical Almond contains arginine which is a compound that offers diverse health benefits.
Arginine, also known as L-arginine, helps your body perform a number of different functions (7).
People Also Read: Agbalumo: Side Effects And Health Benefits Of African Star Apple
It aids in wound healing, boosts the kidney’s function of waste products removal from your body.
Also, it helps in maintaining immune and hormone function and dilates and relaxes the arteries.
This function makes it a great food for the heart.
In your body, the amino acid arginine changes into nitric oxide (NO).
Furthermore, nitric oxide is a powerful neurotransmitter that helps your blood vessels relax.
Also, it improves circulation and blood flow in the arteries of the heart.
Its ability to lower blood cholesterol, as stated earlier, also makes it great for your heart.
12. Erectile Function
Furthermore, people who have erectile dysfunction are often advised to perform a test that will determine the health of their heart.
This means that the heart could be the reason a person has such condition.
Again, it is okay to remember that arginine helps in relaxing the arteries.
This, in turn, boosts sexual performance.
As a result, this fruit you call fruit may also be helpful in correcting erectile dysfunction.