About Tamarind and Its Health Benefits

Black velvet tamarind is an indigenous fruit also known as African velvet tamarind. It is without any adverse reaction and has been eaten by all ages because it is a vitamin C supplement.

This unique fruit boasts a black velvety hard shell, an orange sticky pulp, and a flat circular brown seed. Invariably, there's something for everyone when it comes to this fruit!

It can be eaten fresh, dried, or even turned into a tasty beverage by soaking it in water - offering you multiple ways to enjoy its flavor. In this article, we will explore 25 numerous health benefits of Black Velvet Tamarind and the nutrients it provides.

25 Amazing Health Benefits of Black Velvet Tamarind

Dialium guineense, commonly called Black Velvet Tamarind, is a specialty fruit with sweet and sour flavors. This fruit is abundant in tropical areas and can be found easily.

It has been reported to provide numerous health benefits, including improving digestion, boosting immunity, and reducing inflammation. This comprehensive guide outlines 25 amazing health benefits of Black Velvet Tamarind.

1. Cures Malaria

People have relied on Black Velvet Tamarind (BVT) for centuries as a natural remedy for many health issues. Still, one of its most surprising uses is its ability to treat and prevent malaria. BVT has powerful anti-malarial properties that make it an effective way to combat the disease.

It can increase immunity, reduce inflammation and help digestion function properly. Opting for a healthy lifestyle and including this fruit can do wonders for your physical health.

Research has revealed that the decoction of Black Velvet Tamarind can effectively inhibit Plasmodium falciparum's growth, the primary source of malaria. As a result, malaria patients can recover more quickly.

2. Treats Gastric Ulcer

Black Velvet Tamarind's recent study has shown that this humble fruit may also be a powerful treatment for gastric ulcers. Its high levels of polyphenols, antioxidants, and flavonoids make it an ideal natural remedy to soothe the symptoms of ulcers and promote healing. 

The fruit increases gastric mucus secretion, which helps to heal gastric ulcers and protect the colon from cancer cells. However, consuming the fruit in the recommended serving amount is essential.

3. Prevents Hypertension

It contains essential vitamins and minerals that benefit overall health and wellness. Black Velvet contains potassium, which can help regulate heartbeats and make the heart more efficient in pumping blood, but it has also been known to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Regular consumption has been linked to lower cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is advised to make a way to include it in your daily diet.

4. Anti-inflammatory

Black Velvet Tamarind is a unique variety of tamarind with numerous benefits. This healthy food is rich in vitamin C, which helps fight against microbial infections and reduce inflammation in the bronchial tubes caused by bronchitis.

Additionally, it contains minerals essential for adequately functioning the body's systems and can be used as a natural remedy for various ailments.

5. Cures Toothache

Black Velvet Tamarind can also help solve oral health issues such as toothaches. The compounds in the fruit can clean plaque, caries, and bacteria, leading causes of toothaches.

The health benefits of Black Velvet Tamarind are far-reaching. Not only does it contain compounds that can get down inflammation and pain, but it can also help to improve oral health.

Its anti-bacterial and anti-cariogenic properties make it a powerful tool in fighting toothaches, as the fruit can help to remove plaque, caries, and bacteria - some of the leading causes of toothache pain.

5.1. Dental Health

The Black Velvet Tamarind fruit has long been used as a natural toothache remedy. However, the medicinal properties of this fruit extend beyond just providing relief from pain.

Studies have shown that consuming Black Velvet Tamarind can also help promote overall dental health due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. So not only can it help relieve toothaches, but it can also help in preventing this ailment.

6. Relieves Menstrual Cramps

Women often experience menstrual cramps during their periods. To alleviate the pain, they usually take analgesic medications.

For those suffering from menstrual cramps, Black Velvet Tamarind may be the natural answer. This age-long plant has been around for ages and is now being further investigated for its potential to relieve pain.

Its potent healing properties have been acknowledged in traditional medicine for centuries. Extensive studies have shown that it can reduce pain during menstruation and provide long-term relief. With its natural analgesic properties, Black Velvet Tamarind could be the perfect solution for menstrual cramps.

7. Treats Diabetes

Diabetes is a degenerative disease that affects millions of people across the globe. While there are many pharmaceutical treatments for this condition, natural remedies such as Black Velvet Tamarind can help immensely lower blood sugar levels managing symptoms.

This superfood contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to help regulate glucose metabolism and promote overall health.

8. Cures Hemorrhoid

Black Velvet Tamarind has been used for centuries to treat hemorrhoids. Research has shown that its active ingredient, ethanol, is beneficial in reducing inflammation and gradually shrinking the abscess associated with this condition.

This natural remedy has effectively reduced the discomfort caused by hemorrhoids without resorting to more invasive treatments.

9. Increases Antioxidants

Black Velvet Tamarind is a fruit with a distinctly sour taste from its tartaric acid content. This tartaric acid gives tamarind its unique flavor and offers powerful antioxidant properties that can help protect the body from free radical damage. The Black Velvet Tamarind, in particular, contains more of this beneficial compound than other varieties of fruit.

10. Boosts Immune System

Black Velvet Tamarind is a powerful superfood that can help boost your immune system. Its combination of antioxidants and vitamin C makes it a fantastic alternative for improving their health.

The fruit is packed with nutrients that can help protect the body from microbial and fungal infections, helping you stay healthy and energized all year.

11. Improves Lactation

Breastfeeding is an essential and unique experience between mother and baby. This is an understandable concern, as it can affect a child's development and nutrition.

Thankfully, there is an easy solution to supplementing their breast milk supply - consuming Black Velvet Tamarind from the tamarind tree. This fruit's pulp contains incredible properties to help increase a new mother's breast milk supply.

12. Treats Wounds

Black Velvet Tamarind has been used traditionally for its medicinal properties, and modern science is now revealing why.

The ascorbic acid found in this fruit has powerful antiseptic properties that can protect wounds from bacteria and other infections. It can also help stimulate healthy skin growth, making it an ideal remedy for wound healing and overall skin health.

13. Nourishes Skin

Black Velvet Tamarind is a rare and unique fruit with many health benefits. It is high in antioxidants, and its ascorbic acid content helps keep skin healthy and nourished. Black Velvet Tamarind can significantly benefit your skin's health when consumed regularly. It contains essential vitamins and minerals that the body requires for healthy skin.

14. Lowers Cholesterol Levels

The Black Velvet Tamarind is an excellent source of dietary fiber, and consuming it can help you meet your daily fiber needs. Consuming this fruit can be highly advantageous for your overall health.

It is loaded with dietary fiber, which helps keep cholesterol levels in check, boosting your overall health and well-being. It can also aid digestion while providing other perks such as weight loss and improved heart health.

15. Maintains Good Digestion

Black Velvet Tamarind is a fantastic superfood that contains dietary fiber, which can help improve your digestive health. This dietary fiber helps increase the bulk of food in the gut, improving bowel movements and preventing constipation.

It can also bind toxins from digested food and protect your digestive organs from damage. With its high levels of dietary fiber, Black Velvet Tamarind is an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their digestive health.

15.1. Weight Loss

Black Velvet Tamarind is quickly becoming a popular dietary supplement for losing weight. This unique fruit contains a particular type of dietary fiber proven to help individuals feel fuller longer, reducing overall calorie intake and promoting weight loss.

This fiber has several benefits, with digestion being one of them. Shedding the extra pounds becomes effortless with this tremendously healthy and natural solution.

16. Maintains Good Metabolism

Black Velvet Tamarind is a superfood that is packed with vitamins. Its antioxidant properties help boost the immune system and aid cell repair and regeneration. It contains high amounts of thiamin, vitamin A, folic acid, niacin, riboflavin, and vitamin C. These vitamins are essential for enzyme metabolism, which helps ensure proper body energy production.

17. Cures Dry Eyes

Eye health is paramount, and discovering Black Velvet Tamarind's potential in this area is an exciting breakthrough. Research has revealed that the compounds in its decoction are similar to mucin found in the eye, which protects and moisturizes the cornea.

Thus, these compounds are considered a valuable resource for maintaining eye health and can even be a natural remedy for dry eyes. With further research, Black Velvet Tamarind could become essential to ophthalmologists' treatment plans.

18. Prevents Anemia

The iron content in Black Velvet Tamarind can benefit one's health, as it can help increase red blood cells and reduce the chances of suffering from anemia.

It contains a good number of minerals such as iron which is necessary for the production of red blood cells, with some other minerals such as;

Copper helps strengthen the blood vessels, and in most cases, it works together with iron to assist in the formation of red blood cells and ensures that iron is absorbed as needed by the blood. The deficiency of copper in the blood is called hypocupremia.

Calcium is mainly known to help in blood and teeth formation, but it is more than that. Calcium, such as the one in black velvet tamarinds, aids in blood clotting and other necessary bodily functions.

As regards blood cells, zinc mineral helps in the clotting of blood. Zinc is commonly found throughout the cells in the body, specifically the platelets, and has many functions. Therefore, if this mineral is deficient, it can cause unexpected blood clotting.

Iron in the fruit is good enough for blood production and anemia prevention.

This superfood provides essential nutrients and a delicious taste for making salads and smoothies. Its unique sweetness and sourness make it a great addition to any meal.

19. Useful for Pregnant Women

Black Velvet Tamarind has been a traditional remedy for women during pregnancy since ancient times. Its anti-abortifacient properties make it an essential element to strengthen the pregnancy and provide crucial vitamin A, which is critical for the development of both mother and baby.

BVT can help users reduce the risk of miscarriage and other complications associated with pregnancy, providing a safe way to support a healthy pregnancy.

20. Treats Bronchitis

Research has shown that consuming this fruit can help treat respiratory problems such as bronchitis. Bronchitis patients can benefit from the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the fruit, which can help decrease its symptoms and improve their overall health.

21. Maintains Healthy Kidney

Black Velvet Tamarind has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to help optimize kidney health and function. Recent research has shown that it has diuretic properties, helping to bind toxins and increase urine excretion from the kidneys.

Studies suggest that taking Black Velvet Tamarind can help prevent kidney stone formation. This natural remedy is a promising option for people looking to maintain healthy kidneys and prevent disease.

22. Lowers Body Temperature

Black Velvet Tamarind is renowned for its medicinal properties. Its natural components help lower body temperature and alleviate fever symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and body aches.

For centuries, people have soaked the fruit in water and consumed the water to reduce fever. This age-old remedy is still widely used today due to its efficacy in lowering fevers quickly and effectively.

23. Relieves Diarrhea

Research conducted by the National Institute of Health has found that Black Velvet Tamarind can positively control diarrhea symptoms. The study demonstrated that regularly consuming this fruit may reduce the intensity of the signs and help strengthen your digestive system.

Based on the results, this natural remedy could be a viable and safe alternative to traditional medications for treating this common condition.

24. Improve Water & Acid Balance

Black Velvet Tamarind has potassium that helps regulate water and acid-base balance in the blood and tissues.

Potassium plays a vital role in the human body. It functions as a mineral and an electrolyte in the body and, in bits of help in balancing the body's pH level, controls the heart rate, nerve impulses, and more.

Bodies can only ingest potassium through potassium-rich foods or fruits as the body does not naturally produce it. Therefore, the intake of black velvet tamarind will provide the body with enough potassium it needs to conduct the body's electrical impulses.

25. Prevents Micronutrient Deficiency

Some nutritional elements, such as the vitamins and minerals in the fruit, act as a micronutrient that helps to protect the body from micronutrient deficiency.

The body needs micronutrients in a small proportion, which are vital for the function of the cells and organs. Therefore black velvet tamarinds contain many micronutrients like iron, vitamin A, etc. Supplying the body with these nutrients helps prevent its deficiency, leading to severe adverse reactions.

Nutrients of Black Velvet Tamarind

According to the Journal of Food Biochemistry, the composition of Black Velvet Tamarind's seed and pulp is as follows:

• Moisture: 5.9 (seed) and 4.9 (pulp)

• Organic matter: 97.5 (seed) and 98.2 (pulp)

• Dry weight: 94.1 (seed) and 95.1 (pulp)

• Crude protein: 15.7 (seed) and 4.2 (pulp)

• Crude fat: 5.4 (seed) and 2.6 (pulp)

• Ash: 2.5 (seed) and 1.8 (pulp)

• Natural fiber: 6.6 (seed) and 2.2 (pulp)

• Total carbohydrate: 70.6 (seed) and 86.6 (pulp)

• Ascorbic acid: 6.4 (seed) and 35.7 (pulp)

With this impressive nutritional profile, Black Velvet Tamarind offers several health benefits.

What is Black Velvet Tamarind? (Origin)

Black velvet tamarind is a seasonal fruit and is native to Africa, especially in tropical areas like West African countries, and has the scientific name of Dialium indium or Wild Dialium Guineense.

It is often regarded as Nigerian or African velvet tamarind and is known locally in Igbo as Icheku, In Yoruba as Awin, and Hausa as Tamiya-kurma. It is also called licki-licki by some people.

It is also grown in other African countries, such as Senegal and Ghana, known as Yoyi. Its cultivation has extended to other tropical Asian countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.

Its physical characteristics include a black velvet shell that is hard and brittle, an orange pulp that is sticky when moist, and a brown circular flat seed.

Medicinal Uses of Black Velvet Tamarind

Though not scientifically proven, black velvet tamarind has been used locally to treat many ill-health conditions. It is proven effective, including the black velvet tamarind tree's root, leaves, and bark.  

 It is used in treating malaria and diabetics as it reduces blood sugar, is a pain reliever, treats bronchitis, and much more.                                                              

Downsides of Black Velvet Tamarind

Since black velvet tamarind is good for the body, those with a history of gastric ulcers should take it moderately not to aggravate the condition.

For diabetic patients, the intake of this fruit should be in moderation. Though it is suitable for reducing the sugar level in the blood, it might make it lower than the average level rather than regulating it.

Conclusion

Black Velvet Tamarind is not as common as other fruits like oranges, bananas, apples, etc., because it is a seasonal fruit, and even most times, many people neglect it. Still, it contains many vitamins and many of the popular fruits and comes with other health benefits.