Black Velvet Tamarind “Awin” – Health Benefits, and Effect on Pregnancy

Black Velvet Tamarind “Awin”

This fruit belongs to the family of Leguminosae and from the tree scientifically referred to as Dialium guinense. It has a grape-sized edible fruit with a hard black inedible shell.

It is known as Awin in the Yoruba language, Icheku in Igbo, Tsamiyar kurm in Hausa, and Ehionen by the people of Esan.

It is native to West African countries such as Nigeria, Ghana where they call it Yoyi, Sierra Leone, Senegal, and Guinea-Bissau where they refer to it as “Veludo” because of its texture.

Velvet Tamarind is a popular fruit snack loved by all probably because of its sweet and tangy taste. The black inedible back is removed to reveal the edible orange pulp which you can lick and spit out the seed.

The Nutritional Value of Black Velvet Tamarind “Awin”

Studies have shown that this fruit is rich in nutrients such as;

• Vitamin C
• Magnesium
• Sodium
• Iron
• Potassium
• Vitamin A
• Malic acid
• Tartaric acid
• Citric acid
• Niacin

A proximate analysis carried out by Nicholas on the nutritional value of velvet tamarind shows that it contains;

58.65% carbohydrates, 3.94% proteins, 5.34% crude fat, 14.3mg/100g iron, 4.0mg/100g magnesium, 28.8mg/100g sodium, 3.5mg/100g calcium, 12.1mg/100g potassium, 10.53% moisture, 12.50% ash and 1.05% ash.

Outside the fruit, the leaves and bark of the Awin tree are medicinal. The back is used most especially among the Esan people of Edo state as it is chewed for oral hygiene, and stomach ache.

It has also being used as a remedy for headache, cancer, pains, diarrhea, severe cough, malaria fever, ulcer, jaundice, and hemorrhoids.

The leaves are a remedy for fever, edema, prenatal pains, and infections such as severe cough, wounds, and ulcers.

Other findings show that dehulled tamarind seeds can be soaked overnight in water and salt or sugar to make a beverage by the rural people of certain ethnic groups such as irulas, kurumba, malayali and Dravidian tribes in India.

The Health Benefits of Black Velvet Tamarind “Awin”

It increases the body antioxidant power 

The presence of antioxidants in the body helps to fight against free radicals which are highly reactive molecules with impaired electrons.

These free radicals are responsible for the mechanism behind aging and many health issues.

Taking velvet tamarind helps to increase the antioxidants level in your body and thereby protect the human body from damage caused by free radicals.

Reduces genital infections and improves lactation 

Studies have shown that licking the pulp of this fruit (Awin) can help increase the secretion of milk by breastfeeding mothers and can also reduce infections in genital parts.

It helps to treat pile

An extract from velvet tamarind leaves have been proven to be effective in treating pile or hemorrhoids. Pile are swollen veins in the anal canal resulting from too much pressure in the pelvic and rectal areas which can be very painful.

Treat diarrhea and relief menstrual cramps

Studies have shown that extract from the stem back of velvet tamarind has significant analgesic properties and hence can be used to relieve menstrual pain.

To make it more effective take it with pawpaw leaf, salt, and water. It can as well help treat diarrhea.

Improves oral hygiene

This is especially for those who use the stem as a chewing stick which contains Saponin. This Saponin act as a cleaning agent to the teeth and help remove plaques from teeth.

It reduces high blood pressure and treat ulcer

Velvet tamarind can increase the secretion of gastric mucus, hence an extraction from the leaf is a good remedy for gastric ulcers.

The leaf also helps promote the production of urine, making it easy for the heart to pump blood to all parts of the body, reducing the risk of high blood pressure.

Cure Malaria

Research has shown that the leaf extract can inhibit the growth of plasmodium falciparum which is the causal organism for malaria, there taking an extract from the leaf can help cure malaria.

Help boost immune system 

The deficiency of vitamin C in the body can lead to fatigue and immunodeficiency. Taking velvet tamarind can help boost your immune system and reduce fatigue as it is high in vitamin C content.

Read Also; The Health Benefits Of  African Cherry “Agbalumo”

Combat anemia 

Velvet tamarind is rich in iron which can easily be absorbed from the pulp of the fruit. The presence of iron in the body helps to prevent anemia which is the result of iron deficiency.

Treat rheumatism

Several studies have shown its beneficial actions in the treatment of rheumatism.

Nourishes your skin

The presence of ascorbic acids in Awin fruit can help stimulate the growth of healthy skin and nourishes the skin if taken regularly. It is also known to help treat wounds.

Remedy for dry eyes

Research shows that velvet tamarind extract contains a compound similar to the mucin in the eye which is the good mucus responsible for moisturizing cornea.

Black Velvet Tamarind (Awin) and Pregnancy 

Can a pregnant woman take it?

Although there are no many studies to back this up, a certain report shows that velvet tamarind is good for a pregnant woman as the fruit has an antiabortifacient component. This means that it can help prevent miscarriage.

Taking it at the early stage of pregnancy can help strengthen the pregnancy. Awin fruit contains vitamin A which is good for pregnancy.

 

Black Velvet Tamarind “Awin” – Health Benefits, and Effect on Pregnancy

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