BLACK VELVET TAMARIND, ICHEKU, LICKIE LICKIE AND MY HEALTH

Black velvet tamarind 

Icheku

INTRODUCTION: Growing up in typical African village in the Eastern part of Nigeria and having the full feel of village life is an awesome experience. This experience has eluded many youngsters of this present generation. The BLACK VELVET TAMARIND popularly called NKWAA in my native language, ICHEKU in Igbo generally, AWIN by the Yoruba, TSAMIYAR KURM by the Hausas or LICKIE LICKIE by children presently is native to tropical Africa with special reference to Eastern Nigeria. It is also found in other countries such as Senegal, Ghana, Thailand and Malaysia. In Nigeria, it is found in mini forests close to farmlands. It is a common seasonal fruit  snack among children and adults alike. 

The fruit has a black velvety outer shell, which when cracked reveals an orange coloured sticky pulp which  can be licked, as depicted in the picture below:

Cracked black velvet tamarind 

The fruit is sweet, creamy and sour to taste. It's sweetness is enhanced just like the AGBALUMO - the African Star Apple, when it is touched by rainfall.
The icheku fruit gets softer and lickable when it is soaked in water and the water penetrates it. It is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It is particularly rich in the following:

COMPONENTS:

VITAMINS: Vitamin A,  C,  Folic Acid, Thiamine, Niacin, Riboflavin, Tartaric Acid etc.

MINERALS: Copper, Potassium, Calcium, Iron,  Magnesium etc.

ANTIOXIDANTS: Beta carotene, Alpha carotene, Beta-Cryptoxanthin, Lutein, Tartaric Acid.

HEALTH BENEFITS:

(1) LOWERS CHOLESTEROL LEVEL: The pulp of the black velvet tamarind is rich in dietary fiber, like pectin, tanins,  mucilage etc,  these reduce bad cholesterol in the body.

(2) PREVENTS HYPERTENTION: Black velvet tamarind is known to be rich in potassium, this helps to control heart beat and blood pressure.

(3) BOOSTS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM: The velvet tamarind is rich in vitamins C and other antioxidants,  and vitamin C helps to fight against microbial and fungal infections.

(4) PREVENTS CONSTIPATION: The black velvet tamarind, due to its richness in dietary fiber, helps prevent constipation. The fiber adds bulk and arguments bowel movement.

(5) HELPS CONTROLS DIABETES: The velvet tamarind can help treat diabetes, by reducing the blood sugar levels and intensifying insulin sensitivity

(6) HEALTHY FOR EYES: The pulp of the black velvet tamarind is rich in CAROTENOIDS, which are ANTIOXIDANTS, such as Beta-carotene, Alpha carotene, Beta-Cryptoxanthin and Lutein, this is basically because of its colour component, which falls into the category of orange coloured fruits. The beta and alpha carotene are converted to vitamin A, this helps to maintain a healthy mucous membrane and maintain healthy eyes, with regards to prevention of cataracts, good vision and age related macular degeneration. The Lutein content is equally good for eye health.

(7) PREVENTS CANCER: The black velvet tamarind is rich in antioxidant beta-cryptoxanthin,  because it is orange coloured in nature. This, exhibits antioxidant qualities which has been linked to cancer prevention and reduced risk of developing inflammatory disorders such as Rheumatoid arthritis.

(8) MAINTAIN GOOD BODY METABOLISM: The black velvet tamarind as you know, is rich in vitamins including THIAMINE, VITAMIN A, FOLIC ACID, NIACIN, RIBOFLAVIN and of course VITAMIN C, But as much as all these act as antioxidants to fight free radicals, the vitamins also help the function for enzyme metabolism of human body. TARTARIC ACID is also another antioxidant found in black velvet tamarind, it helps protect the human body from harmful free radicals and it is also what gives it it's sour taste.

(9) ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES: The decoction of the stem bark of the black velvet tamarind is said to have analgesic properties; such that it can be used to reduce menstrual pain and also inflammation in the bronchial tubes that arises due to bronchitis. It has also been seen to be effective in reducing pain associated with pile.

(10) CURE FOR MALARIA: The leave extract according to various studies is said to inhibit the growth of plasmodium falciparum, which is known to be the root cause of malaria.  Hence taking a decoction of the leaves can cure malaria.

WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT THE BLACK VELVET TAMARIND: 

BLACK VELVET TAMARIND JUICE: For those who do not like licking this tasty tamarind, you can actually get it juiced, to look as depicted in the picture below:

Black tamarind juice 

Black tamarind juice

RECIPE FOR THE ABOVE  JUICE: 
----1 cup peeled black tamarind
----1 cup warm water
----1 tsp honey (optional)

METHOD
----- Soak peeled tamarind in warm water above for           10 mins
----- Stir properly  with a spoon
----- Sieve,  Add honey, chill and serve.

The Black Velvet Tamarind, a seasonal fruit is rich in various vitamins and minerals as well as antioxidants. The Black Velvet Tamarind,  simple,  common, neglected, but loaded with unimaginable health benefits; can actually perform oxidative processes in the human body, thereby exhibiting the properties of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial functions in the body for a better glowing health and a better lifestyle. For your eye health, cholesterol level reduction, constipation, diabetes and general body metabolism, avail yourself the benefits of fruits in season such as the black velvet tamarind for a better glowing health and lifestyle.

CAUTION: As always fruits and vegetables should be taken in moderation. Just the recommended quantity.

(a) Gastric ulcer patients should take black velvet tamarind with caution, because two much acid will add pain to the ulcer

(b)  Also, too much dietary fiber intake might not be good for the digestive system,  this is to avoid excessive laxation within the system.