Full List of Fruits Tropical Almond
Introduction of Tropical Almond About fruit Nutritional Value of Tropical Almond Habitat Health Benefits of Tropical Almond
Tropical Almond
Introduction of Tropical Almond
Scientific name - Terminalia catappa
Having its roots in the Leadwood tree family, Terminalia catappa is a large tropical tree, that cultivates mainly in the tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Australia. It bores corky and light fruit that are dispersed by water. Having the similar taste to that of an almond, the seeds of the fruit are edible when fully ripened. Having both the male and female reproductive organs in the same individual; hermaphrodite, they are monoecious, with separate male and female flowers on the same tree. Both are 1 cm (0.39 in) in diameter, white to greenish, not immediately obvious with any petals; they are produced on axillary or terminal spikes.
The tropical almond (Terminalia catappa), also known as Indian almond, is a nutrient-dense tree nut native to Southeast Asia, India and parts of the Pacific Islands. It is a member of the Combretaceae family, which includes over 1,000 species of flowering plants. The tree's edible nuts are rich in beneficial vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
The fruit of tropical almond is a drupe 5to7 cm (2.0to2.8 in) long and 3to5.5 cm (1.2to2.2 in) broad, with a slight wing, they are about the size and shape of an almond fruit. At its initial stage, they are green in color and then yellow and eventually become red when ripe. On the other hand, full-sized fruits are green at its first stage, turn red, then brown then again becomes yellow at maturity, however, it contains only one seed. They are 2 inches or more long and 1 inch across. At its young stage the plump and stringy pulp surrounding the large seed is safe to eat and tastes sweet and then slightly sour thereafter. There is a light-brown, thick and hard stone inside the shell and it contains an almond-like kernel that is also edible. There are certain specific areas where flowering and fruiting occurs throughout the year.
Nutritional Value of Tropical Almond
| Tropical Almond (Terminalia catappa), Nutritional value per 100 g. (Source: USDA National Nutrient data base) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Principle | Nutrient Value | Percentage of RDA |
| Energy | 575 Kcal | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 21.67 g | 16% |
| Protein | 21.22 g | 38% |
| Total Fat | 49.42 g | 165% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.20 g | 30% |
| Vitamins | ||
| Folates | 50 µg | 12.5% |
| Niacin | 3.385 mg | 21% |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.47 mg | 9% |
| Pyridoxine | 0.143 mg | 11% |
| Riboflavin | 1.014 mg | 78% |
| Thiamin | 0.211 mg | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 1 IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 26 mg | 173% |
| Electrolytes | ||
| Sodium | 1 mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 705 mg | 15% |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 264 mg | 26% |
| Copper | 0.996 mg | 110% |
| Iron | 0.20 mg | 2.5% |
| Iron | 3.72 mg | 46.5% |
| Magnesium | 268 mg | 67% |
| Manganese | 2.285 mg | 99% |
| Phosphorus | 484 mg | 69% |
| Selenium | 2.5 µg | 4.5% |
| Zinc | 3.08 mg | 28% |
| Phyto-nutrients | ||
| Carotene-ß | 1 µg | -- |
| Crypto-xanthin-ß | 0 µg | -- |
| Lutein-zeaxanthin | 1 µg | -- |
Seeing that the tree has been unfurled extensively by humans, the native range is in doubt. However, sources say that it has long been naturalized in a broad belt widening from Africa to northern Australia and New Guinea through Southeast Asia and Micronesia into the Indian Subcontinent. Having said all that, the plant has also been introduced to several parts of the US, more recently. In view of the fact that, they are a rare case tropical deciduous, until the mid 20th century, the tree has been widely used in Brazilian urban landscaping, for the reason that their fallen leaves would give an "European" flair to the street. Currently, this practice is been abolished and the "amendoeiras" are being replaced by native, evergreen trees.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10b and 11 considers this has a functional and attractive option for gardeners mainly because of its bright fall colors and tasty fruit. They are known to provide an excellent shade given their large leaves and mature heights of 30 to 55 feet. They are salt and drought tolerant. Despite its attractive feature, it does create a lot of litter and not advised to plant close to sidewalks and pool areas. Given that the almonds are high in tannic acid, it has all potentiality to stain cars and footpath when the nuts fall. However, the tree is worth the mess it makes. A bit of planning before planting will help get rid of potential problems!
Health Benefits of Tropical Almond
The leaves and bark of the tree is astringent and with regards to medicinal benefits, the tree has had innumerable uses in folk medicine and they are highly helpful in the treatment of following ailments such as:
High in Nutrients: Tropical almond is a good source of several essential nutrients. A single serving (1 ounce or 28 grams) of tropical almond provides 178 calories, 4.3 grams of protein, 15.3 grams of fat, 9.7 grams of carbohydrate, and 3.7 grams of fiber. It is also a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, thiamine, niacin, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.
Rich in Healthy Fats: Tropical almond is a rich source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These healthy fats are important for proper hormone production, maintaining cell membrane health, and providing energy. They also help reduce cholesterol levels and protect against heart disease.
Cancer
Sickle cell disorders
Dysentery
Cough
Leprosy
Nausea
Diarrhea
Intestinal parasites
Eye problems
Rheumatism
Colic
Liver disease
Scabies
Upset stomach, thrush and as an antibacterial agent and contraceptive.
Modern research study suggests that they might be useful in treating high blood pressure. Leaf extracts are known to have some antidiabetic and antioxidant activities. Poles apart, the leaves and bark are also used to reduce bacterial infections amongst the tanks inhabitants; they are simply put in fish tanks.
Contains Antioxidants: Tropical almond contains several antioxidants, including ellagic acid and punicalagin. These compounds help protect the body from free radical damage, which can lead to oxidative stress and chronic disease.
May Promote Weight Loss: Studies suggest that consuming tropical almond may help reduce body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference. This may be due to the nut's high fiber and protein content, which can help you feel full and reduce caloric intake.
May Improve Blood Sugar Control: Eating tropical almond may help improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. This is due to its high fiber and protein content, which can help slow down the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream.
Overall, tropical almond is a nutrient-dense nut that provides a variety of health benefits. It is rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and other essential vitamins and minerals. Eating tropical almond may help reduce body weight, improve blood sugar control, and protect against chronic disease.
