Camachile is a native of Southern Mexico, South America, and Central America. In India, it is known as Manila tamarind fruit. Manila tamarind has no relation to well-known molasses-coloured tamarind. It is an acrid organic fruit with a novel taste and has a broad spectrum of health benefits. The natives used Manila tamarind in various traditional medicines ranging from bronchitis, diarrhea, hemorrhage, sores, and liver problem.

Image Source: Philnews.ph

Manila Tamarind, scientifically termed as Pithecellobium dulce and also called Camachile, Monkey Pods, Sweet Inga, Madras Thorn, is consumed as such or incorporated into foods, for its sweet and tart pulp from fruits, in the form of seed pods. The ripe fruit can be eaten just as such, added to salads, fruit juices, lemonades, and cooked as a curry with vegetables, made into a tangy chutney to be eaten alongside staple Indian dishes of rice, dal, roti. Not only does the manila tamarind infuse a delectable sweet-sour flavour to numerous dishes like soups, juices, salads, but it is also loaded with myriad nutritional components, that augment overall wellbeing.

Nutrition Content In Manila Tamarind

Although the Camachile seed pods are quite small in size, they possess immense amounts of essential nutrients and therapeutic biochemicals, that offer remarkable health merits.

The tart-tasting pulp of the manila tamarind seed pod provides sufficient calories and carbohydrates, for instant energy to carry out external physical tasks and internal biochemical reactions in the body. It is also high in dietary fibers, proteins, and water content, to regulate appetite, promote weight loss and enhance digestion processes. Imbued with vitamin C, Camachile boosts immunity and helps fight seasonal illnesses like cough, colds, fevers, flu, and other infections.

The abundance of vitamins B1, B2 elevate metabolism while ample vitamin B6 content ensures optimal functioning of the brain, bolstering memory, mood, and concentration. These tiny seed pods are also laden with calcium, phosphorous, two vital minerals that fortify bones, joints, besides comprising iron, for healthy red blood cell synthesis and smooth blood circulation in the system.

Moreover, manila tamarind encompasses a treasure trove of phytonutrients that hold antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, and hepatoprotective characteristics. These bioactive compounds include polyphenols, tannins, glycosides like quercetin and kaempferol, which protect the liver from disease, keep diabetes in check and enrich skin and hair health.

Health Benefits Of Manila Tamarind

1. Manages toothaches, sore gums, and mouth ulcers. 
2. Works as an antiseptic
3. The abundance of vitamin C in Manila tamarinds boosts the immune system and reduces phlegm.
4. The bark extract is used to help treat dysentery and chronic diarrhea.
5. Its high thiamine content, promote the body to convert sugars into energy, which impacts the mood and helps stabilize stress levels.
6. According to a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Manila tamarind fruit exhibited strong anti-ulcer activity comparable to the standard drug, omeprazole.
7. A study published in the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that fruit extracts protected the liver from oxidative
8. Treats oily scalp and prevents hair loss.
9. Slow down the ageing – lightens the skin, removes dark spots, and treats acne.

Ways To Add Manila Tamarind In The Diet

The pod is a sweet and sour pulp used as a base for juices with sugar and water in Mexico and eaten raw as an accompaniment to various meat dishes. It is used in curries, chutney, and usili in traditional Indian dishes.