Spice is the backbone of Indian cuisine, without which every dish lacks the true Indian essence. When we specifically talk about south Indian recipes, there is one common thing everywhere. It is nothing but tamarind. Based on the climate and geographical location of south India, tamarind is considered as one of the suitable spices. In this context, let us explore a wonderful spice named “Malabar Tamarind or Kudampuli.” Well, if you are thinking how it is different from the usual one, then keep reading. We have got an amazing surprise in the form of Garcinia Cambogia!
All you need to know about Malabar Tamarind
Malabar Tamarind, scientifically known as Garcinia Cambogia, is a traditional spice available particularly in tropical regions. The local name of this spice is ‘Kudampuli’. It is specifically used to add sour taste in the authentic Kerala fish curries. Unlike its name Malabar tamarind, it is a small round-shaped fruit which resembles miniature of pumpkin. The reason behind sour taste is the presence of a hydroxycitric acid which adds the sour flavour to the fruit.
Kudampuli is used in dry form like any other Indian spice. It goes through a long procedure to reach that form. The ripened fruit is plucked from vine and sun-dried. After that, it turns black and leathery in appearance. It is an exclusive element in Kerala cuisine which adds a punch of sourness to the creamy flavour of coconut. One can get pure Garcinia Cambogia from traditional markets and the villages where best Garcinia Cambogia vines are situated.
Buy fresh and authentic kerala kudampuli here
Health benefits of Kudampuli
If you thought that spices can only activate your taste buds, then it is time to look at the other side of the story. Kudampuli is not just a flavouring agent; it possesses some amazing health benefits too. Due to this, Garcinia cambogia is also an integral part of Kerala Ayurveda. You can see its name in the content of many Ayurvedic medicines. Now, that we are so much into the health benefits of this spice, let us explore some and feel good about it.
1) Appetite control
One of the major functions of Kudampuli is to control your appetite. The acidic nature of the spice keeps you full as long as your body does not need an external food uptake. In this way, you can keep a check on all the extra calories that you consume every day.
2) Helps you with digestive ailments
We already know that bacterias and worms do not survive under low pH conditions. Hence, Kudampuli clearly promotes your digestive health by preventing the growth of harmful intestinal parasites. In this way, it becomes easy to get rid of all the issues related to your digestion. The spice ensures that your bowel activity is improved. You can recover from problems like constipation, acidity, and ulcers easily.
3) Relieves from problems arising due to arthritis
The rheumatoid disorders and weakness of bone is an emerging problem of today. Kudampuli is a wonderful medicine for every woman suffering from polyarthritis and inflammation of joint. Unlike other acidic agents, this one keeps you protected from such age-related health problems.
4) Garcinia cambogia’s weight loss properties
The major concern of present day is obesity. People are investing money in gyms and adopting difficult diet patterns to do away with the lipids. Little did we know that Kudampuli can reduce 2 kgs in a month. The hydrocitric acid is actually a significant content of weight loss products. Why not consume it through its prime natural source?
How Kudampuli for weight loss make home remedies a better option?
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5) Reduces cholesterol
Being acidic in nature, Kudampuli increases fatty acid metabolism. It, in turn, reduces the level of bad cholesterol in the blood. Due to this property, it has successfully managed to save consumers from heart and liver diseases.
6) Boosts your immunity
Due to their property which supports the metabolic activities of our body, it readily elevates the immunity power. Further, it keeps your organs healthy and prolongs the effect of ageing.
7) Detoxification of alcohol
It is an extremely helpful ingredient if you want to protect your liver from toxins. Moreover, it fights the damaging effects of alcohol on the liver. It also prevents your hepatic cells from becoming stiff.
8) Solves the issues of female reproductive tract
As we all know that work stress and an unhealthy routine is causing a lot problem in the reproductive system. But no worries, this one natural ingredient can neutralize the extreme alkaline environment of the uterus. This further supports the growth of harmful microorganisms and keeps you safe from uterine diseases.
9) Relief from bad breathe
Malabar Tamarind is very helpful in preventing the odor of your buccal cavity. Unlike the usual tamarind, you will not feel sensitivity while consuming Kudampuli. In fact, it keeps your teeth healthy, shiny, and free from parasites of an oral cavity.
How to use Kudampuli?
There are different ways in which people cook and mix this spice with their respective dishes. Given below are some of the traditional ways of using this ingredient. Check them out!
- You can soak it in normal or warm water for few minutes and then add the water to your dish. It will provide a hint of sourness to your dish.
- You can also add the soaked spice in fish curries. It increases the sourness quotient of your favorite curry.
- Kudampuli can be added directly to the dish in dried form if you need punchy flavor in your dish.
4 Delicious and Healthy Kudampuli recipes you must cook
Precautions to be taken while using Kudampuli
We all understand that too much of anything can prove to be harmful. Hence, there are certain points which you need to keep in mind while consuming Kudampuli.
- Do not use it continuously for a prolonged period of time. It may affect the functional cells of your testicle.
- Using in excess may lead to acidity problems by triggering the cells present in your stomach.
- Also, it may suppress your hunger in an abnormal way if you consume it in excess.
In the light of all the aforesaid benefits of Kudampuli or Malabar Tamarind, we can come to the conclusion that it is not just a kitchen ingredient. It is an amazing spice with medicinal values. One should bring home this magical ingredient and make use of it for a healthy living.
Buy fresh and authentic kerala kudampuli here
External References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garcinia#Uses
https://examine.com/supplements/garcinia-cambogia/
http://www.spicykitchen.net/health-benefits-of-kudampuli-gambooge/