Baccaurea angulate commonly referred to as Red Angled Tampoi and Wild Carambola, is the fruit of Euphorbiaceae family which is native to Borneo. The fruit is edible which is also made into pickles, jams, or added to various dishes. Red Angled Tampoi is a medium-sized tree that prefers moist, well-drained, and fertile loamy soils. The tree grows upto 6-21 m in height. The fruit is about 5 cm by 2.5 cm in size, obovoid, 5-6 angled, and star-shaped. The fruit has thick skin with white flesh. Each fruit can have globose-ellipsoid, flattened, dicotyledonous, cream-greenish seeds of size 16-23 by 7-16 by 4-9.5 mm. Leaves are dark green, elliptic to obovate, and 12-40 cm by 4-14 cm. The flowers are pubescent; pistillate; pale yellow-cream yellow-greenish and 2-2.6 mm across.

Nutritional value

100 grams of Red Angled Tampoi (pulp) grants 73.8 g of moisture, 93 calories, 3.8 g of protein, 0.2 g of total fat, 1 g of ash, 21.9 g of carbohydrate and 2.1 g of dietary fiber. The same amount provides 288.89% of copper, 217.39% of manganese, 75% of iron, 52.73% of zinc, 16.85% of carbohydrate, 7.60% of protein, 7.49% of potassium, 5.57% of phosphorus, 5.53% of dietary fiber, 5% of magnesium, 2.10% of calcium, 0.57% of total lipid fat and 0.11% of Vitamin c.

Health Benefits of Red Angled Tampoi

Red Angled Tampoi is a great source of copper, manganese, iron, and zinc. It is also packed with various amounts of nutrients, minerals, vitamins, and others that are beneficial to the health. Some of the health benefits are discussed below:

1. Treat arthritis

Red Angled Tampoi is an excellent source of copper that provides anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to lower the symptoms of arthritis. Copper bracelets are used to cure these ailments. Copper is an aid for arthritis. The water which is stored in a copper container helps to strengthen the muscular system when consumed in the morning. It increases the metabolism to perform daily functions. (1)

2. Assist growth

Copper is required for normal health and growth. It helps to protect the nervous, skeletal, and cardiovascular health. The deficiency of copper leads to the abnormal growth of tissues and organs and improper oxygenation of red blood cell concentration. The people of third-world countries suffer from copper deficiencies. (2)

3. Hair and eyes pigmentation

Copper is an essential component for melanin, a natural dark pigment that provides color to the skin, eyes, and hair. Melanocytes produce melanin in the presence of tyrosinase which is a cuproenzyme that is obtained from copper. The supplements of copper prevent hair graying and also act as an antioxidant mineral. The intake of copper with zinc helps to maintain eye color. (3)

4. Bone health

Manganese is required for the normal development of human bones structure. It helps to aid the raise of the mineral density of spinal bones. It is effective for post-menopausal women. The women who go through menopause suffer from a deficiency of manganese so the women should intake a high amount of minerals to prevent fractures. Research proves that manganese helps to prevent osteoporosis and also slows down its process. (4)

5. Absorb vitamins

Manganese assists the absorption of vitamins such as Vitamin E and B as well as the minerals such as magnesium. Manganese plays a vital role in enzymatic reactions that are essential for the absorption as well as utilization of the vitamins found in the food. One should increase the manganese levels if there is a chance of deficiency of some vitamins. (5)

6. Thyroid ailments

Manganese is a vital component of thyroxine and an essential cofactor of different enzymes. Thyroxine is considered an essential hormone in the thyroid gland. The proper functions of the thyroid gland and hormonal synthesis have various health benefits in the body such as loss in weight, efficiency of the organ system, metabolism, and appetite. (6)

7. Forms hemoglobin

Iron assists in hemoglobin formation. Iron provides the dark red shade to the blood and helps to transport the oxygen to the cells. Extra hemoglobin is essential as human beings lose blood through external or internal injuries. Women lose blood each month during menstruation due to which they are most prone to suffer from anemia. (7) (8)

8. Muscle function

Iron is an essential element that helps to maintain the health of muscles. It is found in the tissues of muscles and supplies the oxygen which is necessary for muscle contraction. Without iron, the muscle loses its elasticity and tone. Anemia is indicated by muscle weakness. (9)

9. Regulates body temperature

Iron is an essential facilitator which is required to regulate the body temperature. It is able to manage according to the absorption capacity of the body. The stability of body temperature means that the metabolic and enzymatic functions occur in efficient and optimal temperatures and environments. (10)

10. Skin health

The study shows that zinc is an effective cure for acne and pimples. Zinc is able to encourage the functions of white blood cells which is vital in the process of healing and defends the body from the infections such as ulcers, canker sores, wounds, and surgical incisions. It is essential for collagen production which is a connective tissue that is essential for the regrowth and repair of skin. (11)

How to Eat         

• It is good for making pickles and jams.
• The skin of the fruit could be dried in the sun after consumption.
• The skin is used to flavor fish soup as asam keeping.
• Baccaurea angulata is used to decorate the table.
• The fruit is a great thirst quencher.
• Sour to acid sweet arillode as well as pericarp is consumed fresh or added to various dishes.

Precautions  

• Avoid excessive consumption.
• The people allergic to Red Angled Tampoi should avoid it.

References

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