Badam Pisin: What Is It, How to Use, When to Eat, and Where It Is Used.

 Recently, the versatile ingredient has gained popularity due to its numerous health benefits and cooling properties, making it a preferred ingredient for various culinary and medicinal applications. It was used as a main ingredient in earlier years of the Mughal Dynasty in 1900 to quench the thirst in the hot summer of South India and to cool their body. Badam Pisin, also known as Gond Katira, Tragacanth gum, or almond gum, is a natural resin or gum derived from the dried sap of certain species of almond trees, primarily from the Middle Eastern and South Asian regions. 

What is Almond Gum / Badam Pisin? 

Badam Pisin is a natural gum extracted from the sweet almond tree (Prunus dulcis). It is a water-soluble substance harvested from the tree's bark. The gum is collected, dried, and then made available for consumption. In its raw form, Badam Pisin looks like small translucent crystals, which expand when soaked in water. Badam Pisin is primarily composed of complex carbohydrates and fiber, which makes it beneficial for gut health and digestion. It is also rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which contribute to its health-boosting properties. Furthermore, it contains polysaccharides, known to have a soothing effect on the body. In Tamil Nadu, South India Badam Pisin is a popular ingredient in traditional drinks and desserts, often consumed during the hot summer months for its cooling effects.

Badam Pisin/ Almond Gum

Benefits Of Badam Pisin:

For Internal Health: 

Cooling Properties: Badam Pisin is well-known for its cooling properties. It's commonly consumed in summer to prevent heat strokes and keep the body cool.

Natural Remedy for Stomach Issues: It helps soothe and relieve stomach-related ailments like ulcers, heartburn, and indigestion.

Hydration and Rejuvenation: Due to its ability to absorb water and form a gel-like substance, Badam Pisin helps keep the body hydrated and refreshed, especially in hot climates.

Boosts Immune System: Rich in polysaccharides and nutrients, Badam Pisin can help boost immunity and overall well-being.

Relieves Constipation: It acts as a natural laxative due to its high fiber content, providing relief from constipation.

Joint Pain Relief: If you're using Badma Pisin as a remedy for joint pain, it is best consumed early in the morning on an empty stomach, ideally mixed with warm water and turmeric.

Promote Cardiovascular Health: This substance contains bioactive compounds that regulate blood pressure, reduce hypertension, lower cholesterol levels, and prevent cardiovascular diseases, while also containing soluble fiber in the digestive system.

Improves cognitive function: Badam Pisin, rich in antioxidants, enhances brain health, mental function, and neurological health by combating oxidative stress, which can lead to cognitive decline and memory issues.

During Pregnancy: It strengthens the bone and body and helps in the growth of a fetus in the womb. (Consult doctor before consuming as each body's health may differ).

For External Beauty:

Natural Skin Care: Badma Pisin, with its moisturizing properties, is beneficial for skin care, promoting hydration and health, and can alleviate skin rashes, especially those caused by excessive heat.

Hair Health: Nourishes hair follicles, promoting healthy hair growth.

Weight Loss: Badma Pisin aids in weight loss by promoting fullness and controlling appetite. When mixed with water, gum expands, filling stomach space and reducing overeating.

Weight Gain: It has more than 90% of carbohydrates required help to gain weight when consumed with milk.

Anti-aging: Protects skin against free radicals that are responsible for premature aging.

In Fertility: Helps the body regain its strength for females post-pregnancy and helps revive the menstruation cycle.

As Face Pack: Badam Pisin is used in natural face packs and creams. It helps soothe irritated skin, reduce inflammation, and lock in moisture, making it a common ingredient in traditional beauty treatments.

When and How to Eat Badma Pisin:

Soaking and Preparing Badma Pisin

• Take a few crystals of Badma Pisin and soak them in water for at least 6 to 8 hours or overnight. The crystals will swell up and turn into a jelly-like substance.
• Once soaked, it’s ready to be added to various dishes. The soaked resin has no distinct taste, making it ideal for blending with other flavors.

Badma Pisin can be consumed at any time of day, but it’s especially beneficial during the hot summer months due to its cooling properties. Here are some recommendations:

• Morning: Start your day with a refreshing drink containing Badma Pisin, such as rose milk or lemonade, to keep your body hydrated and cool.
• Afternoon: Add it to a midday snack or beverage to prevent heat exhaustion and stay energized.
• Evening: After a long day, especially in hot weather, a chilled dessert or drink with Badma Pisin can help cool your body down before bedtime.

However, Badma Pisin should be consumed in moderation. Overconsumption might lead to bloating or digestive discomfort due to its high fiber content.

Can we consume daily?

yes, can be consumed daily due to its antioxidant properties, however, it's essential to use it in moderation.

Negative aspects of Badam Pisin:

Excess consumption leads to stomach upset, shortness of breath, nerve disorders, and choking. 

Where is Badma Pisin Used?

During the summer, Badma Pisin is used extensively throughout South India, especially in Tamil Nadu. It's frequently included in regional beverages, desserts like Jigarthanda, and sweets at Indian cafes and street shops. Additionally, it is utilized in Ayurvedic formulations and do-it-at-home treatments for a range of illnesses, including heat strokes and digestive problems.

Suggestions of the ways to consume Badam Pisin:

Once soaked and prepared, Badma Pisin can be added to various drinks and dishes. Here are a few popular ways to use it:

Summer Drinks: Badma Pisin is commonly used in traditional Indian summer drinks like nimbu paani (lemonade) or lassi (a yogurt-based drink). It helps cool down the body and adds a unique texture to the drink.

Milkshakes and Faloodas: In the Indian subcontinent, Badma Pisin is a key ingredient in falooda, a popular dessert drink made with milk, vermicelli, and rose syrup. You can also add it to milkshakes for a thick, cooling texture.

Smoothies: If you enjoy smoothies, you can add soaked Badma Pisin to your favorite fruit smoothie for an extra cooling boost.

Desserts: Some traditional desserts, especially those made with milk or custard, can benefit from the addition of Badma Pisin. It thickens the dessert and adds a refreshing feel.

Conclusion:

A potent, all-natural cure, badma pisin has many advantages, including helping with digestion and weight control, and chilling the body. It is an essential element, especially in areas with hot temperatures, due to its flexibility in culinary, medical, and cosmetic applications. Including Badma Pisin in your daily routine can provide you with long-lasting health benefits, whether your goal is to chill down during the heat or investigate alternative therapies for joint pain and digestive problems.