6 Surprising Benefits of Panam Kizhangu (Palmyra Sprout)

Palmyra Sprout is derived from the Palmyra palm, also known as the toddy palm or Borassus Flabellifer. The Palmyra palm tree is similar to the Coconut tree in appearance, however, it is shorter in height and has fan-shaped leaves with pointy tips.

Because all portions of the Palmyra palm are used for a variety of purposes, it is also known as a "Kalpvrisksha or Miracle Tree." Pathaneer is made possible by the mythical palm tree (sweet toddy- a natural delicious beverage).

Its leaves are used to build a house roof and a fibre broom, as well as fibre ropes and tasty delicacies like tadgola/ice-apple and palmyra sprout.

In Tamil Nadu, the Palmyra palm is known as Panangkilangu, while in Telugu, it is known as Thegalu. The Palmyra palm can be found in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, and Bihar. It is also grown in several areas of Palghar.

Palmyra sprout is one of the oldest fibres found in Southern Indian dishes. They can be eaten raw or roasted or boiled with a pinch of salt. Palmyra sprouts' high fibre content curbs hunger and prevents overeating.

Cultivation of Palmyra Sprout

A shallow trench is dug, and the palm seeds are planted very close together, and it is irrigated on a regular basis. Within a month or so, it began to germinate. The trench is then dug up to remove the Palmyra Sprouts. The sprout is separated, and the root and tip are removed. After that, the outer cover is peeled off. Their season lasts primarily from January to March.

The Palmyra Sprout has many hidden nutritional properties that we have mentioned below:

Nutritional properties of Palmyra Sprout 

• Rich in Fibre

• Rich in Calcium

• Rich in Iron

• Rich in Magnesium

• High Protein Content

• Low in Glycemic Index

Rich in Fibre

Palmyra Sprout contains a lot of fibre. It is most well-known for its ability to prevent or cure constipation by regulating bowel motions.

Fibre is a type of carbohydrate that our bodies cannot digest or absorb, which helps to lower our blood cholesterol and glucose levels by keeping us full for a longer period of time and prevents overeating.

Many studies have found that increasing dietary fibre consumption lowers the risk of acquiring cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Rich in Calcium

Palmyra Sprout has a high calcium content, which is necessary for muscular contraction as well as the formation of strong bones and teeth. It protects against age-related bone problems such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.

Rich in Iron

Palmyra Sprouts are high in iron, a mineral that is essential for the normal function of haemoglobin and the protein that transports oxygen to the blood. Iron promotes a healthy pregnancy, more vitality, and improved sports performance.

To prevent iron deficiency:

• Boil Palmyra Sprout with turmeric in water

• Let it dry under the sunlight

• Grind them & mix them with palm jaggery

• Eating this powder on regular basis prevents iron deficiency anemia in common females.

Rich in Magnesium

Palmyra Sprout includes magnesium, which aids in cardiovascular health. It aids in the regulation of blood pressure as well as the creation of cholesterol.

High Protein Content

Palmyra Sprout is an excellent source of protein. Protein, as we all know, is an essential component of every cell in the body. Proteins are used by the body to generate and repair tissues. Proteins are also used in the production of hormones, enzymes, and other bodily substances.

Unlike carbohydrates and fat, the body does not store proteins and there is no protein reservoir. As a result, eating this dish can help you maintain a healthy protein level.

Low in Glycemic Index

The glycemic index is the relative ranking of carbohydrates in foods according to how they affect the glucose level. Foods with a low glycemic index get digested slowly inside the body, absorbed & metabolized.

It causes a lower & slower rise in blood glucose according to the adjusted insulin response. Palmyra Sprout is a suitable food for blood glucose.  

Also Read: Cassava or Potatoes: Which Root Vegetable is More Healthy