What are the nutrients in Terminalia catappa?

December 9, 2025 •

4 min read

Terminalia catappa, also known as the tropical almond or Indian almond, possesses a diverse nutritional profile across its seeds, fruit, and leaves. This versatile plant is not only a source of fats and proteins but also contains a wide array of minerals, vitamins, and potent phytochemicals.

Quick Summary

The tropical almond, or Terminalia catappa, is a nutrient-rich plant with seeds high in fat and protein, supplemented by significant levels of minerals like phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. The leaves and fruit also contain valuable minerals, vitamins (A and C), and tannins with antioxidant properties.

Key Points

Nutrient-Dense Seeds: Terminalia catappa seeds are remarkably high in healthy fats (over 50%) and protein (17-26%), providing a calorie-dense and protein-rich food source.
Rich Mineral Content: The seeds contain high levels of essential minerals, including phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, as well as important trace elements like iron, zinc, and copper.
Abundant Phytochemicals: Leaves are a significant source of bioactive compounds like tannins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which give the plant its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Diverse Fatty Acid Profile: The seed oil is composed mainly of beneficial unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic and linoleic acids, contributing to cardiovascular health.
Multipurpose Plant Benefits: Different parts of the tree offer varying benefits, from the leaves' antimicrobial action for treating skin ailments to the seeds' potential for addressing malnutrition.
Source of Vitamins: The fruit pulp and leaves contain valuable vitamins, including vitamin C and vitamin A (beta-carotene), supplementing dietary needs.
Potential for Food and Health: Research suggests that Terminalia catappa could be a viable alternative oil source and a natural remedy for various health conditions, from diabetes to inflammation.

Nutritional Breakdown of Terminalia catappa Seeds

The kernel of the Terminalia catappa seed is a dense source of energy, fats, and protein, making it a valuable dietary component, especially in regions where it is cultivated. The oil extracted from the kernel is particularly notable for its fatty acid composition.

Macronutrient Profile of Seeds

Lipids (Fats): The seed kernel is rich in lipids, with studies reporting content ranging from approximately 50% to over 60% of the dry weight. The fatty acid profile is dominated by monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) like oleic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as linoleic acid. This composition is comparable to or even higher than that of commercial oilseeds like soybean and groundnut.
Protein: The seeds contain a substantial amount of protein, typically between 17% and 26%. This protein is of high quality, containing essential amino acids that can support growth and help combat malnutrition.
Carbohydrates: While a significant energy source, the carbohydrate content is generally lower than the fat content in the seed kernel.

Mineral Content in Seeds

Research indicates that Terminalia catappa seeds are an excellent source of essential minerals.

Phosphorus (P): Reported as one of the most abundant minerals, with concentrations reaching up to 1804 mg/100g in defatted kernels.
Potassium (K): High levels of potassium are present, with one study documenting 9280 mg/100g in Malaysian seeds.
Magnesium (Mg): Another prominent mineral, found at concentrations of up to 798 mg/100g.
Calcium (Ca): The seeds also contain significant levels of calcium.
Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), and Copper (Cu): Important trace elements are also present, contributing to the seed's overall nutritional value.

Vitamin and Amino Acid Composition

In addition to macronutrients and minerals, the seeds contain several vitamins and a full spectrum of essential and non-essential amino acids, making them a complete protein source. Major amino acids include glutamic acid and arginine, with arginine being particularly important for cardiovascular health.

Bioactive Compounds and Nutrients in Leaves and Fruit

Terminalia catappa's nutritional benefits extend beyond its seeds. The leaves and fruit pulp are rich in various bioactive compounds and other nutrients, which are often utilized in traditional medicine.

Phytochemicals

The leaves are particularly rich in a range of beneficial phytochemicals:

Tannins: Both leaves and fruit contain high levels of tannins, including compounds like punicalagin. These are potent antioxidants and possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Flavonoids: The leaves contain flavonoids, which are known for their antioxidant activity.
Phenolic Compounds: These compounds are abundant and contribute to the plant's overall antioxidant capacity.

Vitamins and Minerals in Leaves and Fruit

Vitamins: The fruit pulp contains notable levels of vitamin A (as beta-carotene) and vitamin C. The leaves also contain ascorbic acid and other vitamins.
Minerals: Similar to the seeds, the fruit pulp contains minerals such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The mineral content can vary based on location and environmental factors.

Comparison: Terminalia catappa Seed vs. Leaves


Nutritional Component	Terminalia catappa Seed (Kernel)	Terminalia catappa Leaves	Notes
Primary Macronutrient	High in fat (50-60%) and protein (17-26%)	Moderate carbohydrates (39-51%) and fiber	Seed is energy-dense, while leaves are higher in fiber.
Main Bioactive Compounds	Essential amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids (oleic, linoleic)	High levels of tannins, flavonoids, and phenols	Leaves are particularly known for their antioxidant phytochemicals.
Key Minerals	Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium	Phosphorous, Potassium, Magnesium, Copper	Mineral concentrations and profiles vary by plant part.
Key Vitamins	Vitamins A (retinol), Niacin, Thiamine	Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and other vitamins	Both parts contribute a range of vitamins.
Traditional Uses	Edible nut, source of cooking oil, protein supplement	Herbal remedies for inflammation, skin issues, diabetes, and as an antioxidant	Different parts are used for different purposes based on nutrient profile.

The Role of Bioactive Compounds

The numerous bioactive compounds, especially the tannins and flavonoids found in the leaves, are responsible for many of Terminalia catappa's therapeutic effects. These phytochemicals function as potent antioxidants, protecting the body from oxidative stress linked to various chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer. The leaves have also been extensively studied for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, providing a scientific basis for their traditional use in healing wounds and treating infections.

Conclusion

In summary, Terminalia catappa is a multifaceted plant that offers a rich and diverse nutritional profile across its various parts. The energy-dense seeds are an excellent source of healthy fats, high-quality protein, and essential minerals. Meanwhile, the leaves and fruit pulp are prized for their abundance of potent bioactive compounds, including tannins and flavonoids, which contribute to the plant's significant antioxidant and medicinal properties. From supporting cardiovascular health to providing anti-inflammatory benefits, the nutrients in Terminalia catappa highlight its potential as a valuable, underutilized food source and a powerful component in natural medicine. For centuries, diverse cultures have utilized this plant for its health-promoting effects, and modern science continues to validate its potential for both nutritional supplementation and therapeutic application.

Learn more about the tropical almond's benefits and composition on sites like ScienceDirect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the kernel within the Terminalia catappa fruit is edible and has a taste similar to true almonds. It is commonly eaten raw, roasted, or pressed for its oil, which can be used for cooking.

The primary nutritional benefit of Terminalia catappa seeds is their exceptionally high content of lipids (healthy fats) and a rich source of plant-based protein.

Terminalia catappa oil is rich in beneficial unsaturated fatty acids, particularly monounsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids like linoleic acid.

Yes, the leaves are rich in bioactive compounds such as tannins, flavonoids, and phenols, which possess strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They also contain vitamins like ascorbic acid.

The plant, especially its seeds and fruit, contains a range of essential minerals, including significant amounts of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.

Traditionally, different parts of the plant are used to treat various ailments. Leaves are used for skin diseases, inflammation, and as an antioxidant, while the bark and fruit have also been used for medicinal purposes like treating dysentery and liver issues.

While often called 'tropical almond' due to its taste, Terminalia catappa is botanically and nutritionally distinct from the regular almond (Prunus dulcis). It offers a different composition of nutrients and phytochemicals, though it shares high protein and lipid characteristics with regular almonds.