||   Tamarind: sAthvikam     ||

I have looked up the entire AhAra Niyamam of Swami Desikan for you. The only reference to PuLI is the section, where our AchArya states that food that is excessively sour (Kodum PuLippu) is to be avoided along with those, which are excessively sharp (hot). The statement is to avoid " mikka kaaramum , puLippum ullavai". Tamarind is not expressly spelled out in the context of the enormous spelling out of other foods to be avoided.

In moderation . Tamaringd is good for digestion, taste and has oxalic acid. My grandfather’s brother got a hole in his alimentary canal however from excessive use of Tamarind in his preparations.

Lemon and lime are good substitutes for PuLi, but PuLI need not be avoided as long as it is used in moderation.

V.Sadagopan

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