Some secret facts about Tamarind
- Tamarind comes with various nutritional values like phosphorus, calcium, potassium, Vitamin C, etc. that makes it an important ingredient for various health benefits.
- There are various ways of consuming tamarind like added to desserts, grounded to make spice masala, sauces, jams, or even in the raw state.
- The candies made from tamarind are quite popular among the kids as well as adults.
- In South America and Asia, tamarind is also used in making soups for obtaining maximum health benefits from it.
- When taken on a daily basis, tamarind is helpful in improving the digestion as it is rich in dietary fibers.
- For the people suffering from cholesterol and blood pressure issues, tamarind is much helpful in dealing with the issues to keep your heart safe.
- Rich in iron, tamarind, when taken in a raw state of added to diets, helps in improving the blood circulation of the body.
- India is currently the largest supplier of tamarind globally.
- According to Ayurveda, the bark of tamarind, leaves and the pulp are much helpful for various natural remedies.
Tamarind – A Tropical Fruit
Using various herbs or spices add to the delicious taste of various dishes. Be it cardamom, chilies, salt, fennel, turmeric, bay leaf, or even coriander seeds, they all add to the spiking taste of the lavishing dishes. But do you know! Tamarind is among the essential tastemakers! Yes, just go through the health benefits of tamarind and you shall come to know that tamarind not only makes your food appetizing but also provides your body with various health benefits too.
Surprisingly, tamarind is a fruit that is scientifically known as Tamarindus Indica. The hardwood tree comes with an origin in Africa; however, it also grows in India and Pakistan along with other tropical regions too. Tamarind is a fruit that gives a look similar to the beans filled with pulpy seeds.
What is the nutritional value of Tamarind?
Popularly known as Imli and Indian Date, this tangy ingredient is rich in various nutrients. Tamarind is packed with nutrients like Vitamin B, C, E and a number of minerals. It also contains potassium, calcium, Thiamine, Vitamin A, Tartaric acid, Protein, phosphorus, Riboflavin, magnesium, etc. that are helpful for a number of health benefits.
How is Tamarind used?
Tamarind is an ingredient that is used in various ways like cooking, household, as well as health. The pulp of tamarind is widely used for cooking including the leaves and the seeds too. It is among the prime ingredients for making marinades, sauces, desserts, drinks as well as chutneys. Again, since ancient times, Tamarind is also used in making various medicines that help in treating health issues like constipation, diarrhea, peptic ulcers, and fever. Apart from all these, tamarind is also used for cleaning purpose at home as it contains tartaric acid-like cleaning bronze and copper.
What are the health benefits of Tamarind?
Tamarind is widely consumed for a quick solution to various health issues like constipation, stomach issues, gallbladder issues, etc. It is also considered to be the best option in dealing with nausea at the time of pregnancy.
Here are some of the health benefits of tamarind.
1. Tamarind For a healthy heart
A healthy heart is included in the list of tamarind health benefits. Consuming tamarind is helpful for the heart as it works on the arteries as well as the bad cholesterol. It is rich in fiber along with potassium which works similar to the vasodilator which reduces the stress levels on the vessels and the arteries. This controls blood pressure levels and eliminates the bad cholesterol from the body. Again, it is also filled with Vitamin C which is helpful in fighting against the free radicals which reduce the symptoms of chronic heart issues.
2. Boosts digestion
Have you tried any of the Ayurvedic medicines for treating digestion? If yes, have a look at its ingredients, Imli is surely going to be included in it. Boosting digestion is one of the widely known tamarind fruit health benefits. It encourages the production of bile which boosts the process of digestion efficiently. Again, tamarind also provides with high-quality fiber that eases the movement of bowels. For diarrhea, tamarind works as a natural laxative to provide you with quick benefits.
3. Helps in the management of Diabetes
Tamarind comes with a compound named Alpha-Amylase. This compound is much helpful in the treatment of diabetes. Tamarind prevents the consumption of carbohydrates which later gets converted into sugar. Tamarind helps in reducing the blood sugar levels as well as hyperglycemia too. The seeds of tamarind increase the production of new cells called neogenesis which helps in restoring the levels of insulin in the body affected with diabetes.
4. Fight inflammation
Are you looking for a solution to fight inflammation? The includes tamarind health benefits include this too. It is rich in tartaric acid which is a sturdy antioxidant that works effectively on the free radicals. Again, Geraniol is another natural antioxidant which is helpful in reducing the growth of the tumor that grows in the pancreas. It also contains high levels of flavonoids and polyphenols which come with a beneficial impact on various health issues including diabetes. Hence, tamarind is much effective in fighting against inflammation.
5. For healthy functioning of the nerves
The list of health benefits of tamarind includes boosting the nerve functions too. Tamarind provides you with Thiamine and Vitamin B which are much essential for the functioning of the nerves. It also helps in the healthy development of the muscles and its proper functioning too. So, to keep your nervous system healthy and provide your muscles with required strength, make sure you include tamarind in your diet on a regular basis.
6. An effective antiseptic
This is yet another usage of tamarind among the old uses. Tamarind has been used since ancient times for healing malaria in tropical areas. Along with malaria, tamarind is also effective for fighting against menaces related to fungus and viruses. It is also used for dealing with infections like Escherichia coli, Aspergillus Niger, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumonia, and many more. Hence, tamarind also works as an effective antiseptic for such infections and viruses.
7. For protecting your liver
The lifestyle these days is having an adverse impact on the health of the liver. The liver is much important for proper digestion, as well as detoxification and hence, protecting it, is much essential. And tamarind tea health benefits can surely be counted in this category. Also, the liver that is badly affected due to the intake of excess alcohol, as well as non-alcohol fatty acids, can be treated with tamarind.
8. Reducing acne
Along with health benefits, tamarind comes with particular skin benefits too. The unhealthy lifestyle and the imbalance diet cause metabolic disorders as well as chronic inflammation which can damage the skin causing acne. Using tamarind along with turmeric and yogurt can help in eliminating the acne and pimples from the skin with ease. These ingredients would also provide your face with a renewed and fresh appearance.
9. Controlling the weight
Suffering from obesity? Don’t worry, the health benefits of tamarind can help you out effectively. Eating too much can lead to metabolic disorders in the body. Again, the lazy lifestyle and unhealthy food ingredients add to the increase in weight. Tamarind when taken on a regular basis regulates the metabolism of the lipid, toxifies the body correctly and detoxifies the unhealthy fat too. All these would indirectly reduce the weight and help in its management too.
10. Immunity booster
Just have a look at the nutrition list of tamarind and you shall come to know about the various tamarind fruit health benefits. Tamarind is rich in various vitamins along with Vitamin C which is quite popular for the antioxidant properties which give a strong fight against free radicals. Tamarind is also rich in antiseptic and antimicrobial properties that boost the immune system protecting it from viruses.
Along with all these, tamarind health benefits also include anti-aging, fighting against cancer and ulcer, etc. Tamarind helps in remaining healthy in a natural way by working on the entire body. Tamarind is a fruit that is popular for its sweet and sour taste. However, it is much high in sugar content also. Hence, the healthiest way of consuming tamarind is by eating it raw or including it in spicy dishes.
Things to Keep in Mind About Consuming Tamarind
No doubt, tamarind is quite non-toxic and safe, yet there are particular things you need to keep in mind while consuming it. However, if your kidneys are affected with an overload of minerals, it would be better to contact your doctor before starting with tamarind. Another important thing to keep in mind is that it should not be combined with allergens like gluten, refined sugar and other dairy products as it can provide you with some immune reactions.
Tamarind is one of the main ingredients in the list of Indian spices, as well as traditional medicines serving as a remedy for various health issues. Whether you cook it or eat it raw, it is certainly a sweet and sour experience one might not want to miss. Right?
Related Posts
