Bhubaneswar: Scientifically called Tamarindus indica, Tamarind is a tropical fruit native to Africa, India, Pakistan and many other tropical regions.
The tree produces bean-like pods filled with seeds surrounded by a fibrous pulp.
The pulp of the young fruit is green and sour. As it ripens, the juicy pulp becomes paste-like and more sweet-sour.
Although tamarind is widely used for cooking and household purposes, not many are aware of its amazing health benefits.
Given below are some of the astonishing benefits of Tamarind
1) Medicinal Properties:
Since ages, tamarind is commonly used to treat diarrhoea, constipation, fever and peptic ulcers. The bark and leaves were also used to promote wound healing.
Modern researchers are now studying this plant for potential medicinal uses.
The polyphenols in tamarind have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These can protect against diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
The seed extract may also help lower blood sugar, while the pulp extract may help you lose body weight and reverse fatty liver disease.
2) Storehouse of Nutrients:
Tamarind is high in many nutrients. A single cup (120 grams) of the pulp contains:
- Magnesium: 28% of the RDI.
- Potassium: 22% of the RDI.
- Iron: 19% of the RDI.
- Calcium: 9% of the RDI.
- Phosphorus: 14% of the RDI.
- Vitamin B1 (thiamin): 34% of the RDI.
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): 11% of the RDI.
- Vitamin B3 (niacin): 12% of the RDI.
- Trace amounts of vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), folate, vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), copper and selenium.
3) Heart Health:
Tamarind contains polyphenols like flavonoids, some of which can help regulate cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
One study in hamsters with high cholesterol found that tamarind fruit extract lowered total cholesterol, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides.
The antioxidants in this fruit can help reduce oxidative damage to LDL cholesterol, which is a key driver of heart disease.
4) Anti-Bacterial Properties:
Studies have proven that Tamarind may have anti-fungal, antiviral and antibacterial activity. The fruit has also been used in traditional medicine to treat diseases like malaria.
A compound called lupeol is credited with tamarind’s antibacterial effects. Because antibiotic resistance is increasing these days, researchers are particularly interested in using medicinal plants to fight bacteria
5) Skin Care:
The pulp of tamarind fruit has been used as a natural skin scrub since olden days. It promotes smoother and lighter skin because of the presence of alpha-hydroxyl acids (AHAs).
The AHAs in tamarind pulp include tartaric acid (8–23.8%), lactic acid (2%), citric acid, and malic acid. These AHAs, along with pectin and inverted sugar, hydrate and moisturize your skin.
6) Reduces Stomach Ache & Promotes Digestion:
Tamarind has traditionally been used as a laxative because it has high amounts of malic and tartaric acids. Tamarind also contains potassium bitartrate, which, along with other active ingredients, relieves constipation.
Constipation and diarrhoea often cause abdominal pain. Tamarind bark and root extracts have been proven to be effective in curing stomach ache. In Nigeria, soaked tamarind is eaten to deal with constipation.
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Ms Kalinga