What Are The Benefits Of Tamarind Fruit On Health

You must have eaten tamarind a lot in childhood and you may still eat it, but have you ever tried to know — what are the health benefits of tamarind?

This article tells you everything about tamarind, including health benefits, nutrients, and how to use it.

What is tamarind fruit?

Tamarind is a type of tropical fruit – is one of the widely used all over the world to make dishes.

It’s a hardwood and tropical tree, belonging to the family of Fabaceae, and scientifically known as Tamarindus indica.

Tamarind is generally native to Africa but grows readily in many other tropical regions as well. Even this tree is found in all the states of India.

In a season, The tree produces the delicate brown pod filled with seeds surrounded by a soft, deep-brown pulp.

Each pod has a hard, outer shell with dark brown paste-like, sweet-sour fleshy pulp that contains tartaric acid and pectin.

Interestingly, tamarind is sometimes referred to in Arabic and Persian – Hindi Tamar and Indian date palm.

Tamarind nutrients

It is high in nutrients, 120 grams of the tamarind pulp contains antioxidants, phytochemicals, beneficial plant compounds, and other essential nutrients including- (study)

• Magnesium: 26% of the daily value
• Potassium: 16% of the daily value
• Iron: 19% of the daily value
• Phosphorus: 11% of the daily value
• Copper: 11% of the daily value
• Calcium: 7% of the daily value
• Vitamin B1 (thiamin): 43% of the daily value
• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): 14% of the daily value
• B3 Vitamin (niacin): 15% of the daily value
• Protien: 3 gram
• Fiber: 6 gram
• Fat: less then 1gram
• Cholesterol: 0

It also contains trace amounts of vitamins such as vitamin C, K, B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), folate, and selenium.

Additionally, It also contains 287 calories that all come from natural sugar.

Benefits Of Tamarind Fruit

Antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties

In fact, studies show that it contains many different microbes, combat with viruses. It has been used in antimicrobial effects to treat diseases. As well the antibacterial effects compound called lupeol may help kill bacteria.

Helps in weight loss

Tamarind contains hydroxy citric acid or HCAs which help in preventing the accumulation of fat. On the other hand, is that it controls your appetite as it increases the serotonin neurotransmitter.

Apart from this, it is rich in fiber and has no fat content as well flavonoids and polyphenols that may help lose weight.

Aids a healthy heart

Rich in polyphenols like flavonoids, tamarind is a heart-friendly fruit. The plant compounds flavonoids in tamarind pulp extract reduce LDL or “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides and seem to increase HDL or “good” cholesterol levels. Also, some amount of potassium in it can also help keep your blood pressure under control.

Anti-inflammatory effects

The pulp, leaves, seeds, stem bark, and root extracts of tamarind have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

According to research, tamarind also contains a number of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, phenols, and steroids that may help in inflammations.

Supports healthy digestion

Interestingly, studies show that tamarind juice could offer health benefits for digestive health.

As we read above tamarind contains polyphenols and vitamin C that help support both boost immunity and better digestion.

The fruit extract may prevent stomach ulcers and defense against viruses, due to its several antioxidant contents.

Moreover, tamarind fruit is an excellent source of fiber, which helps to regulate bowel movements, relieve digestive ailments, constipation, diarrhea, and stomach ulcers.

Side effects

• Pregnant or lactating women should avoid excessive consumption of tamarind, otherwise it can lead to side effects.

• Patients with diabetes who use insulin or sugar related medication need to be extra careful while using tamarind.

• Consuming tamarind in excess can cause acid reflux and other stomach problems like diarrhea due to its laxative effects.

Conclusion

Tamarind has many beneficial nutrients with a sweet and tangy taste.

It is relatively high in magnesium that plays a role in more than 600 body functions. It can also help improve digestion, lower blood pressure, and be gut friendly.