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Tamarind (Tamarindus Indica): Benefits, Side Effects, Nutrition and More

Tamarind Benefits
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Tamarind is a type of legume, which has been used in India for a long time. Tamarind is sour and sweet in taste. It can add flavor to any dish. Apart from this, tamarind can also help protect against many serious diseases. This is the reason why tamarind has been used in many traditional medicines for centuries. In this article, we will reveal some proven benefits of eating tamarind in detail. In addition, you will also know how it can be used and what can be the side-effects of tamarind. For complete information, read this article till the end.

WHAT IS TAMARIND?

Tamarind is a legume and its scientific name is Tamarindus indica. Raw tamarind is green in color and turns red when cooked. Tamarind is found more in the countries like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nigeria and Africa.

Tamarind has some medicinal properties, which can be used to prevent stomach problems such as constipation, colic, dysentery and helminth infection. On the other hand, benefits of eating tamarind can also be seen in fever, wound healing, malaria, inflammation and eye diseases. The medicinal properties of tamarind may be due to the presence of phytochemicals present in it.

In addition to this, tamarind tree may exhibit antioxidant, antibacterial, antimalarial and anti-asthmatic effects. At the same time, it also contains heart protecting, liver protecting and stomach cleansing properties.

TAMARIND NUTRITION VALUE:

According to Nutrition Data, per ounce (28g) serving of raw tamarind provides:

HEALTH BENEFITS OF TAMARIND:

Benefits of eating tamarind may include:

1. Tamarind in Weight Loss:

When it comes to weight loss, tamarind seeds can help to some extent. According to a study, tamarind seeds contain trypsin inhibitor properties, which have been found to overcome metabolic syndrome (high cholesterol, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high triglycerides and obesity related problems). In addition, it can also helps reduce appetite, which can work in losing weight.

At the same time, tamarind pulp extract is also believed to be helpful in reducing the problem of obesity. According to an another research, aqueous extract of tamarind pulp contains anti-obesity properties. On this basis, it can be said that tamarind can be useful in reducing weight and obesity.

2. Tamarind for Heart Health:

The benefits of eating tamarind can also be seen for heart health. Free radicals are also believed responsible for coronary heart disease. Tamarind contains some effective antioxidant properties, which can protect the heart from the bad effect of free radicals.

According to a scientific research, consumption of tamarind extract can inhibit the accumulation of fat and plaque in the artery walls (atherosclerosis). In this way, it can help reduce the risk of heart disease associated with atherosclerosis.

At the same time, this research also mentions that the hypocholesterolemic effect of tamarind can help in reducing cholesterol which is considered a risk factor for heart diseases.

3. Boosts Immunity:

Vitamin C is found in abundance in tamarind, which is considered really an effective nutrient in boosting immunity. Tamarind also contains polysaccharide element, which helps increase immunity to some extent. Scientists have found through intensive study that polysaccharides have immunomodulatory effects, which can give your body the ability to fight against diseases.

4. In Arthritis:

The medicinal properties found in tamarind can also help reduce the symptoms of arthritis. A research related to this has been found that some such nutrients are found in tamarind, which have anti-arthritis and anti-inflammatory effects. For this reason, it can be said that tamarind seeds can prove to be effective in getting rid of arthritis.

5. In Jaundice and Liver Health:

Tamarind is found to have hepatoprotective effect, which can be considered beneficial for liver health. At the same time, a scientific research also mentions that tamarind leaves have hepatoprotective properties, which can help protect your liver from harmful substances.

Research found that a decoction made from tamarind leaves can be considered beneficial in jaundice and hepatitis.

6. Prevent Inflammation:

Chronic inflammation can be a cause of many diseases. To avoid such ailments, tamarind can be used as a traditional medicine. Tamarind seeds, pulp, stem bark, leaves and root extracts have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.

According to a scientific research, tamarind contains compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins and steroids, which may cause anti-inflammatory effects. Due to these properties, the use of tamarind can help in reducing the symptoms of arthritis and pain present in the body.

7. Prevent Malaria and Microbial Diseases:

The benefits of eating tamarind can also be seen in preventing malaria disease. According to a research, tamarind contains antimalarial effect. Research has found this effect to be effective against a parasite, called Plasmodium falciparum, which causes malaria.

However, some other ingredients are also mentioned along with tamarind to achieve this effect, in which chloroform successive extract has been found to be more useful. For now, further research is needed in this regard.

8. Tamarind for High Blood Pressure (Hypertension):

Correcting the cholesterol profile can benefit in keeping blood pressure right. A research has been found that such nutrients are found in tamarind, which can work control the amount of cholesterol. High cholesterol may increase the risk of high blood pressure (hypertension), so it can be believed that the use of tamarind can prove to be helpful in hypertension.

At the same time, research has also stated that the consumption of tamarind can be helpful in reducing diastolic blood pressure. In addition to this, according to an another study, no significant difference was found in blood pressure, obesity, waist measurement and serum lipids and blood glucose by taking about 20 grams of tamarind daily. Hence, more research is still needed on this topic.

9. In Stomach Pain and Constipation:

Consumption of tamarind shows laxative effect, which can prove to be helpful in relieving from constipation. In addition to this, it can also be beneficial in relieving stomach pain. In particular, Thai tamarind pulp extract can give relief in the problem of constipation. This species of tamarind is world famous for its laxative properties. Consuming it can help ease bowel movements.

10. In Diabetes:

Tamarind seed extract contains high levels of flavonoids and polyphenols. A research related to this mentions that the extracts of tamarind seeds have anti-diabetic properties, which can work control blood sugar levels. On this basis, it can be said that the benefits of eating tamarind can also be achieved in diabetes problem.

11. Tamarind for Exfoliating Skin:

The benefits of eating tamarind can also be seen here. According to experts, alpha-hydroxyl acid is found in tamarind pulp extract. It can exfoliate dead skin cells, which can make your skin look radiant and exfoliated.

In addition, tamarind pulp extract contains lactic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, pectin and inverted sugar, which can maintain skin health by showing moisturizing effects. Along with this, it also brings glow on the skin. This is the reason, tamarind is used in many cosmetic products.

However, it can also cause allergic reactions on the sensitive skin. To avoid any kind of damage, do a patch test before using tamarind on the skin. For more information, consult a dermatologist.

12. For Nervous System:

Tamarind has some medicinal properties which can help regulate heartbeat by improving the nervous system. According to experts, calcium is found in plenty in tamarind. In fact, calcium can be helpful in improving the functioning of the nervous system to some extent. Therefore, it can be said that the use of tamarind can help improve the impaired nervous function to some extent. However, more research is still needed in this regard.

13. Helpful in Preventing Sunburn:

The properties of tamarind can protect skin from the harmful effect of the sun. Xyloglucan (a type of polysaccharide) is found in tamarind, which can be used to make sunscreen lotions.

According to a scientific research, the xyloglucan present in tamarind can be really effective in strengthening the skin’s immune system. With its use, your skin can remain free from the harmful effects of UVB/UVA rays and the risk of any kind of infection can also be reduced.

14. Anti-Bacterial Effect:

Tamarind contains medicinal properties, which work against bacteria that cause intestinal upsets, food-borne diseases and sexual infections. Extracts from tamarind bark and pulp may inhibit the growth of disease-causing bacteria such as E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis. Along with this, it also has antiseptic properties that can help in healing the infection.

15. Anti-Aging Effect:

Strong sunlight can not only damage your skin, but the ultraviolet rays from the sun can also make the skin premature, which is called photoaging. This UV radiation works promote free radicals that can damage skin health by damaging DNA, fatty acids and proteins. Scientific studies reveal that tamarind seed peel extract have several natural phytonutrients that may work fight against free radicals and protect the skin cells from oxidative stress.

The anti-aging and antioxidant properties of tamarind seed peel extract can also be helpful in preventing the effects of ultraviolet rays of the sun. According to an another study, tamarind is also beneficial for glowing skin and hence its pulp is also used in many skin cleansing lotions. However, more research is still needed on this topic.

16. Prevents Acne and Pigmentation:

The use of tamarind seeds can prove to be very beneficial to remove acne and pigmentation. A research stated that tamarind seeds have anti-microbial and anti-tyrosinase effects. Also, acne on the skin can be due to bacterial effect and the antibacterial properties of tamarind can be effective in getting rid of acne. For this reason, it can be said that the use of tamarind seeds can prove to be a better way to get rid of the problem of acne and pigmentation.

17. Beneficial for Hair Health:

The properties of tamarind can be useful for hair health. According to experts, zinc, vitamin C and riboflavin are found in abundance in tamarind. At the same time, on the basis of a scientific research, it has been confirmed that due to the deficiency of these three nutrients, problems related to hair such as hair fall, weakening of hair roots may have to be faced. For this reason, it can be said that the use of tamarind can prove to be helpful in solving many hair related problems to some extent.

18. In Digestion:

Expert says that tamarind contains some such nutrients, which can work stimulate digestive juice (bile acid) that aids in digestion. In this situation, digestive system can work better than before. So, it would not be wrong to say that the medicinal properties found in tamarind can prove to be helpful in getting rid of digestion related problems.

Now; you must come to know about the science-based benefits of eating tamarind. In the next section, we’ll discuss about the different ways to use tamarind.

HOW TO USE TAMARIND?

There are many ways to consume tamarind, including:

  • Can be used to bring sourness to food by soaking it, then extracting its pulp.
  • Can be used to make many types of chutneys.
  • It can also be used to make pickle.
  • Candy can also be made using tamarind.
  • Tamarind water can be used to make face pack. For this, soak tamarind for about 2 hours and then filter that water. You can mix it in your favorite face pack.

RECOMMENDED INTAKE OF TAMARIND:

According to general information, 2-3 tamarind and 1-2 teaspoons of tamarind chutney can be eaten throughout the day. At the moment, there is no scientific evidence of information about tamarind and how much it is safe to consume. A dietician should be consulted in this regard.

TAMARIND SIDE EFFECTS:

Although there is not much information about the health side-effects of eating tamarind, yet it is said that its excessive intake can cause some side-effects. They may include:

  • Tamarind contains tannins and other compounds, which can make the digestion difficult. So, it is advised to consume it after boiling or soaking in the water.
  • Using tamarind on a regular basis can cause damage to the teeth, as it contains acidic ingredients. These elements can cause dental caries (tooth decay).
  • Do not use tamarind at all if you are taking medication such as aspirin, ibuprofen. Tamarind can interfere with the effectiveness of these drugs and medications.
  • Pregnant or lactating women should avoid the excessive consumption of tamarind, otherwise its side-effects can be seen. Especially; eating raw tamarind can cause heat in the body.

TAMARIND RECIPES:

Here’re two recipes for consuming tamarind, which can be prepared easily.

Tamarind Chutney:

Material Required:

  • 2 to 3 soaked tamarind pulp
  • 1/4 cup of water (as needed)
  • 1-2 green chilies
  • salt to taste

Recipe:

  • Put the soaked tamarind pulp and green chilies together in a grinder.
  • Add some water to it and add salt as per taste. Now grind it well.
  • This is how you can make tamarind chutney.

Tamarind Pickle:

Material Required:

  • 100 grams of green chopped chilies
  • 100 grams of seeded tamarind
  • 100 grams ginger
  • half cup of sugar
  • 15 grams of roasted cumin
  • 100 grams garlic
  • 75 ml mustard oil
  • 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
  • 2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 cup vinegar

Recipe:

  • To make tamarind pickle, first wash and soak the tamarind. Leave it for about 2-3 hours.
  • When the tamarind pulp becomes soft, separate the seeds from it.
  • Add all the above mentioned ingredients to the extracted pulp and mix it well.
  • Keep in mind that the smoother the mixture or paste, the better.
  • Store it in an air tight jar or container and enjoy this pickle with meals.

TAKE AWAY

In this article, you have been given detailed information about the health benefits of eating tamarind along with its ultimate nutritional value. In addition, you have also learned about the side-effects of tamarind. Along with this, you have also been told that in which diseases it can prove beneficial. At the same time, the effects of tamarind to prevent diseases have also been well explained in the article. Hope this article will prove to be helpful in getting the solution of many of your health problems. Just go for it and grab the benefits of eating tamarind.

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REFERENCES:

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