Tamarind : 21 proven health benefits, uses, nutrition

Nutritional value of Tamarind

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) is also known as Tamarin (French), Imli (Hindi), Puli (Tamil & Malayalam), Chintha pandu (Telugu), Amli (Gujarati), Tetul (Bengali), Chinch (Marathi), Tentuli (Oriya), Imli (Urdu & Punjabi) in many household. A 100 gram of tamarind contains 239.

The refreshing sweet and tangy taste of its pulp is abundantly rich in nutrients. It contains proteins, water, dietary fiber, Omega-6 Fatty Acids, Vitamins ( Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Pantothenic Acid, Choline ) and minerals ( Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc, Copper, Selenium).Tamarind health benefits

Health Benefits of Tamarind

1. Antioxidants

Tamarind is a good source of antioxidants, especially vitamin C, flavonoids, carotenes, vitamin B complex and other nutrients , which makes it powerful antioxidant agent that helps to fight against the damaging effects of free radicals and preventing the risk of cancer. The whole tamarind plant including  leaves, seeds, veins , skins and fruit pulp is full of natural antioxidants.

2. Prevent fluoride toxicity

Fuloride in little dose is useful for dental health. But, intake of even 5 to 10 g fluoride salt is proven lethal. Excess of fluoride can effect brain by reducing IQ, weakens the bone, increases the risk of hip and wrist fractures , kidney disease, dental fluorosis and can cause thyroid problem.

Studies has shown that consuming tamarind helps to remove fluoride accumulation around the bones. In other study, eating 10 gram of tamarind has significantly help in delaying progression of fluorosis by enhancing urinary excretion of fluoride.

3. Anti-inflammatory

Many studies, has show  polyphenols found in tamarind has anti-inflammatory properties and makes it useful in inflammation related disease like arthritis, rheumatic conditions, and gout.

4. Digestion aid

Tamarind act as natural laxative and its dietary fiber increase the efficiency of digestive system. It also stimulates the activity of bile, that helps to dissolve food faster, and speed up the overall digestion of food. So, people with chronic constipation can get relief by including tamarind it their diet.

5. Good for Heart health

Studies has found tamarind very effective in reducing blood pressure and blood cholesterol. It is an excellent source of potassium which is essential for controlling the effects of sodium in the body, that helps regulating the heart rate and blood pressure. Intake of tamarind helps to improve the efficiency of the antioxidant defense system and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis.

6. Diabetes

Many studies confirmed the ant-diabetic property of tamarind which helps to lower blood sugar. Including tamarind in diet help to reduce and control the blood sugar spikes.

7. Anti-bacterial

Tamarind is an effective anti-bacterial which is proven to prevent the spread of virus infections like influenza or flue virus.

8. Anti-microbial

The presence of  phytonutrients like tannins, saponins, and various alkaloids makes tamarind as an effective antimicrobial agent and a potential source of new classes of antibiotics that could be useful for infectious disease chemotherapy and control.

9. Anti-ulcer

Tamarind is an effective natural anti-ulcer agent that helps with painful ulcers. It reduces the pain and speed up the healing of ulcers. Taking tamarind pulp with a mix of crushed herbs such as coriander and mint is an excellent treatment for mouth ulcers.

10. Anti-snake venom

Tamarind seeds extracts as one of the remedy for treating snake bites.

11. Good for eye health

A clinical study supports the use of tamarind as effective dry eye syndrome. It helps to reduce the symptoms of  trouble blinking, ocular burning and foreign body sensation. Tamarind helps to protect and keep corneal surface moist which helps to increase retention on the eye surface.

12. Anti-asthma

Tamarind leaves has anti- asthmatic activity and can used for treating asthma naturally.

13. Remove parasitic worms

Studies has shown, tamarind mild decoction can be an effective remedy to eliminate worms and other intestinal parasites from the body.

14. Good for bone health

Tamarind is rich in calcium and decreases the amount of calcium excreted through urine. It can help to maintain and protect bone health against bone degeneration due to aging, arthritis or osteoporosis.

15. Colon health

Colonic cell proliferation is the prerequisite for the genesis of cancer. Tamarind helps to stimulate colon function and reduces the risk of colon cancer.

16. Skin problems

Tamarind has antiseptic, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties because of which it can be used in treatment of various skin problems like boils, open sore, insect bites etc.

17. Boost immunity and metabolism

The methanol extract and some other phyonutrients found in tamarind fruit pulp has powerful antioxidants effect. Tamarind helps to protect immune system from oxidative stress and various microbial, fungal infections.

18. Good for nerves

Tamarind is rich nutrients like Thiamine, that is responsible for improving nerve function, as well as muscle development. It can help to maintain strong and proper reflexive.

19. Pain management

Paste made from leaves of tamarind can be applied on areas of  joint pain or swelling. This helps to provide pain relief to people suffering from arthritis or joint pain.

20. Fever and cold

A warm decoction made out of tamarind pulp helps to cure fever and cold.

21. Sunstroke

Tamarind pulp water provide relief to mild sunstroke.

Other benefits include treatment to piles, jaundice, diarrhea , dysentery and sore throat

Caution

  •  Aspirin and Ibuprofen interacts with tamarind, so avoid this combination.
  • Tamarind can lower the blood sugar levels , diabetic people may have to monitor their blood sugar and adjust their dose of medication accordingly.