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A delicious treat from the tropics is the tamarind. Not only is it a spice condiment, but African, Mexican, and Asian folk medicines have long used it. Tamarind not only fulfils the tangy gravy but also has additional health benefits.
The fibrous pulp inside the bean-shaped pods has an acidic, sweet-sour flavour. The soft paste works well in Asian curries, dips, and purees. The icing on the cake is tamarind's fantastic health advantages.
The edible fruit of the leguminous Tamarindus indica tree is native to tropical Africa and has spread to Asia. Tamarindus is the only species in the genus; it is a monotypic group. It is a member of the Fabaceae family.
The brown, pod-like fruits of the tamarind tree have a sweet, acidic pulp that is utilised in cuisines all around the world. The pulp is also used as a metal polish and in conventional medicine. The wood of the tree can be utilised for woodworking, and the seeds can be utilised to extract tamarind seed oil.
The fragile young leaves of the tamarind are utilised in Filipino and South Indian cooking. Tamarind is grown in tropical and subtropical regions all over the world due to its many applications.
To sum up, here is a comprehensive introduction to everything there is to know about tamarind, supported by research.
Know The 9 Health Benefits Of Tamarind
1. It Is Good For The Stomach
Poor lifestyle choices and unhealthy food cause gastrointestinal diseases, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain in a lot of people. Research shows tamarind may help support healthy digestion and alleviate some of these digestive issues. Traditionally, indigestion has been avoided by the use of tamarind leaves. Tamarind fruit is used in Thai medicine to improve digestion, lessen gas in the stomach, and prevent constipation. In certain nations, tamarind tree twigs, bark, and roots are made into an extract to treat stomach pain.
2. It Helps With Peptic Ulcers
The stomach's inside lining, and the small intestine's upper portion can develop painful sores called peptic ulcers. Numerous circumstances, such as taking heavy medication, having a Helicobacter pylori infection, or drinking alcohol, could be the cause of these ulcers. However, too much acidity can potentially harm the wall of the stomach.
According to the study's findings, tamarind seed methanolic extract helps reduce stomach ulcers by slowing down the discharge of gastric fluids. Ulcers have traditionally been treated with a tamarind bark tonic. Certain ulcers are treated externally using the powder derived from the seed. Skin sores can also be treated with tamarind flowers.
3. It Helps With Hypercholesterolemia
It takes cholesterol to construct viable, healthy cells. On the other hand, excessive cholesterol can cause atherosclerosis or artery blockage, which is the cause of conditions including hypertension, stroke, and heart attacks. Tamarind may have hypolipidemic qualities, according to several studies. A preclinical investigation found that the tamarind pulp extract lowered levels of low-density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) and total cholesterol (TC). Additionally, it caused the level of high-density lipoprotein, or good cholesterol, to rise. According to the study, tamarind may also be utilised to treat atherosclerosis.
4. It Helps To Treat With Hypertension
The body needs a low sodium-to-potassium ratio to keep blood pressure levels stable. Potassium aids in blood vessel relaxation, which lowers blood pressure. Because of its high potassium content, tamarind may be able to lower blood pressure. A clinical investigation found that consuming 15 mg/kg of tamarind daily can significantly lower diastolic blood pressure.
5. It Helps With Diabetes Treatment
A person with diabetes has trouble metabolising glucose in the body. As a result of this glucose remaining in the bloodstream, blood sugar levels rise. Tamarind has the potential to treat diabetes, according to several studies. A preclinical investigation found a link between diabetes and the tamarind seed extract's anti-inflammatory qualities.
According to the study, tamarind seed extract reduces the levels of inflammatory cytokines and has an anti-inflammatory effect on the beta cells of pancreatic islets. When combined, these qualities aid in raising insulin levels and lowering the difficulties associated with diabetes. An additional investigation involving animals revealed the existence of specific phytochemicals, like flavonoids, which possess the capability to lower blood glucose levels.
6. Helps With Tissue Condition
The building blocks of protein, amino acids, are essential for the body's tissue growth and repair. Certain amino acids are required by the body and cannot be produced by the body; therefore, individuals must obtain them through diet. All the necessary amino acids—apart from tryptophan—are present in measurable concentrations in tamarind. It satisfies the World Health Organization's requirements for the perfect protein for other amino acids. However, researchers do not know how well the body absorbs all the nutrients in tamarind.
7. Aids In Reducing Cancer Risk
Scientists advise a diet rich in antioxidants for several reasons, one of which is to lower the risk of cancer. Cell DNA damage caused by free radicals can be avoided by using antioxidants. Experts surmise that damage to DNA is often the initial cause of cancer. Plant-based phytochemicals possess antioxidant properties. Beta-carotene is one of the many phytochemicals that are abundant in tamarind.
8. Helps With Mental Wellness
Eight distinct vitamins in the B vitamin group have comparable functions. Due to their water solubility, none are stored by the body. You can obtain adequate B vitamins from your food without the need for supplements. All of the B vitamin family is necessary for optimal health. They are essential for the nervous system and brain to work correctly. B vitamins, including thiamine and folate, are abundant in tamarind. The tamarind has vitamin B12, much like other plants.
9. Aids With Bone Well-being
Individuals with adequate magnesium intake have higher bone density than those with insufficient amounts. Many people must consume more magnesium, particularly teenagers and those over 70. Magnesium is abundant in tamarinds. It has a higher calcium content than a lot of plant-based diets. Combined with weight-bearing exercise, these two minerals may help prevent bone fractures and osteoporosis. Vitamin D is necessary for the body to use calcium. You will need to obtain your vitamin D from other sources because almonds are not a very good source.
The tamarind tree is highly valued for its fruit and beauty worldwide. The pod-shaped fruit that tamarind trees produce makes them leguminous trees. The pulp of this bean is initially acidic but becomes extremely sweet as it ripens. The fruit is consumed raw, and its pulp is used in cooking. Don't be afraid to include it in your diet now that you know its benefits.
