Tamarind is the mouthwatering tropical delight. It is not only a spice condiment but a folk medicine for African, Mexican, and Asians for ages. Along with fulfilling the tangy graving, tamarind provides other health benefits too.
The bean-shaped pods are full of fibrous pulp that has a tangy sweet-sour flavor. The pulpy paste is a great addition to Asian purees, dips, and curries.
And the incredible health benefits of tamarind are the cherry on top. But, you have to be careful about a few factors. (Keep reading)
Getting to the point, here’s a research-backed guide that details all you need to know about tamarind.
Please do have a look of our wide variety of products prepared using Tamarind:
Kacha Aam Bombs
Spicy Tangy Imli Aam Papad
Homemade Khatta Aampapad
Homemade Meetha Aam Papad
Nutritional Value of Tamarind
A 100g of tamarind offers 2.3g protein, 5.1g fiber, 62.5g carbs, and only 0.6g niacin. Additionally, it’s an amazing source of vitamin A and C, iron, folate, and niacin.
Also, tamarind offers about 92mg of magnesium, 628mg of potassium, and 74mg of calcium. Isn’t it a nutrient powerhouse?
Let’s explore what this natural package of nutrition has in store for your health:
1. Loads of Antioxidants
The devour-worthy pulp is a powerhouse of antioxidants. Tamarind is full of phytonutrients-the health-protective compounds that are heart-healthy, anti-cancerous, and anti-diabetic.
Its phytonutrients such as catechin, epicatechin, apigenin, and procyanidin B2 combat free radicals in your body. These along with tartaric acid are effective in preventing inflammatory response and, in turn, oxidative stress.
Other than that, tamarind also contains geraniol which prevents pancreatic cancer.
2. Anti-cancerous Properties
Tamarind contains phytonutrients and tartaric acid. They lower oxidative stress and prevent chronic cancer. It also contains the naturally-occurring compound geraniol which prevents pancreatic cancer.
An animal study analyzing tamarind seed extract found that tamarind blocks the cancer cell’s signal pathway.
3. Heart-Healthy Pulp
Tamarind is rich in potassium, high fiber, flavonoids, and antioxidants. An animal study confirms that tamarind pulp reduces bad cholesterol. It also improves good cholesterol and decreases triglyceride levels.
The pulp is vital for removing fat plaques built up in arteries that increase the risk of atherosclerosis.
Research also concluded that tamarind aids in lowering diastolic blood pressure. Thanks to a whopping 753mg of potassium that’s an amazing vasodilator. It helps the vessel to dilate and relax to maintain normal blood pressure.
What’s more? The anti-inflammatory anti-oxidative power of tamarind prevents inflammations in arteries and heart chambers.
4. Hepatoprotective Properties
Tamarind pulp extract has liver-protective properties due to its high antioxidant count. Particularly, procyanidins protect the liver from oxidative damage.
You can lower the risk of fatty liver disease by adding tamarind to your diet, reports ScienceDirect.
Please do have a look of our wide variety of products prepared using Tamarind:
Gur Mirch Pickle
Rhododendron Chutney (Buransh)
Peri Peri Masala
Karuveppilai Podi~Homemade Curry Leave Podi/Powder
Imli Ka Amlana
5. Promotes Weight Loss
Tamarind is a perfect add-on to your quick weight-loss diet. It contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA) that can trim the fat. A recent study found that tamarind inhibits trypsin, which helps reduce food cravings.
It has also been proven that tamarind naturally boosts your serotonin levels. It is effective in curbing appetite and helps you burn more fat.
6. Improves Muscle and Nerve Functions
Tamarind is rich in vitamin B. Thiamine is an important component of vitamin B-complex. It enhances nerve and muscle functions by improving reflux actions.
The research found that xyloglucan in tamarind aids in the growth of healthy brain cells and spinal cells. It shows how tamarind cravings in pregnancy are helping you and your unborn child.
7. Boosts Digestive Health
Tamarind acts as a natural laxative. It helps to treat and even prevents both diarrhea and constipation. It works by stimulating gastric juices that help improve your digestion.
How to Add Tamarind to Your Diet?
Tamarind paste is used in sauces, dips, curries, marinades, and other Asian dishes.
To use, take a compressed block of tamarind and soak it in lukewarm water for 10 minutes. Strain it and use the liquid to prepare tamarind juice. Add 15ml of tamarind juice to 4-6 tbsp. of lukewarm water to prepare tamarind concentrate. You can add this to flavor rice, fish, meat, and more.
Tamarind concentrate can also use to prepare tropical drinks.
Is Tamarind Safe for Everyone?
Tamarind is a blood thinner and helps in clotting blood. Thus, when you are taking aspirin or blood thinners, you must avoid tamarind.
Tamarind can lead to hypoglycemia as it has a good amount of sugar content. So, you should keep tracking your sugar levels if you are a diabetic.
Due to its high acidic nature, it may cause acid reflux if eaten in excess.
How Much Tamarind is Safe to Eat?
In order to reap the benefits of tamarind properly, it is recommended to eat only 10gm of Tamarind in a day to keep fluoride intake within limits.
Final Verdict
Munch on tamarind for weight loss, digestive benefits, heart health, and whatnot. Enjoy tamarind, an appetizing pulpy delight without guilt (but within safe limits).
7 Health Benefits of Tamarind During Pregnancy, click here
Read 7 Medical Health Benefits of Turmeric, click here
10 Health Benefits of Coriander seeds, click here
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Please do have a look of our wide variety of products prepared using Tamarind:
Kacha Aam Bombs
Spicy Tangy Imli Aam Papad
Homemade Khatta Aampapad
Homemade Meetha Aam Papad
Gur Mirch Pickle
Rhododendron Chutney (Buransh)
Peri Peri Masala
Karuveppilai Podi~Homemade Curry Leave Podi/Powder
Imli Ka Amlana
