The tamarind is the fruit of a tall tree that grows in Asia and North Africa. The fruits of this tree are sweet-sour and they are used both raw and thermally-treated. It is excellent source of calcium, magnesium, and iron. Each 100 grams of tamarind contain contain 36% of the daily recommended value in thiamin, 35% of iron, 23% of magnesium, and 16% of phosphorus. Tamarind health benefits are due to the abundant supply off antioxidants carotenes, vitamin C, phytochemicals and the B-vitamins found in tamarind juice.
10 Incredible Health Benefits Of Eating Tamarind
Sore Throat
Diluted tamarind paste is an excellent home remedy for sore throat. A person with throat infection can gargle diluted lukewarm tamarind water for relief.
Heart
Tamarind helps in lowering blood pressure due to the potassium present in it. The fiber in the tamarind also helps reducing the cholesterol in the body. The anti-oxidants in tamarind help in keeping the free radicals under check. Put together, they mean a healthy heart.
Diabetes
Paste of tamarind is excellent for diabetics. It is used as traditional medicine along with jamun and herbs for diabetes control. Pulp of this fruit helps lower glucose levels that tend to rise after meals.
Improve Bowel Movements
Tamarind can be used as a mild laxative. The pulp which comes from the pods of the tamarind tree is a gentle laxative that improves general sluggishness of the bowels. One to two tablespoons of the pulp in evening can improve bowel movements.
Soothes Joint Inflammation
Tamarind seed extract protects joints, bones, and cartilage from arthritis. It breaks down inflammatory chemicals like interleukin and prevents the formation of enzymes that break down bone and cartilage.
Fight Infections
Tamarind is a good source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a potent natural water-soluble antioxidant that helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and eliminates cancer-causing free radicals in the body.
High Vitamin C
Tamarind is extremely high in Vitamin C, an antioxidant so powerful that high doses can save your life. There are numerous ways to determine if you are Vitamin C deficient, and tamarind is a great food to add to your diet to combat that deficiency.
Immune System
The anti-oxidant properties of tamarind, coupled with its anti-microbial effects make it a wonderful substitute to build up the immune system. A serving of tamarind everyday will keep all kinds of microbial infections away and give you more strength to fight other infections.
Detox Kidney
Tamarind contains a substantial amount of potassium, which is very helpful in cleaning or washing out the toxic depositions in the kidneys.
Improved Eye Health
As an A vitamin, the supply of beta-carotene in tamarind helps to ensure eye health and regular vision. Vital vitamins in this nutritious fruit also minimize the risk of macular degeneration and promote eye health substantially.
Sources & Reference:
1) http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-benefits-of-tamarind/
2) http://realityspeaks.expertscolumn.com/article/30-health-benefits-tamarind
3) http://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/health-benefits-of-tamarind/
