Weight loss & Obesity

Tamarind for Weight Loss – Does It Help?

Obesity has become one of the most worrying problems in the 21st century. According to a study, obesity is one of the serious public health issues in the current century. Not only obesity but being overweight itself can also lead to severe health problems. Therefore, if you are getting obese, you should look at ways to get it under control.

One of the most effective ways of doing that is by using tamarind for weight loss. Surprised? Well, don’t be! This sour fruit and certain parts of the tree can be of great benefit when it comes to losing weight. So, let us take a look at how this tropical fruit can help you get back in shape.

Interesting Facts about Tamarind

  • Tamarind has been cultivated in Asia for the past 5000 years.
  • Tamarind has been used in Indian medicine for improving digestion.
  • Tamarind is a good source of iron
  • It can also be used to manage diabetes
  • Tamarind can also be used a treatment for headaches

Nutritional Profile

This is the nutritional profile breakdown of raw tamarinds and this profile is in regards to 100 grams ( 3.5oz)

1 Energy 239 kcal (1,000 kJ)
2 Carbohydrates 62.5g
3 Sugars 57.4g
4 Fat 0.6g
5 Dietary Fiber 5.1g
6 Protein 2.8g
7 Vitamin B1 ( Thiamine) 0.428mg
8 Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 0.152mg

[Also Read: Natural Ways to Reduce Weight]

Using Tamarind for Weight Loss – Does it Help?

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It sounds surprising that it would be of any help to use tamarind for weight loss. However, tamarind has been prescribed for weight loss in Ancient India for centuries. Modern science has also supported the belief that tamarind can indeed be helpful for weight loss.

Studies have been conducted to discover the effects of tamarind extract on lab rats. The research has found that tamarind helps to reduce Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, and overall cholesterol and also works towards increasing the levels of High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) in the body. Scientists have indicated that this helps in reducing weight.

So, it is safe to say that using tamarind for weight loss is a useful option.

The Different Ways in Which Tamarind Helps in Weight Loss

When you are looking to use tamarind for weight loss(1), you should look at different ways in which tamarind can be of help.

[Also Read: Effective Home Remedies for Weight Loss]

1. Tamarind has High Level of Hydroxy Citric Acid

Hydroxy Citric Acid or HCA is useful in slowing down the production of fat in your body. HCA also increases the level of serotonin transmitters, which effectively reduces your appetite. Both of these factors help in reducing the overall weight of your body.

2. Tamarind Increases Metabolism

Tamarind also helps in increasing the metabolism levels of your body. Metabolism is the breaking down of food materials. When your body breaks down food slowly, fat gets accumulated in the body. So, by increasing the body’s metabolism rate, tamarind helps to keep your body weight under check.

3. Tamarind also Acts as a Mild Laxative

Bile disorders can also result in weight gain. Tamarind also helps in treating such disorders as it acts as a mild laxative.

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Ways to Use Tamarind for Weight Loss

Now that we know that it is helpful to use tamarind for weight loss let us take a look at some of the ways in which you can use tamarind for weight management

1. Preparing a Tamarind Drink

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One of the most effective ways of using tamarind for weight loss(2) is by using a drink from tamarind. To prepare it, you need to do the following:

  1. Take the pulp out of the fruit
  2. Soak it in water for 10-15 minutes
  3. After that, transfer it to another bowl of water
  4. Cook it till the water comes to boil
  5. Once it does, take it off the heat and allow it to cool
  6. When it’s cooled down, strain the water
  7. Drink the strained water

You can drink it every day in the morning to get the desired results. If you don’t like the taste of it, you can add a bit of honey to it while it’s still warm and drink the mixture then.

2. Using Tamarind Paste

You can also make the paste of the pulp by putting it in the grinder with a little bit of oil and water. In some markets, you can get readymade tamarind paste.

You can use this tamarind paste in curries and gravy. Just be aware that tamarind makes the food quite sour. So, if you are not into sour foods, use it as little as you can.

3. Using Tamarind Powder

You can also use tamarind powder for weight loss. If you get it, you can use it to sprinkle on your salad. You can use it regularly to get positive results.

These were some of the ways in which you can use tamarind for weight loss. Let us take a look at some of the frequently asked questions.


FAQs

1. What Are the Side Effects of Using Tamarind?

Using tamarind for safe is generally considered to be safe. However, if you are going for surgery, you should stop using it at least two weeks before the surgery. This would prevent tamarind from interfering with your blood sugar levels

2. How Long Would It Take to Affect?

The efficacy of tamarind for weight loss depends on several factors. In most cases, it would take around 2-4 weeks to have any effect.

3. Do I Have to Take It Regularly?

When you are using tamarind for weight loss, you will get the best results when you are taking it regularly. However, you can take it 3 times a week as well.

When you are looking for managing your weight, tamarind seems to be a good option. There are several ways in which you can use tamarind for weight loss. Even though tamarind is safe to use, we would still suggest that you get in touch with a doctor and talk about how it can affect you. Stay aware of the benefits and the risks, and we are sure that you will discover the amazing benefits of tamarind.