10 Incredible Tamarind Fruit Benefits for Over-all Health

Updated on February 10th, 2020

Did you know the sour tamarind that has been a must-to-keep kitchen ingredient since ages were reserved only for the royals? Yes, obvious magical tamarind fruit benefits can revamp your health too if adequately included in your diet

What is Tamarind Fruit?

Tamarind is thin, tropical fruit, reddish brown. The tamarind fruit taste is sweet and sour and gets relished by people in various forms. Some prefer consuming it raw, while others enjoy tamarind fruit drink, and still, some others might like having it as a condiment. This fruit has its origins in the hot regions of Africa. The cultivation of tamarind fruit has gradually been trending in Asian countries. Tamarind fruit(1) benefits have been proven historically and scientifically both.

Tamarind Fruit Nutrition Facts

Tamarind fruit comprises nutrients such as calories, carbohydrates, protein, fat, dietary fiber, thiamine, magnesium, potassium, iron, phosphorous, calcium, copper, folate and vitamin C, K, and B6.

Benefits of Tamarind Fruit

While the thought of having this fruit itself is mouth-watering, here are some fantastic benefits of tamarind fruit present to you:

1. It is a rich source of antioxidants

Tamarind fruit is known to have a variety of polyphenols such as apigenin, catechin, procyanidin B2, and epicatechin to name a few. This tasty fruit contains plant compounds having antioxidant properties.

The antioxidants of tamarind fruit benefits to fight against free radicals, which are harmful compounds that damage cells and cause chronic disease. These antioxidants help release oxidative stress and help curb diseases like cancer and diabetes.

2. Weight loss

weight loss using tamarind — Image: ShutterStock

With this bringing smile on the faces of all foodies out there, yes tamarind supports weight loss in its way. The anti-obesity properties of tamarind fruit benefit the body on consumption of tamarind fruit for weight loss.

Also, it aids in holding back on your appetite. On the contrary, the fruit is high in sugar and calories hence need to get consumed in moderation. Also, exercise and practicing healthy diet are a must to reap the optimum benefits of this wonderful fruit.

3. Constipation

Since everybody and inevitably the mothers have faced this issue for their children, all of us can relate to it. We all have experienced the feeling of having a bloated and stuffed stomach.

The fiber in tamarind fruit benefits nutrient content plays an important role, thus easing the bowel movement and regulating the system. Help yourself with a few spoonfuls of the Tamarind pulp and say goodbye to constipation.

4. It benefits during pregnancy

All the would-be mothers out there can now satisfy their cravings while having the interests of the tamarind fruit. This fruit is a solution to several problems during these nine months of pregnancy. It fights against morning sickness, nausea, constipation, and stomach upset.

A piece of this fruit with a dash of salt does wonders to prevent nausea. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor before using this remedy.

5. It helps in blood purification

This juicy fruit is a power pack of nutrients such as minerals, dietary fiber, and vitamin C. These nutrients have a significant role to play in the purification of blood. Hence the inclusion of tamarind fruit is recommended in the daily diet.

6. It cures mouth ulcers

Ulcers occur due to countless reasons such as stress, acidity, and sleep deficiency to name a few. These mouth ulcers can get quite unbearable thus not letting you concentrate on things, talk or eat.

Tamarind fruit benefits include cooling properties that can subside these ulcers. Having a mixture of tamarind pulp, and crushed coriander and mint twice a day can help you get rid of ulcers.

7. It keeps cholesterol levels in check

The life of people is getting busier hence, “home-made food” is now more of a diminishing concept at homes and gets perceived as a business opportunity. Most of have unhealthy food available outside, and this leads to high cholesterol levels.

Surprisingly, the highest cholesterol levels have been found in the most active age group of 25 to 50. These high levels of cholesterol lead to heart diseases. Consumption of tamarind fruit benefits the body by helping eliminate bad cholesterol and keeps your heart healthy.

8. It benefits to reduce inflammation

Tamarind fruit has been historically known to have medicinal properties. It is high in antioxidants and can subside inflammation. The leaves and bark of the tamarind tree have been used in treating eye inflammation. The high levels of tartaric acids present in tamarind fruit make it a potent antioxidant, thus enabling it to fight against inflammation.

9. Tamarind fruit helps treat piles

Piles and pain always go hand in hand. Tamarind juice is the solution to this painful disease. The tamarind juice gets made by blending the following ingredients – tamarind fruit extract, yogurt, ginger, coriander powder, and pomegranate. Consuming this juice helps in curing piles.

10. It cleanses the body

Due to its antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, tamarind fruit benefits the body by serving as an excellent cleanser. It helps in flushing out the harmful bacteria and viruses from our body. Tamarind fruit helps in cleansing eyes and kidney. Also, it treats a sore throat.

How to use?

Tamarind fruit can get used in various forms. It can be consumed raw or gulped down as a juice. It can also be mixed with other ingredients in some instances as mentioned in the benefits above.

Tamarind Fruit Recipe

Tamarind Fruit Juice

Ingredients

Compressed fresh tamarind- 2 cups
Honey/ Sugar Syrup
Ice
Water

Procedure

Take some de-seeded tamarind pods and clean them of any dirt by washing
Put it in boiling water and cook for 5-10 minutes until cooked to tender
Put it in a blender after cooling and blend it properly
Strain the liquid out with a strainer
After the liquid gets cooled down to room temperature, then put honey or sugar syrup as per your taste
Refrigerate it for some time and serve chilled with ice cubes

Precautions

While everything comes with conditions applied, tamarind fruit is no exception. This fruit may cause allergic reaction showing symptoms like itching, swelling, breathlessness, and others. In such cases, stop consuming this fruit and seek doctor’s advice immediately.

Although it helps diabetic patients, tamarind fruit is high in carbohydrate and sugar content. Hence, people having diabetes should consume it in moderate quantity. Tamarind candies are high in lead content and can cause health issues. The lead is a heavy metal can hurt the health of children.

Where to find Tamarind?

You can find tamarind in most of the local stores especially in Asia. This fruit is also available in its processed form with online retailers. Even the organic tamarind fruit and dried tamarind fruits are available in markets and superstores.

Conclusion

Thus, other than being tasty and lip-smacking, tamarind fruit has numerous benefits regarding health and beauty. It is known to be medicine to many ailments. While you enjoy the positives of it, you need to think twice and also use or consume this fruit wisely to get the best of it.

FAQs

1. Does tamarind help to achieve weight loss?

Yes, it does aid weight loss. However, you also need to work out and have a healthy diet to get the best results.

2. Is tamarind safe for people with diabetes?

Since tamarind contains sugar and carbohydrates, it should get consumed by people with diabetes in moderation. However, it is advisable to consult the doctor in such cases.

3. Is tamarind safe during pregnancy?

Tamarind helps overcome morning sickness, nausea, constipation, and other symptoms during pregnancy. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor in such critical cases.