Tamarind has a lot of benefits rather than just being used for cooking. Well, tamarind is a type of tropical fruit that comes from the tamarind tree, it is native to Africa but it also grows in other tropical regions like India also.
The tamarind tree produces bean-like pods that contain seed and fibrous pulp. When the pods ripen, the pulp becomes paste-like and takes on a sweet-sour taste. Tamarind is best known for its use in Asian, Mexican, and Caribbean dishes, and it is bought as a paste but also can be bought as raw pods, a pressed block, and tamarind concentrate. Let’s check out the health benefits of Tamarind.
1. A rich source of antioxidants– The pulp of tamarind is rich in various phytonutrients that act as potent dietary antioxidants, and can enhance the effectiveness of the body’s natural immune defense system. Antioxidants are needed to reduce the inflammatory impact of oxidative stress.
2. Tamarind has anticancer properties– According to the studies, tamarind seed extract reduced both the oxidative stress markers and postponed the progress of Renal Cell Carcinoma. This is down to its antioxidant effect, and that tamarind seed extract has antioxidant enzyme induction properties and a cancer-related signal pathway blockage effect.
3. helps in heart health and cholesterol– Tamarind is highly rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, and it has been shown to decrease LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol, perhaps lowering the risk of atherosclerosis. The dried pulp was also found to have antihypertensive effects, which help in reducing the diastolic blood pressure.
4. Offers liver protective benefits- the Fatty liver disease, or hepatosteatosis, is increasing in the Western world, and a tamarind fruit extract has been shown to provide a protective effect for the liver because it contains antioxidants which are commonly known as called procyanidins, that counter free radical damage to the liver.
5. Provides natural antimicrobial benefits-Tamarind is known to have antimicrobial effects, as Natural compounds present in tamarind extract have the ability to be used as a natural antimicrobial against pathogenic microorganisms. Specifically, a compound called lupeol has been widely known for its antibacterial properties.
6. Effective in managing diabetes – The anti-inflammatory effect of tamarind seed extract has been shown to offer potential protective benefits and improve the blood sugar regulation in those with diabetes.
7. Helps in weight loss-well, Tamarind is rich in fiber and has no fat content. Studies show that eating tamarind daily might actually help in reducing your weight as it contains flavonoids and polyphenols. Also, tamarind is filled with hydroxy citric acid, which reduces your appetite by inhibiting amylase, which is an enzyme responsible for converting carbohydrates into fat.
8. Prevents peptic ulcers– in ulcers, tamarind showed its valuable effects, Peptic ulcers can be very painful. These are the sores that appear in the inner lining of the stomach and small intestine. So far, the polyphenolic compounds found in tamarind, which can prevent these ulcers.
9. Helps with digestion– Tamarind has been used widely since ancient times as a laxative because of its tartaric acid, malic acid, and potassium content. It has the ability to relax abdominal muscles, which is why it is also used as a remedy for diarrhea. So, the fruit is used to reduce constipation, the leaves provide treatment for diarrhea, and improve the digestive system.
10. Takes care of your liver– It shows that tamarind can take care of your liver as well. A diet that is highly rich in calories leads to a fatty liver and research suggests that daily consumption of tamarind extracts can reverse this condition, and better your liver.
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