Who can’t resist the delicious and tangy taste of tamarind? Well, maybe a few can, but this fruit is a mouthwatering addition to many spices and condiments. Not only is it pleasing to the palate, it has some incredible health and skin benefits. If you want to learn more, keep reading!
What is Tamarind?
Tamarind, or Tamarindus indica, originates from Africa, where it grows on top of extremely tall trees. Nowadays, it is also grown in the warm and drier regions of Asia and Mexico. Tamarind’s sweet taste is loved by many, and it’s a staple in Indian dishes, including candies and dessert.
Tamarind has a rich nutritional content. Every 100 grams of the fruit contains 28 mg of sodium and 628 mg of potassium. This is in addition to the 36% thiamine, 35% iron, 16% phosphorus and 23% magnesium. Furthermore, the fruit is also rich in niacin, calcium, pyridoxine, vitamin C and copper. The tartaric acid in it is a powerful antioxidant that helps scavenge harmful free radicals in the body. Other phytochemicals in the fruit include geraniol, limonene, safrole, pyrazine, cinnamic acid and much more.
One cup of tamarind has 6.88 grams of natural sugars, 287 calories, 0.72 grams of fat, 3.36 grams of protein and 6.1 grams fiber, making it beneficial for a healthy digestive system.
Health Benefits of Tamarind
Tamarind is effective in treating various illnesses and conditions. In fact, the fruit:
Helps with weight loss. Tamarind has hydroxycitric acid, which helps with weight loss, preventing the certain enzyme that stores fat. The fruit also overwhelms your appetite for a longer period by increasing the emission of serotonin.
Helps cure jaundice. If you have jaundice, you don’t have to worry too much. Tamarind can be your go-to treatment. The fruit is effective in maintaining the health of the liver and regulating bilirubin levels, thus reducing the risk of jaundice.
Helps treat malaria. Its antiviral and antipyretic properties help cure malaria.
Helps control cholesterol levels. High levels of cholesterol are one of the most common illnesses in today’s society. Bad lifestyles and diets are to be blamed for this, but the dietary fibers in tamarind bind the bile salts from cholesterol and prevent reabsorption.
Helps prevent the risk of cancer. Tamarind helps treat cancer because it is rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants help curb the growth and development of cancer cells in the body by inhibiting the formation of free radicals.
Relieves Inflammation. The seed extract of tamarind is effective in protecting the bones, joints and cartilage from arthritis. Furthermore, it also helps break down the chemicals that cause inflammation.
Skin Benefits of Tamarind
Here are some of the skin benefits of tamarind:
Naturally moisturizes and tones the skin. A bowl of boiled tamarind water helps tone and moisturize the skin. Furthermore, it also treats skin issues like scaly skin, dull skin, coarse skin, fine lines and patchy skin.
Helps treat acne. The vitamin A, vitamin C and various antioxidants in tamarind help reduce inflammation and treat skin conditions like acne and pimples.
Exfoliates the skin naturally. The alpha hydroxyl acids in tamarind help exfoliate the skin, eliminating all the dirt and impurities and unclogging pores.
Prevents aging. Because tamarind is rich in antioxidants, acids, fiber and various vitamins, it is beneficial in inhibiting the effects of aging.
It eliminates skin pigmentation. Tamarind is rich in AHA, which serves as an anti-blemishing agent. This is beneficial in inhibiting unwanted pigmentation in the skin.
It lightens the skin. Tamarind helps make the skin lighter. In fact, if you combine tamarind extract with one teaspoon of honey and lemon and apply it to your skin, it will make your skin lighter.
Conclusion
With its nutritional value and health and skin benefits, tamarind is undeniably an amazing fruit. Furthermore, it is very delicious. So, if you you’re looking for a delicious, natural and healthy staple to add to your diet, choose tamarind.
