Diet & Nutrition 4 MIN READ 2005 VIEWS January 4, 2023 Read in Hindi

Did You Know About These Tamarind Benefits?

Written By HealthKart
Medically Reviewed By Dr. Aarti Nehra

tamarind benefits

The tamarind tree is highly regarded for its beauty and fruit in many cultures throughout the world. Tamarind trees are classified as leguminous since their fruit is a bean-like pod. This bean starts with a sour pulp that ripens into a sweet-sour pulp. People consume the fruit raw and also cook using its pulp. Tamarind benefits can be availed by using the leaves, beans, bark, and wood of the tree.

Many dishes in Asia, South and Central America, Africa, and the Caribbean contain tamarind, which is also a component of Worcestershire sauce. It can be found in numerous chutneys, sauces, candies, and beverages. In this article, we will discuss the tamarind health benefits.

Tamarind Benefits That You Should Know

Traditional medicine makes use of tamarind, but more investigation is required to ascertain its medicinal advantages. Tamarind pulp contains a variety of nutrients that might enhance your health. Tamarind benefits are as follows:

1. Tissue Health

Amino acids, the components of proteins, are required by the body for tissue growth and repair. Some amino acids are essential, meaning that the body cannot create them on its own, and must therefore be received through diet.

Except for tryptophan, tamarind has significant amounts of all the essential amino acids. In terms of the other amino acids, it complies with the standards set forth by the World Health Organization for an ideal protein.

Researchers are still trying to determine how well the body can absorb tamarind nutrition. It benefits the skin as well.

2. Reduced Risk of Cancer

Diets high in antioxidants are recommended by scientists for a number of reasons, including a decreased risk of cancer. Antioxidants can protect the DNA of cells from harm.

The core cause of many cancers, according to scientists, is damage to the DNA. Phytochemicals found in plants have antioxidant properties. Tamarind contains a variety of phytochemicals, including beta-carotene, in large quantities.

3. Brain Health

There are eight similar-functioning vitamins in the B vitamin group. All are water-soluble, therefore the body doesn’t store them.

You shouldn’t need to take supplements in order to receive adequate B vitamins from your food. For optimal health, the full spectrum of B vitamins is necessary. For the brain and nervous system to work properly, they are crucial.

The B vitamins in tamarind are particularly abundant, especially thiamine and folate. The B12 vitamin is absent in tamarind, as it is in other plants.

4. Bone Health

Those who consume enough magnesium in their diets have greater bone density than those who do not. Many people don’t get enough magnesium, especially teenagers and people over 70. Magnesium is plentiful in tamarind.

Additionally, it has a higher calcium content than many plant-based foods. Combining these two minerals with weight-bearing exercise may help prevent osteoporosis and bone fractures. In order to use calcium, the body needs vitamin D.

You will need to obtain vitamin D from other sources because tamarind is not a significant source of the vitamin.

Nutritional Value

Tamarind is particularly nutrient-dense, supplying at least 10% of the following:

  • Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
  • Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
  • Potassium
  • Magnesium
  • Phosphorus
  • Iron

A half-cup serving contains:

  • Calories: 143
  • Protein: 2 grams
  • Fat: 0 grams
  • Carbohydrate: 38 grams
  • Fibre: 3 grams
  • Sugar: 34 grams

Things to Note

In tamarind pulp, sugar makes up the majority of the calories. Majority of people still consider tamarind fruit healthy due to its high nutrient content.

You might need to limit its use to small amounts if you’re watching your weight or sugar intake. Additionally, tamarind is used in sweetened beverages and candy.

For those who have diabetes, trouble managing their weight, or suffer from metabolic syndrome, these foods are not the best options due to the added sugar.

Tamarind Uses

By cracking open the pod and eating the pulp, you can consume tamarind on its own. If your neighbourhood market doesn’t carry the pods, you can order them online because they don’t spoil quickly.

In addition, you can purchase tamarind as a concentrated liquid, a paste in a bottle, or a compressed block.

The shelf-stability of these forms lasts at least until they are opened. Products made from tamarind will vary in sweetness depending on when the pods were harvested. For the healthiest results, stay away from tamarind recipes that include excessive amounts of sugar or oil.

Here are a few uses for tamarind:

  • Take a shot at making authentic Pad Thai with tamarind sauce.
  • Use tamarind to flavour dal, a common lentil meal in India.
  • A traditional tamarind chutney can be made and used as a condiment or dip.
  • Tamarind paste, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic are combined to create a tart salad dressing.
  • For a more nuanced flavour, combine barbecue sauce with tamarind sauce.
  • Make a stir-fry sauce with tamarind to serve with chicken or shrimp.

Precautions & Warnings

There are certain points that you should keep in mind while consuming tamarind as part of your diet. These include:

1. Pregnancy And Breastfeeding

Regarding the safety of tamarind consumption, while pregnant or nursing, there isn’t enough trustworthy information available. Until more is known, using in amounts greater than those found in foods should be avoided.

2. Diabetes

Blood sugar levels may be reduced by tamarind. There is a worry that it might affect the ability to control blood sugar. If you have diabetes and consume tamarind, pay special attention to your blood sugar levels. There may be a need to adjust the dosage of diabetes medications.

3. Sugar Level

Blood sugar levels can be reduced by tamarind. There is a worry that it might affect the management of blood sugar during and after surgery. At least two weeks prior to the surgery, stop using tamarind.

The right amount of tamarind depends on a number of variables, including the user’s age, health, and various other situations. To establish a suitable range of tamarind doses, there is currently insufficient scientific data.

Be aware that natural products aren’t always safe and that amounts can be crucial. Follow all applicable instructions on product labels, and before using, check with your pharmacist, doctor, or other healthcare providers.

Conclusion

We hope that after reading the article, one has a better understanding of the advantages of tamarind fruit. The health benefits of tamarind range from improving immunity to protecting your liver and heart from illness.

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