Tamarind is a fruit that is popular in the foods of Southeast Asia, North Africa and India. Tamarind is such a valuable commodity in the world because of its many nutritional components that add to its healthy impact. These include a significant level of vitamin C, as well as vitamin E, B vitamins, calcium, iron, phosphorous, potassium, manganese, and dietary fibre. Following are the top benefits of tamarind:
WEIGHT LOSS
One of the unique compounds that can be extracted from tamarinds or gained as a benefit from it when used as a spice is called hydroxycitric acid (HCA). HCA is connected to weight loss because it has been shown to inhibit an enzyme in the body that specifically helps store fat.
ANTI INFLAMMATORY
Tamarind has been connected to a number of anti-inflammatory abilities, including the reduction of joint pain and inflammation, arthritis, rheumatic conditions, and gout. It also reduces eye irritation. One of the most common forms of this is conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye.
RICH SOURCE OF IRON
A healthy supply of iron in the body guarantees the proper red blood cell count in the body, which can ensure appropriate oxygenation of different muscles and organs that need oxygen to function properly. Tamarind is a very good source of iron, and a single serving can provide more than 10% of your daily requirement.
APPETITE
Tamarind helps improve appetite and has carminative and laxative effects. However, avoid the variety of tamarind known as Malabar, which tends to suppress appetite.
ANTI OXIDANTS
Tamarind is an important source of antioxidants that help in fighting cancer by reducing the increase of free radicals that predispose you to cancer. Like other sources of antioxidants tamarind has high amount of antioxidants that help to curb cancer.
BILIOUS DISORDERS
Tamarind is an effective cure for bilious disorders. It plays an indirect yet very important role in controlling the cholesterol levels in the body. Dietary fibres in tamarind binds to bile salts formed from cholesterol and decrease its re-absorption. This helps excrete bad cholesterol and keeps your heart healthy.
RICH SOURCE OF VITAMINS
Tamarinds contains small amounts of a variety of vitamins, including vitamins A, C, E and K. In addition, tamarinds are a rich source of a number of B-vitamins. As all B-vitamins are essential to the metabolism of glucose, fats and protein, tamarinds can help you to meet your fitness goals. In addition, B-vitamins help to regulate your body’s production of stress hormones, potentially reducing stress and helping you to feel calm throughout the day.
HEALTHY BONES
By consuming tamarind, naturally you increase the intake of magnesium in your body. Several studies have shown that people who consume a high potassium and magnesium have better bone density than those not.