The tamarind fruit is a reddish-brown fruit that is used in many cuisines around the world not only because of its pleasant taste but also because of its many healthy and nutritional benefits. A single cup of whole tamarind fruit contains magnesium, selenium, potassium, vitamin B5, iron, folate, calcium, vitamin B6, phosphorous, vitamin K, copper, vitamin C, copper, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin.
Tamarind is used heavily in South and Southeast Asian cuisine, Mexican cuisine, Middle Eastern cuisine, and Caribbean cuisine. Tamarind is popularly used to make chutneys, desserts, drinks, and marinades. Many cultures believe that tamarind helps treat ailments like constipation, fever, malaria, and diarrhoea. It is also a rich source of polyphenols which exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Now, let us take a look at the health benefits of tamarind juice.
Relieves constipation- Tamarind juice helps relieve the symptoms of constipation as it acts as a milk laxative. It even gets rid of toxins from our bodies and promotes gut health to reduce instances of constipation.
High antioxidants- Tamarind juice is a rich source of antioxidants such as catechin, procyanidin B2, and epicatechin. All of these antioxidants exhibit anti-cancerous, anti-diabetic, and heart-friendly characteristics. They reduce oxidative stress in our bodies by neutralizing free radicals. The tartaric acid present in tamarind also protects our cells from free radicals.
Helps reduce weight- Tamarind pulp is a great source of fibre, water, and hydroxy citric acid. All of these things together make us feel full for a long time and reduce our appetite by inhibiting the production of amylase.
Helps repair and grow tissues- Tamarind juice is a great source of amino acids, aka the building blocks of protein. Our bodies require amino acids to grow and repair tissues.
Rich source of magnesium- Tamarind is a rich source of magnesium, a nutrient that plays a vital role in at least 600 different bodily functions. Magnesium helps lower blood pressure and even exhibits some anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic effects.
Improves heart health- Studies indicate that the polyphenols and flavonoids present in tamarind juice helps decrease low-density lipoprotein “bad” cholesterol and increase high-density lipoprotein “good” cholesterol. This reduces the risk of cholesterol buildup in our arteries and promotes normal blood flow, thereby, reducing the pressure on our heart and improving its health.
Has a cooling effect on the body- Tamarind helps regulate body temperature during the summer. Tamarind juice is a popular beverage and tamarind is a popular ingredient in many beverages around the world because of its cooling effect on our bodies.
Promotes proper nerve function- Studies indicate that tamarind, which is a great source of several B vitamins helps improve nerve function and maintain strong refluxes by repairing damaged brain and spinal cells.
Prevents peptic ulcers- Peptic ulcers are sores that appear in the inner lining of our stomach and small intestine. They are usually caused by an excessive production of stomach acids. Drinking tamarind juice regularly prevents us from developing peptic ulcers because the polyphenolic compounds present in it promote gut health.
Improves bone health- Tamarind is not only an excellent source of magnesium but it also contains vitamin D and calcium. All of these essential nutrients together play a significant role in keeping our bones healthy and preventing diseases like osteoporosis.
Promotes healthier skin- Drinking tamarind juice and applying it to our skin as a topical has several health benefits. Tamarind is a rich source of fibre, vitamins D, B, and C, and amino acids which help maintain healthy glowing skin from within. When applied to the skin, it exhibits anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The vitamin C present in tamarind also prevents the skin from getting sun damage.
