From boosting your immunity to keeping your liver and heart safe from diseases, tamarinds do good to one’s health. Tamarinds are rich in fibre and have no fat contents.
But what exactly are Tamarinds? Tamarinds are from a hardwood tree known scientifically as Tamarindus indica. Native to Africa but also grows in India, Pakistan and many other tropical regions, the tamarind tree produces bean-like pods filled with seeds surrounded by a fibrous pulp. The pulp of the young fruit is green and sour. As it ripens, the juicy pulp becomes paste-like and more sweet-sour.
Studies suggest that eating tamarind daily might actually help in weight reduction since it contains flavonoids and polyphenols. Here are more health benefits of this tropical fruit:
1. Tamarind pulp is widely used for cooking in South and Southeast Asia, Mexico, the Middle East and the Caribbean. The seeds and leaves are also edible. It is used in sauces, marinades, chutneys, drinks and desserts.
2. Tamarind has played an important role in traditional medicine. In beverage form, it was commonly used to treat diarrhea, constipation, fever and peptic ulcers. The bark and leaves were also used to promote wound healing. Modern researchers are now studying this plant for potential medicinal uses.
3. The polyphenols in tamarind have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These can protect against diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
4.The seed extract of tamarinds may also help lower blood sugar, while the pulp extract may help you lose body weight and reverse fatty liver diseases
5. Tamarinds also contains polyphenols, which are naturally occurring plant compounds that have health benefits. Many of them act as antioxidants in the body