Surprising Health Benefits Of Tamarind You Need To Know

That pulpy sweet and sour tasting tamarind not just adds that tangy flavour to your food like rasam and sambar, but also comes with a lot of health benefits. Widely used in India to prepare sauces, marinades, chutneys and drinks, tamarind pulp is even added to curries.

For those of you who are keen on knowing the health benefits of tamarind, then this article is a must read. We will be explaining about a few of the benefits of consuming tamarind.

Tamarind is the ultimate source of vitamin C, vitamin B, calcium, iron, potassium, manganese and fibre. It is also widely known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties because of which it helps in the treatment and prevention of several health problems.

Also Read: Healing Properties Of Tamarind

Also known to have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties due to the presence of natural compounds - lupeol and polyphenols - tamarind helps in fighting back bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.

Despite all the benefits that tamarind has, one needs to be careful about the amount that is to be consumed in order to reap its maximum benefits. If you are taking medications for blood thinning then it is always better to consult a doctor before consuming tamarind.

Listed here are a few of the health benefits of tamarind. Take a look.

1. Lowers Cholesterol Level:

Known for its rich antioxidant properties and fibre content, tamarind helps in lowering the cholesterol level in the body and in the process prevents any heart-related diseases as well.

2. Weight Loss:

Tamarind contains an important ingredient called hydroxycitric acid that slows down the fat production in the body. Also, tamarind helps in preventing overeating, thus ruling out the chances of putting on weight.

3. Helps Prevent Cancer:

Rich in antioxidant properties, tamarind also contains tartaric acid that helps in protecting the body from free radicals and prevents the growth of cancer cells.

4. Helps Control Blood Pressure:

Rich in iron content and also potassium, tamarind helps in controlling blood pressure and a steady production of the red blood cells.

5. Helps Control Diabetes:

Tamarind helps in bringing the blood sugar level in control. It further helps in preventing the carbohydrates from being absorbed as this is the major factor that causes fluctuation in the blood sugar level. Consuming a small glass of tamarind juice thus helps in controlling diabetes.

6. Boosts Immunity Level:

Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, tamarind helps in boosting the immune system and helps in preventing infections. It can be consumed in the form of pulpy fruit or added to your favourite curries as well.

7. Aids In Digestion:

Tamarind pulp is rich in dietary fibre like the pectin and tannins that aid in digestion and also prevents constipation.