Tamarind Paste helps with Digestive health, Heart health, Blood sugar, Joint health

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) is a leguminous tree in the family Fabaceae indigenous to tropical Africa. The tamarind tree produces edible, pod-like fruit which is used extensively in cuisines around the world, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, the Pacific Islands, Latin America, and the United States. The edible fruit pulp is green and sour when unripe. The unripened pulp is used for more savory dishes as a pickling agent. As the fruit ripens, it becomes more palatable and sweeter. Ripened fruit is used in jams, juices, sorbets, ice creams, and other snacks.

Tamarind is a fruit that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and has been shown to offer several potential health benefits, including:

1. Digestive health: Tamarind is rich in dietary fiber, which can help to promote regular bowel movements and support healthy digestion. It has also been shown to have a laxative effect, which may be helpful for people with constipation.

   
   

2. Heart health: Tamarind contains compounds called polyphenols, which have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These properties may help to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

   
   

3. Blood sugar control: Tamarind has a low glycemic index, which means that it does not cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. It also contains compounds that may help to improve insulin sensitivity, which can be helpful for people with diabetes.

   
   

4. Joint health: Tamarind contains compounds called polysaccharides, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. This may make it helpful for reducing joint pain and inflammation in conditions such as arthritis.

   
   

5. Immune system support: Tamarind is a rich source of vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. It also contains other antioxidants that can help to protect the body against damage from free radicals.

Here are 7 health benefits of tamarind.

1.     Tamarind helps support the digestive system.

Tamarind possesses a considerable amount of fiber. Fiber stimulates peristaltic motion and increased secretion of gastric juices, which eases digestion, prevents conditions like constipation, and protects the body from more severe conditions like colorectal cancer. One cup of tamarind contains 6 grams of dietary fiber.

2.     Tamarind can help maintain a healthy blood pressure.

Tamarind is loaded with potassium and a low content of sodium. They are well known because of its high potassium content. One cup of tamarind contains a whopping 753 milligrams of potassium, compared to just 33.6 milligrams of sodium. This helps the blood vessels relax and maintains proper blood pressure.

3.     Tamarind can help improve your kidneys.

Tamarind contains a substantial amount of potassium, which is very helpful in cleaning or washing out the toxic depositions in the kidneys.

4.     Tamarind can help individuals fight infections.

Tamarind is an excellent source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a potent natural water-soluble antioxidant that helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and eliminates cancer-causing free radicals in the body.

5.     Tamarind is great for keeping the skin and hair vibrant and strong.

Adequate vitamin C intake does not only improve the immune system but can also create and maintain collagen, an essential protein found in hair and skin. Also, tamarind contains vitamin A to keep the hair moisturized through increased sebum production.

6.     Tamarind can help individuals sleep better at night.

Tamarind has been known to help an individual sleep with its high content of magnesium, which is a mineral that is directly linked to improving the quality, duration, and tranquility of sleep. Tamarind also helps regulate the metabolism, to help reduce sleep disorders and the occurrence of insomnia.

7.     Tamarind is loaded with B-vitamin components.

Tamarind is an excellent source of B-vitamin complex elements, such as riboflavin and niacin (B3). Niacin has been known to increase an individual’s “good” cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems. A deficiency of niacin leads to Pellagra - a disease characterized by diarrhea, dementia, dermatitis, and insomnia. Tamarind is also a good source of folic acid or folate. Folic acid (B9) helps the body to produce healthy red blood cells and prevents anemia. It is also necessary for aiding rapid cell division and growth, such as during infancy and pregnancy. A deficiency of folic acid in pregnant women can lead to the birth of underweight infants and may also result in neural tube defects in newborns.