The magical health benefits of tamarind

Tamarind is a sweet and sour fruit from a medium- sized wild tree. The sticky juicy pulp is enclosed in long brown shells (pods). It has many health benefits because it is packed with Vitamin B, C and E and minerals such as potassium, manganese, calcium, iron, phosphorus. It also has dietary fibre, antioxidant and anti- inflammatory properties.

These nutrients give the body the ability to improve vision, boost respiratory health and heal skin conditions and digestive problems.
According to Fausta Akech, a nutritionist at Healthy U, tamarind boosts the immune system, relieves pain and protects the body against parasites and worms.

Digestive relief
Tamarind is a natural antioxidant because of its dietary fibre content. Eating tamarind as a fruit increases the efficiency of your digestive system as fibre adds bulk on your stool, making it move through the smooth muscles of the intestinal tract easily.

Akech says: “Tamarind stimulates the activity of bile, thereby making it possible to dissolve food faster. The fibre stimulates production of gastric juices to speed up digestion that treats chronic constipation and diarrhoea.”

Heart health
The potassium in tamarind acts as a vasodilator which reduces the stress on the cardiovascular system and reducing blood pressure. Vasodilators are medicines that dilate (widen) blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily through. The fibre is helpful in removing excess cholesterol from the veins and arteries, hence protecting the heart.

The vitamin C antioxidant in the tamarind reduces the impact of free radicals which are by-products of cellular metabolism. These are linked to heart diseases and other health conditions. It is a great remedy for those who have high cholesterol levels.

Weight loss
Akech says taking tamarind decreases appetite and also makes people feel full for a long time, which helps in weight loss. Taking tamarind juice on an empty stomach makes one feel so full and eat little food portions.

Enough blood
Tamarind is filled with iron which in turn increases the blood count in the body. Akech advises anyone with low haemoglobin levels to use tamarind. “An iron deficiency results in anaemia which causes body weakness, fatigue, headaches, cognitive disorders and stomach issues. Taking tamarind juice keeps anaemia at bay because it provides a healthy supply of iron, which increases red blood cell count. These ensure proper oxygen circulation within muscles and other body organs,” says Akech.

Improves nerve function
Tamarind is known to contain Vitamin B complex, a significant nutrient responsible for improving and strengthening the nervous system. “It is also good in muscle development, which helps people to remain active. It also contains thiamine, which strengthens and maintains the reflexes,” says Akech.

Boosts immunity
The antiseptic, antimicrobial and antioxidant effects of tamarind aid the prevention of fungal infections and reduce the occurrence of parasites in the body. It is also linked to eliminating stomach worms in children. Akech says: “High levels of vitamin C and the antioxidant effects contained in tamarind boosts your immune system and ensures long-term health because these will keep away microbial and fungal infections.”
Tamarind helps in relieving inflammation of the skin. It also cures skin infections such as rashes and other skin outbursts.