Health Benefits of Tamarind
By Madhusudhan Tammisetti
Africans considered the tamarind tree holy. It's said to be the home of the rain God in Burmese mythology. Even today, Malayans feed their babies a mixture made from coconut milk and tamarind pulp. The tree's bark is often regarded as a source of knowledge. This tree grows wild in its native region, although it's cultivated in other places where it is grown. It has a quite similar texture to date fruit and even has a seed, but the tastes are totally different. Based on the type, its tart frequently elicits a reaction similar to that of a lemon.
Tamarinds are used in a variety of Arabian cuisines as a confection and as the main ingredient. Furthermore, it's said that Arabs brought it from India to cultivate it in their own land. This is also how it arrived in the Persian Gulf. Because it's both sweet and acidic, tamarind pulp and juice are often used to cure indigestion to this day.
Its shell is simple to remove, and it's often deseeded and ready to use in stores. Tamarind is a popular ingredient in many cuisines across the globe due to its ease of cultivation. Its seeds are also beneficial since they have amber oil that's used in coloring coating of dolls. Amber oil is also edible. In Africa, the seed's coat is used to color goat hides.
Helps in Weight Reduction
The majority of people struggle to lose weight. Tamarind may help in losing extra weight. The hydroxycitric acid in tamarind prevents an enzyme in the body from storing fat. It also aids in appetite suppression by increasing the serotonin neurotransmitter.
Good for Heart Health
Tamarind intake lowers the risk of heart disease. Tamarind has been shown to remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries. It's rich in fiber, which may be the cause of the removal of LDL. Tamarind contains potassium, which works as a vasodilator, lowering blood pressure by decreasing the load on arteries. Tamarind is high in Vitamin C, which aids in the fight against free radicals that may cause symptoms of chronic heart disease.
Digestive Benefits
Tamarind has malic acid, tartaric acid, and potassium, all of which are beneficial to the digestive system. It offers a variety of gastrointestinal benefits, including the ability to cure different digestive problems. Both the pulp and the leaves offer these digestive benefits.
Good for Diabetes
High blood sugar levels cause diabetic complications, and the pancreas may not be able to regulate insulin levels in the body, resulting in a variety of illnesses other than diabetes. Tamarind contains the enzyme alpha-amylase. It has been found that it aids in the prevention of carbohydrate absorption, which leads to the formation of sugars.
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