Tamarind Health Benefits.

The tamarind tree is called Tamarindus indica and is indigenous to parts of Asia, Africa and South

America. Tamarind grows mainly in the Northern part of Nigeria and is called Tsamiya. Tamarind has fruit pods with brown pulp covered by hard shells. The fruit pulp has a sour taste and is usually used as medicine, in cooking or eaten raw. Below are some of the nutritive values of tamarind and some of the health properties;

• Tamarind has valuable nutritional values and contains phytonutrients with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic and other properties that promote good health.
• Tamarind contains vitamins like niacin, folic acid, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin A and C. Vitamins A and C are antioxidants.
• It contains minerals like selenium, copper, zinc, calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. Potassium helps to reduce blood pressure levels.
• Tamarind is rich in dietary fiber like mucilage, pectin, tannins and gums. Fiber aids in reducing blood cholesterol levels and digestion.
• Tamarind is rich in hydroxycitric acid (HCA) and tartaric acid. Tartaric acid is an antioxidant.

Some health benefits of tamarind.

1. It is a mild laxative and digestive aid.
2. It helps to lower blood pressure. It also promotes heart health.
3. It helps to lower blood cholesterol level.
4. It helps to regulate blood sugar. This allows it to be useful in managing diabetes and weight.
5. It promotes weight loss by suppressing appetite. HCA also promotes weight loss by inhibiting an enzyme which helps the body to store fat.
6. It reduces the aging process and reduces the risk of chronic diseases because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
7. It boosts the immune system and purifies the blood.
8. Tamarind stimulates bile and is used to treat liver, stomach and gallbladder disorders.
9. Tamarind is used to treat disorders of the eyes like conjunctivitis and dry eyes. It also promotes eye health.
10. It is used to treat skin disorders like itches, boils, rashes etc.
11. It is used to treat hemorrhoids, ulcers and to expel worms.
12. Tamarind promotes hair growth and prevents hair loss.
13. Tamarind is used to fade stretch marks and cellulite.

Tamarind is widely used in cooking as a flavouring agent because of its sweet and sour taste. It is also

used to make beverage drinks and as an emulsifying agent in pharmaceutical products like syrups.

Like so many fruits, tamarind is food that is packed full of goodness for your health. Most of us do not realize that foods are the greatest healers.

Please leave your comments, questions and any additions about tamarind below. Follow on Twitter @heal2bwell.