Facts Benefits of Many Nutritious Tamarind Fruit

Not only the tamarind fruit, but the entire tamarind tree is beneficial for different health conditions. This fruit has high nutritional value and is used for a variety of purposes.

 

 

Tamarind is a tree with miraculous benefits. All its parts are used for a variety of health and medicinal purposes. Right from the bark, to the leaves, to the flowers, to the fruits, each part of this tree has a role to play in maintaining our health. It is a tropical tree, native to the parts of Africa and India. In India, it is particularly popular in the south, where it is used as a common ingredient in meals. The tamarind fruit is a long 12-15 cm pod, that has a hard, brown body. It can be consumed when the pulp inside the fruit is reddish-brown color. It also contains about one to two seeds. It has a sweet and sour taste, and is used for a variety of culinary purposes all over.

Nutrition Facts

The nutritional value of this fruit is high and thus makes it useful for several health problems that we are afflicted with. Following table reflects the nutritional value of 1 cup of tamarind.

Nutrient Value

Calories : 143
Carbohydrates : 37 g
Dietary Fiber : 1.3 g
Vitamin C : 17.8 mg
Vitamin E  : 0.3 mg
Calcium : 25.1 mg
Magnesium : 10 mg
Sodium : 17.6 mg
Phosphorus : 5 mg
Potassium : 67.8 mg

Health Benefits

There are several benefits that you can reap when you consume this fruit. Here are some its most prominent benefits.

Promotes Digestive Health

When eaten in its pulp form, it helps in curing a lot of problems associated with digestion.

It is particularly beneficial for those suffering from constipation.
Even those suffering from dysentery can benefit from it.
When its pulp is mixed with a little water and combined with black pepper, cloves, and cardamom to create a drink, it works as a great appetite stimulant for those who suffer from loss of appetite.
Its consumption is a perfect natural remedy for those suffering from bile disorders.
It also helps in expelling worms from the digestive system, a problem common to children.

Abundant Source of Vitamin C

It is an extremely rich source of vitamin C, and is useful for those suffering from vitamin C deficiency.

It is due to these properties that scurvy (caused by a lack of vitamin C) in the body, can be kept at bay.
It strengthens the immune system and serves as a good cure for fever. Fever can be combated by consuming a drink, where tamarind has been boiled with some milk, dates, sugar, cardamoms, cloves, and a small amount of camphor.
It is also a solution for common cold. To cure common cold, dilute its pulp in water and add to it half a teaspoon of pepper and salt to taste. Drink it steaming hot. Not only does it clear the nasal passage, it also helps in flushing out all other unhealthy toxins from the body.

Rich Source of Antioxidants

It is rich in antioxidants and has emerged as an effective natural defense against cancer. Though these benefits are yet to be proven, we are aware that antioxidants in the body help to fight free radicals, that can lead to the development of cancer in the body.

Stabilizes Cholesterol and Blood Sugar
Studies conducted on animals have shown that it works well to stabilize and lower cholesterol levels in the body, thereby protecting one from a host of cardiovascular diseases. It has also been found useful in stabilizing blood sugar levels. However, there is no scientific proof of this effect on human beings.

Cures a Sore Throat

When it is boiled in water to create a pulp and used for gargling, it helps to cure a sore throat.

You are now aware of how useful this fruit can be to take care of different types of health problems. Add its pulp to your meals and enjoy not only its sweet and sour taste, but also the host of health benefits it has to offer.