Tamarind (Fruit and Ingredient)

Spice, condiment, and beans – the tangy tamarind is present in the list of kitchen essentials in all these forms. Unarguably a palate pleasing fruit, trust this little genius to add a delicious flavor to your dishes.However, the tamarind benefits go beyond just being a kitchen staple. It can be used to rejuvenate and revamp your skin and hair. Some of the best benefits of tamarind include weight loss, protection against cancer, and improved digestive health. Packed with assorted vitamins, such as Vitamin C; antioxidants, including carotene; and minerals, such as magnesium and potassium, this mushy fruit is a storehouse of nutrients. So, if you’re yet to try and ‘taste’ this amazing ingredient, here are the top 25 tamarind benefits! What Is Tamarind? Tamarind Benefits Pinit Image: Shutterstock Scientific Name – Tamarindus indica Origin – Africa Other Names – Imli (Hindi), chintapandu (Telugu), tetul (Bengali), amli (Gujarati), chinch (Marathi), hunase (Kannada), vaalanpuli (Malayalam) and tamuru hindiun (Arabic) Initially, this fruit used to grow in the hot regions of Africa. The sweet tamarind fruit grows atop extremely tall trees of the ‘fabaceae family’ (the family that includes peas and other legumes). The cultivation of tamarind has now spread to most of the warmer, drier regions of Mexico and Asia, including India and Sri Lanka. It has a tart-sweet taste that is loved by Indian nationals worldwide. No wonder it has carved a special place for itself in the Indian kitchens in the form of chutneys, digestive candies, pickles, and more. Tamarind is an ace nutrition-wise. Every 100 grams of this tart fruit contains 28 milligrams sodium and 628 milligrams of potassium in addition to 36% of the thiamine, 23% of the magnesium, 35% of the iron, and 16% of the phosphorus of the recommended daily requirement of a healthy woman. Additionally, this amazing fruit also contains niacin, vitamin C, calcium, copper, and pyridoxine. Tamarinds also have very high levels of tartaric acid (thus the tart taste), a powerful antioxidant that can help scavenge harmful free radicals from the system. The other phytochemicals present in tamarind include limonene, geraniol, safrole, cinnamic acid, pyrazine, methyl salicylate, and alkyl thiazoles. A cup of tamarind contains 6.88 grams of natural sugars. It has a calorie count of 287, 0.72 grams fat, and 3.36 grams protein. This fruit also contains 6.1 grams of fiber per 100 grams, which helps promote digestive health. Let’s take a look at the skin, hair, and health benefits of tamarind fruit. Why Should You Use Tamarind Skin Benefits Lightens Skin Natural Skin Exfoliating Agent Natural Remedy For Cellulite Natural Skin Moisturizing And Toning Properties Natural Anti-Aging Agent Removes Dark Rings Around The Neck Eliminates Pigmentation Cures Acne Hair Benefits Prevents Hair Loss Helps Treat Oily And Greasy Scalp Health Benefits Works As An Antiseptic Aids Weight Loss Is Good During Pregnancy Treats Bilious Disorders Controls Cholesterol Levels Cures Malaria Treats Jaundice Soothes Inflammation Prevents Cancer Treats Constipation Works As A Cleansing Agent Treats Piles Blood Purification Provides Cardiovascular Health Cures Mouth Ulcers Promotes Digestive Health Aids Proper Blood Circulation Improves Nerve Function Helps Manage Diabetes Boosts Immune System Tamarind Benefits For Skin Wondering what will happen if you apply tamarind topically to your skin? You will get pretty! Read on to know about the benefits of tamarind for the skin in detail: 1. Lightens Your Skin Tamarind Benefits Pinit Image: Shutterstock Prolonged exposure to the sun, as well as dust and pollution, takes a toll on our skin. Dull and dry skin, check. Tanning, check. Uneven complexion, check. Clogged pores, check. Name any skin problem, and it can be traced back to the sun. We can’t stop going out, but we can always take measures to lessen the impact. I’m talking about scarves, hats, and this easy-to-make skin lightening face pack. You Will Need 30 grams of tamarind pulp 150 grams hot water 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder What You Need To Do Soak the tamarind pulp in hot water for 10 minutes. Extract the pulp. Add half teaspoon of turmeric powder to this extract. Apply the paste evenly on cleansed skin and leave it on for 15 minutes. Wash off with tepid water to reveal fairer and more radiant skin. This pack is ideal for oily skin and can be used up to 2 times a week. Note: For a bleach-like effect, go for a tamarind-lemon pack. Mix one teaspoon of tamarind extract with one teaspoon each of lemon and honey. Apply this mixture to your face and wash it off after 15 minutes for visibly lighter skin. 2. Natural Skin Exfoliating Agent Why go for costly cosmetic procedures and burn a hole in your pockets when you can get the same thing done at home for free? That’s right. Look in your kitchen, especially the spice rack, and you will find tamarind that works great as a skin exfoliating agent. How? This fruit is a wonderful source of alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), one of the major constituents of various leading exfoliating creams available in the market. They eliminate the dirt and impurities that lie deep inside the skin and unclog the clogged skin pores (1). You Will Need 1 teaspoon tamarind pulp 1 teaspoon rock salt 1 tablespoon milk cream/yogurt What You Need To Do Mix one teaspoon of tamarind extract with one teaspoon of rock salt and one tablespoon of milk cream or yogurt. Apply the mixture evenly on your face. Using your fingers, massage in gentle, circular motions for 5-7 minutes to eliminate the dead cells. Repeat this process twice a week for dirt-free happy skin. Note: While milk cream is ideal for dry skin, yogurt works well for oily skin. Mix the ingredients well. 3. Natural Remedy For Cellulite Are you in search of a good, yet affordable exfoliating agent to eliminate cellulite from your body? Tamarind could be your answer! Just use the following mix religiously, and you will see the effects in a matter of weeks. You Will Need 2 teaspoons tamarind extract 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon baking soda What You Need To Do Mix two teaspoons of fresh tamarind extract with one teaspoon each of sugar and lemon juice and half a teaspoon of baking soda. Mix the ingredients well. Apply the paste on the skin and scrub gently in circular motions with a brush. Repeat this process twice a week for four-five weeks. This will lessen the visibility of cellulite. But, make sure you do it before you get your skin waxed as it could cause blisters. Note: This remedy is only for people with oily skin. 4. Natural Skin Moisturizing And Toning Properties Patchy, scaly skin, fine lines, coarse and dull skin, cold sores, skin tightness – all these issues are on my winter skin woes list. Those with forever dry skin will most definitely relate to me. A bowl of boiled and cooled tamarind water can be used as a natural skin toning and moisturizing agent (2). Who knew a small bean can do so much to restore the moisture! Use the following pack once a week for a hydrated and fresh-looking skin: You Will Need 15 grams tamarind pulp 2 teaspoons green tea What You Need To Do Just add 15 grams of tamarind to boiling hot water and simmer for about 15 minutes. Add 2 teaspoons of green tea to the water and simmer for another 5 minutes. Strain both the liquids and mix well. Allow the mixture to cool and apply. This can be used as a natural skin toning and hydrating agent. B 5. Natural Anti-aging Agent Who doesn’t want their skin to remain ageless forever? The sole reason why anti-aging products are such a hit. In my opinion, going natural is always the best solution for skin woes. Tamarind is packed with various acids, antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins that combat the free radicals that cause premature aging. Use this tamarind and semolina pack on a regular basis to give your skin a radiant and youthful look: You Will Need 1 tablespoon tamarind pulp 1 tablespoon gram flour 1 teaspoon semolina 1 teaspoon honey What You Need To Do Mix all the ingredients to form a fine paste. Apply this paste on freshly cleansed face. Let it stay for 10 minutes, or until it dries. Wipe off the pack using a soft sponge. Wash it off and towel-dry. Repeat this process once or twice a week. 6. Removes Dark Patches Around The Neck Dark patches on the neck are more common in women as compared to men. While many of us resort to bleaching agents as instant solutions, here is one natural ingredient that could have long-lasting effects. Yes, tamarind is an absolute all-rounder. You Will Need 1 teaspoon tamarind concentrate 1 teaspoon honey 1 teaspoon rose water What You Need To Do Mix the tamarind concentrate with honey and rose water. Apply this paste on the neck and leave it on for about 20 minutes. Wash it off with rose water or warm water. Doing this once a week for two months could help in eliminating the dark patches completely. 7. Eliminates Pigmentation Packed with AHA, tamarind is an established anti-blemish agent. It is also known to act as a natural remedy for pigmentation. Just apply freshly prepared tamarind juice on your clean face twice a week to erase the blemishes and pigmentation and reveal clear skin. 8. Cures Acne Acne is like that clingy cousin who just doesn’t leave you alone. Well, getting away from her might be difficult, but getting rid of acne and acne scars isn’t, at least not anymore. Tamarind is here to save the day (and face)! The vitamins C and A and other antioxidants present in tamarind enable it to act as a natural cure for various inflammatory skin conditions, including pimples and acne. You Will Need 1 tablespoon tamarind extract 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 tablespoon yogurt What You Need To Do Mix tamarind extract with turmeric powder and fresh yogurt. Apply this pack on your face and allow it to dry. This will take around 15 to 20 minutes. Wash off with warm water and apply a good moisturizer suitable for oily skin. Use this pack once every week. It will not only combat these skin eruptions, but also ensure that your skin gets a glow. Tamarind Benefits For Hair We all envy those models in the hair product commercials for their long and lustrous hair, don’t we? While I wouldn’t recommend you trust those ads, you can always trust natural and homemade products. Read on to know how you can use tamarind for your hair: 9. Prevents Hair Loss Tamarind Benefits Pinit Image: Shutterstock Tamarind is known to strengthen your hair and prevent hair loss. Use this pack and test it for yourself: You Will Need 15 grams tamarind pulp What You Need To Do Soak a lemon-sized ball of tamarind in water for 10 minutes. Extract the liquid and massage it all over your scalp and hair. Dip a towel in warm water and squeeze out the extra water. Use this hot towel to cover your hair and scalp. Leave it on for half an hour. Rinse off thoroughly with a good shampoo, and follow it up with a conditioner. This can be repeated twice a week to prevent hair loss. 10. Helps Treat Oily And Greasy Scalp Oily scalp is the cause of a number of hair disorders, including dandruff and hair loss. Controlling the sebum production in the scalp is one of the best solutions to get flaunt-worthy hair. Trust tamarind pulp to do that for you! Use the following pack to get rid of the greasiness from your scalp within no time. You Will Need 2 tablespoons tamarind pulp 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon buttermilk What You Need To Do Mix tamarind pulp, buttermilk, and olive oil to form a smooth paste. Apply this paste on your hair and gently massage for 5-10 minutes. Let the pack stay on for another 15 minutes. If it’s too runny, wear a plastic cap. Wash it off using warm water and a mild shampoo. Repeat this process once every week to get rid of the oil from your scalp. Health Benefits Of Tamarind Apart from being an elixir for your hair and skin, tamarind can also be quite effective in treating a number of health issues. Let’s find out what are tamarind health benefits here: 11. Works As An Antiseptic Tamarind Benefits Pinit Image: Shutterstock Cuts, bruises, burns – these are the staple if you are a kitchen klutz like me. That is why my mom likes to stock up on a few kitchen ingredients, apart from regular Burnols, to be ready for any future mishap. Tamarind is one of her trusted antiseptic solutions. This tart fruit is known to have medicinal properties that heal wounds and prevent infections from spreading in the body. It has strong antimicrobial properties due to the presence of tannins, terpenoids, and citric acids (3). 12. Aids Weight Loss Tamarind can help you lose a few pounds. Don’t believe me? Well, here’s good news for you. Tamarind contains a unique compound, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which is connected to weight loss (4). This compound helps inhibit an enzyme in our system that aids the storage of fat. Additionally, having tamarind suppresses your appetite for a longer period, specifically by increasing the secretion of serotonin (a neurotransmitter). 13. Is Good During Pregnancy The nine months of pregnancy are not easy for would-be moms. They undergo all kinds of physical, behavioral, and psychological changes. And, on top of all that, are the number of diet and nutrition suggestions from family and friends. The ’jack of all trades’, tamarind, has been used to cure several pregnancy-related issues like morning sickness, upset tummy, nausea, and constipation. This fruit is full of fiber, which, apart from inhibiting overeating, promotes fetal development. Tamarind also has tummy cooling effects, which come in handy when you have a strong urge to throw up. You can suck on a tamarind piece that is seasoned with salt and pepper to prevent nausea. However, make sure you consult your doctor before you do so. 14. Treats Bilious Disorders Including tamarind in your diet is an effective way to cure bilious disorders. These disorders are basically the result of irregular and uncontrolled bile production in the liver that lead to an upset stomach and fever. Tamarind, being a bilious substance, helps in the proper stimulation of bile production (5). This, in turn, can help dissolve food faster as well as regulate gastric juices. All these processes lead to improved digestion. 15. Controls Cholesterol Levels High cholesterol level has become one of the most common disorders in people between the age of 25 to 50. You will find many younger people at the borderline risk zone. Blame it on bad lifestyle and food choices all you want, but ‘zero trans fat’ food products aren’t the only solution available. Trust Mother Nature to provide us with something super-affordable and healthy in the form of the tasty tamarind. This fruit plays an indirect, yet very important role in controlling the cholesterol levels in the body (6). The dietary fibers in tamarind bind to the bile salts formed from cholesterol and decrease its reabsorption. This helps excrete bad cholesterol and keeps your heart healthy (7). 16. Cures Malaria This warm fruit is a known to be antiviral and antipyretic. So, having a small piece of tamarind twice a day can help keep malaria fever under control (8). 17. Treats Jaundice In the case of jaundice, the RBCs present in the liver are overwhelmed by the presence of bilirubin, a yellow chemical secreted by the organ. The elevated levels of this particular chemical lead to yellowing of the eyes, skin, and urine. Tamarind is very effective in maintaining liver health and regulating bilirubin levels, thus lessening the chances of jaundice. Use the following natural treatment every day to cure jaundice: You Will Need 100 grams tamarind pulp 50 grams plum 50 grams dry coriander seeds 50 grams dry lily flower A clay pot 4 liters water Candy sugar (to taste) What You Need To Do Take the pot and add all the ingredients to it. Add water to the container to cover the ingredients. Leave it on overnight. Mix the ingredients well the next day. Strain and store the juice in an airtight container. Drink this solution every morning for a week. You can add candy sugar for taste. 18. Soothes Inflammation Inflammation is a serious issue and it can affect a few internal organs of the body. This can cause a great deal of discomfort and even pain for some. Tamarind is a good natural medicine to treat inflammation. Tamarind seed extracts protect our bones, joints, and cartilage from the possibilities of arthritis. The anti-inflammatory action of this tart fruit helps break down inflammatory chemicals, such as interleukin, and blocks the formation of enzymes responsible for breaking down of bones and cartilage. Make a solution of half a teaspoon of roasted tamarind seed powder and water. Have this twice a day to boost joint lubrication and ease joint pain (9). 19. Prevents Cancer Cancer is a scary disease. Treating cancer is a lengthy and painful process, however, we can try and prevent this fatal disease. This is where tamarind comes into play. This juicy fruit is a good source of antioxidants. These help in curbing the growth of cancerous cells in the body by preventing the formation of free radicals. The harmful radicals (you can call them the ‘Trojan virus’ in our body) cause major dysfunction in the system (10). The abundant fiber present in this fruit binds to the toxins present in the food taken. Thus, it protects the mucus membrane of the colon from the chemicals that can cause cancer. 20. Treats Constipation Tamarind Benefits Pinit Image: Shutterstock Constipation is quite common and can happen to anyone, young or old, healthy or sick. It is annoying, and it makes you feel irritated, bloated, and stuffed at the same time. While the ‘churnas’ in the market can be effective, nothing can beat a home remedy with natural ingredients. Tamarind pulp is used as a mild laxative. A few spoonfuls of the pulp can improve bowel movements considerably (11). The sticky pulp of this tart fruit is a good source of non-starch polysaccharides as well as dietary fibers like gums, mucilage, pectin, hemicelluloses, and tannins. These fibers and saccharides add bulk to your stool, facilitating proper bowel movement. 21. Works As A Cleansing Agent Tamarind is an amazing cleansing agent. This is due to the fact that its pulp is full of antibacterial, antiviral, as well as anti inflammatory properties. These help in getting rid of stubborn bacteria and viruses from our body. Tamarind, when mixed with other solutions, works well for cleansing the eyes, cleaning out toxic deposits in the kidney, and relieving stomach worms. Such solutions can also relieve a sore throat. It is especially beneficial in the treatment of dry eyes due to the presence of a chemical similar to mucin, a chemical that helps protect and wet the cornea surface (12). 22. Treats Piles Piles are synonymous with a truckload of pain. Not being able to move and sit freely is most definitely a curse. Thankfully, we have a natural solution to deal with this painful problem – tamarind. Tamarind juice, extracted from its flowers, is used in the treatment of piles, both internal and external (13). Have this medicinal concoction to treat piles. You Will Need 1 1/2 tablespoons tamarind flower extract 1 glass fresh yogurt 1 teaspoon ginger 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1 teaspoon pomegranate What You Need To Do Mix the ingredients. Have this concoction with your lunch every day until the symptoms subside. 23. Blood Purification This pulpy and rich fruit is full of essential minerals, dietary fiber, and vitamin C, all of which help in the purification of blood. As mentioned earlier, the antioxidants present in tamarinds actively scavenge the free radicals, thus oxidizing and purifying your blood. Hence, including tamarind in daily meals is extremely beneficial. 24. Provides Cardiovascular Health There are several reasons tamarinds are the best for our heart. Tamarind is very effective in controlling cholesterol levels. It does this by lowering LDL (the bad cholesterol) and promoting HDL (the good cholesterol) with the help of the antioxidants and phenols (14). It also exhibits strong vasodilatory effects due to the high potassium content in the fruit. This keeps your blood pressure under control. All these factors, along with the abundance of vitamin C, help lessen the stress on the cardiovascular system. 25. Cures Mouth Ulcers Tamarind Benefits Pinit Image: Shutterstock Canker sores or mouth ulcers, the annoying little spurts under our lips and on our mouth, can be cured with the help of tamarind. This fruit has a cooling effect and can easily calm the burning sensation caused by these little boils. For best results, use a concoction made of tamarind pulp and a mix of crushed herbs such as coriander and mint. Have this medicine twice every day for faster recovery. 26. Promotes Digestive Health All the spices that reside on your kitchen rack assist in bettering your digestive system, and tamarind is no different. The abundant fiber in this fruit bulks up the stool, making it smoothly pass through the stomach and intestines. Also, the bilious effects of this fruit keeps our liver, colons, and other digestive organs healthy. So, make it a point to have tamarind daily for improved digestion. 27. Aids Proper Blood Circulation Tamarind, being a good source of iron, aids proper blood circulation in our body. A serving of this tasty pulp provides around 10% of the daily recommended portion of iron, which is responsible for increasing the red blood cell (RBC) count in our blood. This, in turn, ensures proper oxygen supply to every cell and organ (15). So, eat a lot of tamarinds to keep anemia, an iron deficiency that can lead to fatigue, headaches, stomach issues as well as cognitive disorders, at bay! 28. Improves Nerve Function We have been using natural ingredients for a better cognitive function since ages. Remember that almond or glass of milk your mom insisted you have? A new addition to the list of nervous system boosting ingredients is our beloved tamarind. This amazing fruit is particularly high in thiamine (vitamin B6), which is responsible for improving our nerve function and memory. So, don’t forget to include tamarind in your diet. 29. Helps Manage Diabetes The tart and tasty tamarind can help monitor and manage blood sugar fluctuations. This is because this fruit helps inhibit the enzyme alpha-amylase, which aids weight loss. It slows down carbohydrate absorption, which otherwise can lead to the formation of simple sugars or fats and can increase the insulin levels (16, 17, 18). So, it is generally advised for a diabetes patient to have tamarind regularly. 30. Boosts The Immune System As mentioned earlier, tamarind has a high content of vitamin C, which along with other antioxidants, helps guard your cells and organs from foreign body invasion, protecting you from several diseases (19). Additionally, tamarind has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiseptic, and antipyretic properties that aid in boosting your immunity.

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• Tamarind (Fruit and Ingredient) $ 5.50/Kg