Benefits of Tamarind

1. Tamarind is a slow growing tropical evergreen tree native to tropical Africa, and grows in India and Mexico as well. The origins of the word tamarind mean the date of India. The mature tamarind tree can grow to 80 feet high in tropical, humid climates. It bears long brownish pods that have acidic pulp and hard seeds. Tamarind is an ingredient in many forms of Asian and Latin American drinks, dishes, snacks and candies, as well as medicines and he .....

Tamarind Tree

2. The Tamarind tree, is related to carob. It grows wild in its native tropical Africa, but is grown extensively in India, Costa Rica and Thailand for its fruit pods, flowers, leaves and wood. The tamarind tree grows slowly, gets very tall and lives a very long time. .....

Tamarind Fruit

3. The fruit of the tamarind tree grows in a long brown pod. It has sour fleshy brownish reddish pulp with many seeds. The fruit pulp has vitamin B and calcium and tastes fruity, sweet and sour. The fruit is used in many ways to flavor dishes, as sauce or chutney, as a souring flavoring, with sugar added as a dried fruit candy and powdered or fresh squeezed for refreshing drinks. .....

Medicinal Uses

4. Tamarind has medicinal as well as culinary uses. It is a natural mild laxative, and is eaten fresh or in dried form to relieve constipation. Steam from boiling tamarind when inhaled will bring some relief from congestion and breathing problems. Gargling with tamarind water will relieve a sore throat. Because it is very acidic, it has antiseptic properties and is used to reduce fever. .....

Recipes

5. Tamarind is used in many culinary preparations, from drinks, to sauces, jams and chutneys, to side and main dishes.A simple drink recipe for a delicious summer agua fresca de tamarindo calls for 1 lb. of tamarind pulp with seeds, 1 gallon of water and 1 cup of sugar. Put the pulp and water in a large cooking pot and bring to a boil. Cook over medium heat for 30 minutes, stirring and breaking up the pulp. Strain out the pulp and seeds, add sugar, .....

Tamarind in the Kitchen

6. Tamarind is a staple and a favorite in Mexican, Latin American, Indian and Asian kitchens and restaurants. It is kept as a paste for cooking and making drinks, to make a natural unprocessed candy, for folk remedies to treat mild conditions and as a fresh fruit to be enjoyed in many ways. .....

Selection and storage

7. Fresh tamarind pods are available in late spring and early summer seasons. However, several different forms of processed tamarind such as compressed tamarind blocks, ready to use slice, paste, concentrates, balls, etc. are made available in the markets. .....

Culinary uses

8. Tamarind is used as an antiseptic to heal wounds and to prevent infections from spreading in the body. .....

Bilious disorders

9. Tamarind is an effective cure for bilious disorders. it plays an indirect yet very important role in controlling the cholesterol levels in the body. Dietary fibres in tamarind binds to bile salts formed from cholesterol and decrease its re absorption. This helps excrete bad cholesterol and keeps your heart healthy. .....

Malaria

10. Tamarind mixes well in herbal tea and is used for treating malaria fever. .....

Jaundice

11. A decoction of tamarind leaves is used in preparing medicinal solutions for curing jaundice and ulcers. .....

Inflammation

12. Inflammation is a very serious skin care problem and also affects a few internal organs of the body that can cause a great deal of discomfort and even pain for some. Tamarind is a good medicine for treating inflammation of the skin. .....

Cancer

13. Tamarind is a good source of antioxidants and helps in curbing the growth of cancerous products in the body by preventing free radicals from being formed which conduct unwanted reactions in the body. .....

Laxative

14. Tamarind pulp is used as a mild laxative. This impacts the sluggishness of the bowels and a few spoonfuls of the pulp can improve bowel movements considerably. .....

Piles

15. Tamarind juice, extracted from its flowers is used in the treatment of piles. .....

Blood purification

16. Tamarind in general participates in the purification of blood, and hence including it in daily meals is extremely beneficial. .....

Health benefits and medicinal uses of tamarind

17. It s not just the fruit of tamarind that offers health benefits. Combinations of herbs and spices mixed with tamarind powders are used by herbalists and ayurvedic practitioners for various natural treatments. Fruit, leaves, seeds, bark, flowers and pulp of tamarind have been used in several ancient cultures and by medieval herbalists. Listed below are the numerous health benefits and medicinal uses of tamarind. .....

Pulp of tamarind acts

18. Pulp of tamarind acts as a laxative and is an excellent remedy for sluggish bowel movement. The presence of dietary fiber in tamarind pulp plays an important role on binding bile salts. Two teaspoons of tamarind paste is very good for bowel movement. .....

Leaves of tamarind

19. Leaves of tamarind are used in herbal tea decoctions. Medicinal teas that contain extracts of tamarind leaves are given to individuals suffering from fever and chills. .....

Diluted tamarind paste

20. Diluted tamarind paste is an excellent home remedy for sore throat. A person with throat infection can gargle diluted lukewarm tamarind water for relief. .....

Mouth ulcers

21. Tamarind pulp with a mix of crushed herbs such as coriander and mint is an excellent treatment for mouth ulcers. Tamarind has a cooling effect on ulcers caused by hot and spicy foods. .....

Varieties

22. In some regions the type with reddish flesh is distinguished from the ordinary brown fleshed type and regarded as superior in quality. There are types of tamarinds that are sweeter than most. One in Thailand is known as 'Makham waan'. One distributed by the United States Department of Agriculture's Subtropical Horticulture Research Unit, Miami, is known as 'Manila Sweet'. .....

Climate

23. Very young trees should be protected from cold but older trees are surprisingly hardy. Wilson Popenoe wrote that a large tree was killed on the west coast of Florida (about 7.5? lat. N) by a freeze in 1884. However, no cold damage was noted in South Florida following the low temperatures of the winter of 1957-1958 which had severe effects on many mango, avocado, lychee and lime trees. Dr. Henry Nehrling reported that a tamarind tree in his garden .....

Soil

24. The tree tolerates a great diversity of soil types, from deep alluvial soil to rocky land and porous, oolitic limestone. It withstands salt spray and can be planted fairly close to the seashore. .....

Propagation

25. Tamarind seeds remain viable for months, will germinate in a week after planting. In the past, propagation has been customarily by seed sown in position, with thorny branches protecting the young seedlings. However, today, young trees are usually grown in nurseries. And there is intensified interest in vegetative propagation of selected varieties because of the commercial potential of tamarind products. The tree can be grown easily from cuttings, .....

Culture

26. Nursery grown trees are usually transplanted during the early rainy season. If kept until the second rainy season, the plants must be cut back and the taproot trimmed. Spacing may be 33 to 65 ft (10 20 m) between trees each way, depending on the fertility of the soil. With sufficient water and regular weeding, the seedlings will reach 2 ft (60 cm) the first year and 4 ft (120 cm) by the second year. .....

Season

27. Mexican studies reveal that the fruits begin to dehydrate 203 days after fruit set, losing approximately 1/2 moisture up to the stage of full ripeness, about 245 days from fruit set. In Florida, Central America, and the West Indies, the flowers appear in summer, the green fruits are found in December and January and ripening takes place from April through June. In Hawaii the fruits ripen in late summer and fall. .....

Harvesting

28. Tamarinds may be left on the tree for as long as 6 months after maturity so that the moisture content will be reduced to 20% or lower. Fruits for immediate processing are often harvested by pulling the pod away from the stalk which is left with the long, longitudinal fibers attached. In India, harvesters may merely shake the branches to cause mature fruits to fall and they leave the remainder to fall naturally when ripe. Pickers are not allowed t .....

Yield

29. A mature tree may annually produce 330 to 500 lbs (150-225 kg) of fruits, of which the pulp may constitute 30 to 55%, the shells and fiber, 11 to 30 %, and the seeds, 33 to 40%. .....

Keeping Quality

30. To preserve tamarinds for future use, they may be merely shelled, layered with sugar in boxes or pressed into tight balls and covered with cloth and kept in a cool, dry place. For shipment to processors, tamarinds may be shelled, layered with sugar in barrels and covered with boiling sirup. East Indians shell the fruits and sprinkle them lightly with salt as a preservative. In Java, the salted pulp is rolled into balls, steamed and sun dried, the .....

Pests and Diseases

31. One of the major pests of the tamarind tree in India is the Oriental yellow scale, Aonidiella orientalis. Tamarind scale, A. tamarindi, and black, or olive, scale, Saissetia oleae, are also partial to tamarind but of less importance. Butani (1970) lists 8 other scale species that may be found on the tree, the young and adults sucking the sap of buds and flowers and accordingly reducing the crop. .....

Food Uses

32. The food uses of the tamarind are many. The tender, immature, very sour pods are cooked as seasoning with rice, fish and meats in India. The fully grown, but still unripe fruits, called swells in the Bahamas, are roasted in coals until they burst and the skin is then peeled back and the sizzling pulp dipped in wood ashes and eaten. The fully ripe, fresh fruit is relished out of hand by children and adults, alike.The pulp is made into a variety .....

Fruit pulp

33. The fruit pulp may be used as a fixative with turmeric or annatto in dyeing and has served to coagulate rubber latex. The pulp, mixed with sea water, cleans silver, copper and brass. .....

Leaves

34. Tamarind leaves and flowers are useful as mordants in dyeing. A yellow dye derived from the leaves colors wool red and turns indigo dyed silk to green. Tamarind leaves in boiling water are employed to bleach the leaves of the buri palm (Corypha elata Roxb.) to prepare them for hat making. The foliage is a common mulch for tobacco plantings. .....

Flowers

35. The flowers are rated as a good source of nectar for honeybees in South India. The honey is golden yellow and slightly acid in flavor. .....

Seeds

36. Tamarind seeds yield an amber oil useful as an illuminant and as a varnish especially preferred for painting dolls and idols. The oil is said to be palatable and of culinary quality. The tannin rich seedcoat (testa) is under investigation as having some utility as an adhesive for plywoods and in dyeing and tanning, though it is of inferior quality and gives a red hue to leather.The powder made from tamarind kernels has been adopted by the Indian .....

Wood

37. The sapwood of the tamarind tree is pale yellow. The heartwood is rather small, dark purplish brown, very hard, heavy, strong, durable and insect resistant. It bends well and takes a good polish and, while hard to work, it is highly prized for furniture, panelling, wheels, axles, gears for mills, ploughs, planking for sides of boats, wells, mallets, knife and tool handles, rice pounders, mortars and pestles. It has at times been sold as Madeira .....

Twigs and barks

38. Tamarind twigs are sometimes used as chewsticks and the bark of the tree as a masticatory, alone or in place of lime with betelnut. The bark contains up to 7% tannin and is often employed in tanning hides and in dyeing, and is burned to make an ink. Bark from young trees yields a low quality fiber used for twine and string. Galls on the young branches are used in tanning. .....

Lac

39. The tamarind tree is a host for the lac insect, Kerria lacca, that deposits a resin on the twigs. The lac may be harvested and sold as stick lac for the production of lacquers and varnish. If it is not seen as a useful byproduct, tamarind growers trim off the resinous twigs and discard them. .....

Superstitions

40. Few plants will survive beneath a tamarind tree and there is a superstition that it is harmful to sleep or to tie a horse beneath one, probably because of the corrosive effect that fallen leaves have on fabrics in damp weather. Some African tribes venerate the tamarind tree as sacred. To certain Burmese, the tree represents the dwelling place of the rain god and some hold the belief that the tree raises the temperature in its immediate vicinity. .....

Antiseptic

41. Tamarind is used as an antiseptic to heal wounds and to prevent infections from spreading in the body. .....

Diabetics

42. Paste of tamarind is excellent for diabetics. It is used as traditional medicine along with jamun and herbs for diabetes control. Pulp of this fruit helps lower glucose levels that tend to rise after meals. .....

Reduce swelling of joints

43. Paste made from leaves of tamarind can be applied on areas of the body to reduce swelling of joints. This paste provides much needed relief for arthritis sufferers that are not able to move their hands, legs or shoulders because of joint pain. Paste of seeds can also be used to treat boils and sprains. .....

Tamarind Fruits

44. Tamarind Fruit is brown pool like legume and contains soft, acidic pulp and many hard coat seeds. Seeds can be scarified to enhance germination. Young fruit has hard, green pulp which is sour and acidic and used as component of salivary dishes. Ripened fruit is sweet and used in desserts, drinks,and snacks. .....

Sweet Tamarind vs Sour Tamarind

45. Sweet and tangy tamarind is one of the widely used condiment spices found in every South Asian kitchen .....

Malabar Tamarind

46. Tamarind has been reported to be native to India. It is a much valued food ingredient in many Asian and Latin American recipes. The sour and fruity taste of Tamarind merges well with the heat of chilies and gives South Indian dishes their hot and sour character and their dark colour. .....

Vitamin or Supplement Tamarind

47. People take tamarind for constipation, liver and gallbladder problems, and stomach disorders. It is also used to treat colds and fever. Women sometimes use tamarind to treat pregnancy related nausea. It is given to children to treat intestinal worms.Sometimes a thick paste of tamarind seeds is used as a cast for broken bones. .....

Tamarind Nutrition Facts

48. Tamarindus Indica, tamarind is found to be an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Nevertheless, while tamarind may be good for you, it is equally important to know tamarind s pros and cons. The tamarind tree is cultivated in the tropical belts of Asia and Africa for the nutritious pulp and juice extracted from the pod. Apart from the use of tamarind pulp in food preparation, indigenous medical practitioners also use the benefits of tamarin .....

Tamarind benefits extend to our skin

49. Tamarind leaves can be used effectively to cure burns. Put the leaves in a pot, cover them, and warm them over the fire. Leaves that get burnt are powdered finely and sieved to get rid of any gritty particles. This powder is then mixed with some gingelly oil and thinly spread over the area that is burnt. While tamarind helps heal the wound, the oil ensures that the affected part gets protection from moisture and also ensures that harmful germs do .....

Tamarind s side effects

50. Consuming tamarind increases the amount of aspirin or ibuprofen absorbed by the body, and therefore, the side effects of aspirin use may be manifested. Tamarind disadvantages may include higher acidity in those who have digestive problems associated with acid reflux. .....

Nutritional Facts of Tamarind

51. Tamarind is such a valuable commodity in the world because of its many nutritional components that add to its healthy impact. These include a significant level of vitamin C, as well as vitamin E, B vitamins, calcium, iron, phosphorous, potassium, manganese, and dietary fiber. There are also a number of organic compounds that make tamarind a powerful antioxidant and anti inflammatory agent. The health benefits of tamarind are explained in greater .....

Digestive Health

52. Tamarind has long been considered a natural laxative, and its dietary fiber content probably has something to do with it. Eating tamarind as a fruit or as a spice can increase the efficiency of your digestive system, while the fiber can bulk up your stool, making it move through the smooth muscles of the intestinal tract easier. Tamarind is also a bilious substance, meaning that stimulates the activity of bile, which can help dissolve food faster .....

Heart Health

53. Tamarind have shown it to be effective in reducing blood pressure and blood cholesterol. The fiber content in tamarind certainly has something to do with the reduction in cholesterol, since it is known to scrap excess LDL cholesterol from the veins and arteries. The potassium in tamarind may be responsible for the reduction in blood pressure, since it is known as a vasodilator that reduces the stress on the cardiovascular system. The impressive l .....

Circulation

54. Tamarind is a very good source of iron, and a single serving can provide more than 10% of your daily requirement. A healthy supply of iron in the body guarantees the proper red blood cell count in the body, which can ensure appropriate oxygenation of different muscles and organs that need oxygen to function properly. Also, iron deficiency results in anemia, which is characterized by weakness, fatigue, headaches, cognitive disorders, and stomach i .....

Nerve Function

55. One of the most significant vitamin elements of tamarind is the B complex. Thiamine, one of the most important parts of that vitamin family, is found in high quantities within tamarind. Thiamine is responsible for improving nerve function, as well as muscle development, which can help you remain active, maintain your reflexive, and stay strong. .....

Weight Loss

56. One of the unique compounds that can be extracted from tamarinds or gained as a benefit from it when used as a spice is called hydroxycitric acid (HCA). HCA is connected to weight loss because it has been shown to inhibit an enzyme in the body that specifically helps store fat. Furthermore, tamarind has been known to suppress the appetite by increasing the serotonin neurotransmitter. Research is still ongoing in these respective areas, but it sho .....

Manage Diabetes

57. Along with its ability to stop weight gain, inhibiting that enzyme, alpha amylase mainly stops carbohydrates from being absorbed, which are easily converted to simple sugars or fats. A carbohydrate heavy diet can increase the chances of uncontrolled glucose and insulin levels, which is the biggest problems for people suffering from diabetes. Tamarind can help monitor and control these fluctuations. .....

Anti Inflammatory Capacity

58. The essential oils of tamarind have been connected to a number of anti inflammatory abilities, including the reduction of joint pain and inflammation, arthritis, rheumatic conditions, and gout. It also reduces eye irritation. One of the most common forms of this is conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. Tamarind has shown a definite soothing and anti inflammatory ability, and is therefore used in many herbal remedies for inflammation. .....

Immune System

59. High levels of vitamin C, as well as other antioxidant effects in the essential oils make tamarind a wonderful way to boost your immune system and ensure long term health from microbial and fungal infections. It also reduces the occurrence of parasites in the body due to its antiseptic and antimicrobial effects. It has specifically been linked to eliminating stomach worms in children in tropical areas where tamarind in cultivated. .....

A Few Words of Caution

60. The main concern is that tamarind lowers blood pressure and is a blood thinner, so it can be difficult to reduce bleeding in case something happens. If you are taking aspiring or other blood thinners, be careful if you ingest an excessive amount of tamarind. .....

Carbohydrates

61. Tamarind is still a source of carbohydrates, and it must be limited and factored into a well balanced diet. It is best eaten plain in small amounts or used as a condiment to spruce up the flavor of food and beverages.This food is an excellent source of vitamin B, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, iron, thiamine, phosphorus, riboflavin, and fiber. .....

Simple Recipe for Tamarind

62. The simplest way to enjoy tamarind is in the pod form. Break off the brown outer pod and remove the stringy part that looks like a small root wrapped around the pulp. You will be left with a long piece of pulp that has rock hard seeds inside the size of large corn niblets. Cut it into sections and eat, nibble around the seeds and spit them out. Keep in mind too much tamarind can have a laxative effect. .....

Date and Tamarind Chutney

63. This one of my favourite dipping sauces. Sweet and sour in flavour this condiment usually accompanies samosas, cassava chips and many types of 'chaat'. You can adjust the amount of dates, tamarind and jaggery to make it as sweet or sour as you like. Think of it as the Indian version of a ketchup. .....

Instant lightening pack

65. You cannot use raw tamarind as it may irritate your skin. So we firstly boil around 30 grams of tamarind in 100 ml of water. After a few minutes, remove it from the flame, cool it and extract the pulp from it. .....

Instant bleaching

66. This homemade tamarind face mask contains all the natural bleaching agents. It is useful for removing acne scars, dark patches and pigmentation. Tamarind also helps to lighten skin tone. .....

Body scrub and Face scrub

67. This body scrub is ideal for oily and acne prone skin due the antimicrobial properties of tamarind. But avoid the contact with eyes and skin and do not apply after shaving or waxing as it may irritate your skin.Tamarind contains natural fruit acids which help to remove impurities and dead cells giving a polished skin. It also contains AHA (alpha hydroxy acids) which acts as an exfoliater. .....

Hydrating toner

68. We all are familiar with the hydrating properties of tea. Green and black tea contains anti ageing elements which help to fight against the formation of free radicals. It also reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Tamarind also makes your face radiant and smooth. .....

Cooking

69. Tamarind juice is widely used in many states of India for making curries, salad dressing,You can also make a fresh drink by mixing sugar and tamarind juice with 2 cups of cold water and lemon wedges.You cav Prepare a salad dressing out of tamarind, lemon juice, sugar and olive oil. .....

Improved Blood Sugar and Appetite Control

70. American pharmaceutical companies use 100 tons of tamarind pulp yearly for use in blood sugar managing medications, according to Phytopharmacology and Therapeutic Values. One tablespoon of tamarind paste provides 12 percent of adults' daily recommended intake of fiber an indigestible carbohydrate that promotes blood sugar and appetite control. .....

Precautions

71. Although tamarind is recognized as generally safe, according to HealthLine.com, tamarind seed powder has been linked with coughing. Overexposure to tamarind flour could cause chronic lung problems and in rare cases, tamarind candy has caused lead poisoning a condition that can be fatal. Tamarind supplements can interact with dietary supplements and medications, such as gingko biloba, aspirin, ibuprofen and blood sugar lowering drugs. Before us .....

Blood purifier and Skin health

72. Tamarind juice is also used in cosmetics such as tamarind face mask and face scrub. This contains acids, minerals, dietary fiber and Vitamin C which is a good blood purifier.Tamarind juice is excellent for the health of your skin and to treat burns and prevent edema. Apply the juice to maintain glowing and healthy skin. This can also reduce or remove common acne or chickenpox scars from the face and other parts of the body. Tamarind juice has enz .....

Cooling effect and Obesity

73. This imparts a cooling effect to your body temperature. Hence, the drink is to be consumed to cure sun strokes in the tropical regions.Many people with obesity need to lose weight to maintain their body weight. Tamarind juice can be very beneficial in such cases for weight loss and for treating obesity. .....

Stomach health

74. Use of tamarind juice treats inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn s disease. Tamarind pulp juice helps to keep stomach ulcers and stomach acids at bay.Mix this with honey, milk, lemon and dates to help indigestion. They are rich sources of fiber that regulates bowel movements and cures constipation, intestinal worms and parasites in children. This is a great natural way to cure diarrhea and dysentery, and lower inflam .....

Treatment of ulcers

75. Tamarind is acidic and excites the bile and other juices in the body. This naturally aids in digestion. It also acts as a blood purifier and is also used to treat bronchial disorders and gargling with tamarind water is recommended for a sore throat. It is an effective antiseptic, used in eye baths and for the treatment of ulcers. .....

For Liver Problems

76. Dry tamarind flowers in the shade. Powder and add equal quantity of candy sugar. Mix well and store in a tightly closed bottle. For relief from liver problems, take 5 grams of this mixture before lunch and dinner. .....

As a Cooling Drink

77. To a glass of water add 10 grams of tamarind and blend it in when soft. Strain, add sugar to taste and drink. This is an excellent cooling drink. .....

Sunstroke And Intoxication

78. Soak 50 grams of tamarind in 500 ml water for 2 hours or till the pulp turns soft. Mash it well and blend it in the water. Add sugar, candy sugar, brown sugar or jaggery as per taste and preference. Mix well, strain and drink. .....

Fluorosis

79. Drinking tamarind water destroys the fluoride ions and thereby prevents fluorosis. Adding salt to tamarind water tremendously increases the capacity of this water to remove the fluoride from the water. .....

Tamarind Seeds and Dry Eyes

80. Dry eye is a condition that may cause surface irritation, redness and periods of blurry vision. Non Medicated artificial tears may provide some relief, but, for continued comfort, you may find that you have to use these drops frequently. Some medicated drops may provide some help with dry eye, but these drops do not help everyone. .....

bowel movement

81. Pulp of tamarind acts as a laxative and is an excellent remedy for sluggish bowel movement. The presence of dietary fiber in tamarind pulp plays an important role on binding bile salts. Two teaspoons of tamarind paste is very good for bowel movement. .....

Keep the bones remain strong

82. By consuming tamarind, naturally you increase the intake of magnesium. Several studies have shown that people who consume a high potassium and magnesium have better bone density than those not. .....

Helped nervous system works well

83. If you often feel numb and the muscles are weak, possibly thiamin deficiency. The content of Vitamin B in tamarind, played a major role in the function of the body including nerve and muscle activity. .....

Helps prevent constipation

84. Tamarind is also a high source of fiber, fiber helps to overcome constipation and keep to smooth digestion. .....

Controlling blood pressure

85. Every 100 grams of tamarind contains 2 times more potassium than in bananas. Potassium helps control blood pressure by controlling the effect of sodium on the body. .....

Prevent anemia

86. With its high iron content, consuming tamarind can help you fight against anemia. .....

Controlling cholesterol levels

87. Besides thiamin, tamarind is a good source of niacin. Niacin can help lower bad cholesterol and raise levels of good cholesterol in the body. .....

Helping to produce energy

88. Riboflavin content of the tamarind will help release energy from carbohydrates. .....

Assist the process of blood clotting

89. Tamarind is a fruit that is rich in calcium. Calcium (with the help of vitamin K) has a major role in the process of blood clotting in wounds. .....

Keep the healthy teeth and gums

90. Missing teeth or bleeding gums can be a sign of lack of vitamin C in our bodies. Tamarind contains some vitamin C sufficient to meet those needs as much as 6%. .....

Strengthen the immune system

91. Among all the fruits and vegetables, tamarind is the highest source of protein. Protein can produce antibodies that help eradicate viruses and bacteria. .....

Tamarind and Constipation

92. Tamarind contains a lot of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber, though not nutritious, is very essential in our bodies. It helps in regulating bowel movements and cleansing our digestive system from various harmful and unneeded substances. Traditionally, tamarind has been used to treat stomach ailments like constipation. Tamarind juice is said to provide instant relief for people suffering from constipation. By cleaning our systems, the fiber also helps .....

Tamarind seed eye drops

93. Eye drops made from tamarind seeds may be a treatment for dry eye syndrome. Tamarind seed polysaccharide is adhesive, enabling it to stick to the surface of the eye longer than other eye preparations. Tamarind seed polysaccharide is used as an ingredient in food material and in pharmaceutical products. Drs. Maurizio Rolando and Cristiana Valente from the University of Genoa, Italy had 30 dry eye sufferers use Tamarind seed polysaccharide or hyalu .....

Kidney protection

94. Protective potential of Tamarindus indica against gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity.There were no differences among strains for egg production, egg weight, yolk weight, egg mass, feed consumption, or feed efficiency. Yolk weight increased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of dietary tamarind in wk 1, 2, and 3 as well as when averaged over 6 wk. Egg yolk cholesterol concentrations were not affected by dietary tamarind. Serum cholesterol c .....

Tamarind is available in an assortment of snacks

95. People in this part of the world dry the tamarind fruit with salt or preserve it as candies .....

Habitat and cultivation

96. The tamarind tree is considered to be one of the earliest cultivated plants of unknown or obscure taxonomic origin. Many are of the opinion that the tamarind tree is native to tropical Africa from where the plant spread to other temperate regions of the globe. The tamarind tree is primarily cultivated for its fruit pulp and also its value as an ornamental tree. While the pulp is edible and has numerous remedial properties, the tree itself is magn .....

Constituents

97. The chemical composition of the tamarind pulp comprises rich content of pectin, monosaccharides and organic acids, primarily potassium hydrogen tartrate. In addition, other organic acids, such as free acids, including tartaric acid, citric acid and malic acid are also present in the tamarind fruit pulp. Acids comprise almost 12 per cent to 15 per cent of the tamarind pulp. Tamarind has an exclusive fragrance and this is attributed to the presence .....

Usual dosage

98. Tamarind pulp is said to be an effective remedy for constipation. Hence, dehydrated pulp of the tamarind fruits are blended with commercially available constipation medications or the pulp is consumed fresh to treat this condition. .....