Tamarind

Tamarind

            Tamarind is a Good for Health???

  

                            One of the most important multipurpose tropical fruit trees in the Indian subcontinent, the tamarind tree (scientifically known as Tamarindus indica L.) is a large evergreen tree that’s said to be native to Africa, particularly in Madagascar. Its pod was first thought to be produced by Indian palms, as its name comes from the Persian term "tamar-I-hind," meaning "date of India.

It is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions for its edible fruit, the sweet and sour pulp of which is extensively used in foods, beverages, and traditional medicines. The plant is especially popular in the Indian subcontinent and in Central America and Mexico and is a common ingredient in the cuisine of those regions. The tree is also grown as an ornamental, and the wood is used in carpentry.


Each pod is filled with three to 12 small brown seeds, which are surrounded by fibrous reddish-brown pulp that tastes sweet and acidic.
As the tamarind pods mature, the pulp dehydrates naturally into a sticky paste. This deliciously tangy pulp is one of the most important food items produced by the tamarind. It can be eaten as is or used as seasoning for soups, relishes, sauces and curries. Its acidic flavor also complements the sweetness of fruits, making it a good ingredient for jellies, jams, sherbets and
                                                                                               fruit preserves.

Nowadays, tamarind is widely cultivated in semi-arid countries in Asia such as Bangladesh, Thailand and Myanmar, as well as in several African, Australian, Central American and South American countries.

Tamarind is also a good source of thiamin, iron, magnesium and phosphorus, as well tartaric acid, which provides not just a zing to the taste buds11 but also powerful antioxidant action, zapping harmful free radicals floating through your system. It also provides your body with niacin, calcium, vitamin C, copper and pyridoxine.
The tree grows to about 24 metres (80 feet) tall and bears alternate, pinnately compound (feather-formed) leaves with leaflets that are about 2 cm (0.75 inch) long. The yellow flowers are borne in small clusters. The fruit is a plump legume 7.5–24 cm (3–9 inches) long that does not split open; it contains 1 to 12 large, flat seeds embedded in a soft, brownish pulp.

          Health Benefits of Tamarind

Like most ancient foods, tamarind has a long history of medicinal use. It was traditionally used to help ease stomach discomfort, aid digestion and promote better bowel movement. Tamarind preparations are also used to help relieve fever, sore throat, rheumatism, inflammation and heat stroke. Meanwhile, dried or boiled tamarind leaves and flowers are made into poultices for swollen joints, sprains, boils, hemorrhoids and conjunctivitis.

1.Heart Health                        : Tamarind is great for your heart because it lowers blood
                                                    cholesterol and blood pressure.
2.Digestion                              : Imli has always been used in Ayurvedic medicines to cure digestion
                                                    issues. Tamarind stimulates bile production that leads to quicker and
                                                    efficient digestion
3.Rich in Nutrients                 : Tamarind is rich in a number of essential nutrients. For instance,
                                                    if  you eat 100 grams of tamarind a day, you will get 36% of
                                                    thiamin, 35% of iron, 23% of magnesium and 16% of
                                                    phosphorus recommended for you daily.
4.Weight Loss Aid                  : Tamarind contains a compound called Hydroxy Citric Acid that
                                                    prevents an enzyme in your body from storing fat. This acid also
                                                    reduces appetite by upping serotonin neurotransmitter levels.
5.Good for Nerve Function   : Tamarind contains the B vitamin Thiamine that is essential
                                                    for the proper functioning of nerves and development of muscles.
6.Reduces Inflammation       : Tamarind is effective in reducing inflammation as it has high
                                                    levels of tartaric acid, a strong antioxidant, that makes short work
                                                    of free radicals. Geraniol, another natural antioxidant in it has
                                                    been shown to suppress pancreatic tumor growth