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by Matt Weik, BS, CSCS, CPT, CSN
Are you looking for a tropical fruit packed with essential nutrients and a unique sweet and sour taste? Look no further than tamarind, also known as the Indian date. With a long-standing history as a spice and folk medicine in South Asian, Mexican, and African cultures, tamarind is loaded with antioxidants, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins B and C. And if you’re looking for a delicious way to enjoy all these benefits, look no further than tamarind juice.
From promoting cardiovascular health to aiding digestion and detoxifying your body, tamarind juice has a wide range of health benefits that are too good to pass up.
In this article, we’ll dig deeper and explore everything you need to know about tamarind juice and why you should make it a regular part of your nutrition plan.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before changing your current nutrition plan.
The Nutritional Value of Tamarind Juice
100g of tamarind has the following nutritional value, approximately:
- Calories: 238 kcal
- Protein: 2.3g
- Carbohydrates: 62.5g
- Fat: 0.6g
- Fiber: 5.1g
- Niacin: 1.9mg
- Folate: 14ug
- Vitamin C: 3.5mg
- Vitamin A: 30IU
- Potassium: 628mg
- Calcium: 74mg
- Magnesium: 92mg
- Iron: 2.8mg
8 Health Benefits of Tamarind Juice
If you’re searching for a delicious and nutritious beverage, try tamarind juice. Along with a lip-smacking taste, below are some of the health benefits associated with tamarind juice.
1. High in antioxidants
The pulp of tamarind is rich in various phytonutrients that act as potent dietary antioxidants and can improve the efficacy of our body’s natural immune defenses. Antioxidants are necessary for our body and help reduce the inflammatory impact of oxidative stress.
2. It may have anti-cancer properties
In a 2014 study, tamarind seed extract decreased both the oxidative stress markers as well as delayed the progress of Renal Cell Carcinoma. This is because of its antioxidant effect, and that tamarind seed extract comprises antioxidant enzyme induction properties and cancer-linked signal pathway blockage effect.
3. Tamarind is rich in magnesium
With 110mg of magnesium per 120g of pulp, tamarind is an excellent source of this vital mineral. Why is magnesium so important? Well, for starters, it’s critical for bone formation, heart rhythm regulation, muscle function, and blood sugar control. But that’s not all. Tamarind juice could be your secret weapon if you struggle with sleeping disorders or insomnia.
Studies have shown that magnesium is essential for a good night’s sleep. Getting enough magnesium in your diet can help reset your internal clock and regulate your metabolism. So, if you’re looking to support your bones, heart, muscles, or sleep, tamarind juice is a delicious and nutritious way to do it.
4. May improve heart health and cholesterol
Tamarind is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids and has been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol. Hence, tamarind juice helps reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. The dried pulp of tamarind was also found to have anti-hypertensive effects, decreasing diastolic blood pressure.
5. Promotes weight loss
Tamarind’s hydroxycitric acid (HCA) has been found to have weight loss benefits, offering a glimmer of hope for those suffering from obesity. This is significant, given that obesity is the second leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Recent studies have shown that HCA inhibits trypsin, a proteolytic enzyme that helps regulate food intake, leading to a reduction in caloric consumption.
Additionally, tamarind juice is believed to increase serotonin levels in the body, which can aid in weight management by controlling appetite and directing the body to either burn or store fat.
6. Antiseptic
Tamarind juice possesses antiseptic properties that can help prevent the growth and spread of harmful microorganisms. It has been used for centuries as a natural remedy to heal wounds and prevent infections. The pulp can be applied directly to the affected area to clean the wound and reduce the risk of infection.
Throughout history, tamarind has been used as an effective antiseptic to combat various diseases in tropical regions. Malaria, a major concern in such areas, has been known to succumb to the fruit’s powerful properties. In addition to malaria, tamarind also displays antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial effects against a range of harmful organisms, including Aspergillus niger, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Salmonella typhi.
7. Soothes skin
Tamarind juice can be used for your skin health, to treat burns, and to prevent edema. Applying tamarind juice to your skin will maintain a natural glow and overall wellness. This may also remove or reduce common acne scars from the face and other parts of the body. Tamarind juice has enzymes, fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B, and alpha hydroxyl acid to remove dead skin cells.
8. May protect liver
Fatty liver, or hepatosteatosis, is on the rise in the Western world, and tamarind fruit extract may provide a protective effect for the liver as it contains antioxidants called procyanidins that can counter free radical damage to the liver.
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