MUMBAI: Tamarind juice benefits include high in antioxidants, prevents atherosclerosis, rich in magnesium, promotes weight loss, good for nerve function, maintains blood pressure, promotes fluoride excretion, helpful for eyes, purifies the blood, is anti-diabetic, and good for the skin.
Tangy tamarind is also known as the Indian date. Biting into this tropical fruit can feel like divine (only if you like its sweet-sour taste!), so much that you may wonder if this can actually be beneficial for you. The answer is a big "Yes!".
Phenomenal health benefits of tamarind juice
High in antioxidants
Tamarinds are antioxidant powerhouses. These health-protective compounds are anti-cancerous, anti-diabetic, and heart-friendly. Polyphenols like apigenin, catechin, procyanidin B2, and epicatechin are effective in neutralizing free radicals. Geraniol, another natural antioxidant in tamarind is linked to suppressing pancreatic tumor. Tartaric acid present in tamarind also shields your cells from free radicals that can lead to chronic diseases.
Prevents Atherosclerosis
The antioxidants, fiber, and potassium in tamarind juice help your heart in several ways. In an in vivo study, hypercholesterolemic hamsters fed with tamarind fruit pulp showed reduction in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This anti-cholesterol nature is significant in destroying fat plaques that build in the arteries and leads to atherosclerosis. Another study revealed tamarind's potential in reducing the diastolic pressure.
Turns out, anti-inflammatory nature of tamarind prevents inflammations in heart wall and arteries, too. Plus, it has zero fat – so, don't worry about your heart getting 'overloads' and developing heart diseases.
Tamarind is rich in magnesium
Tamarind packs a good amount of magnesium – 110 mg (28% of DV) per 120 g pulp. That means incorporating tamarind juice can make it super easy to meet the daily magnesium requirements. For the starters, this mineral plays a vital role in bone formation, regulating heart rhythm, muscle contractions, and blood sugar control.
Moreover, it is good for individuals with insomnia or sleeping disorders – once again, thanks to tamarind's magnesium content. Studies show that magnesium is essential for a good night's sleep. This, in turn, resets the disrupted internal clock and regulates the metabolism.
Promotes weight loss
The hydroxycitric acid (HCA) in tamarind has been shown to whittle extra pounds. And, this is good news for people suffering from obesity, the #2 cause of preventable death in America. A recent study actually uncovered some remarkable anti-obese benefits of consuming tamarind. The results show that by inhibiting trypsin (proteolytic enzyme), HAC reduced food intake.
Another study says tamarind may increase serotonin levels in the body to aid weight management. Serotonin controls appetite and helps direct the body whether to burn or store the fat.
Good for nerve function
Thiamine and other B-complex vitamins in tamarind are the keys for improving nerve function and maintaining strong refluxes. Studies done by Monash University revealed that xyloglucan in tamarind could help the growth of the damaged brain and spinal cells. Scientist says that xyloglucan can act as a supporting scaffold through which healthy cells migrate and reattach to the nervous system. (Agencies)
Also Read: Seven Health Benefits of Tamarind! Know Here
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