MUMBAI: The health benefits of tamarind or imli are often not spoken about. But this sour fruit can actually keep your liver and heart safe from diseases.
Known for its sweet and tangy taste, Tamarind is used all over the world to make chutneys, stews, sauces, and even desserts. But apart from giving your food a burst of flavour, tamarind or imli comes with a lot of health benefits as well. From boosting your immunity to keeping your liver and heart safe from diseases, tamarind do your health a world of good.
Helps in weight loss
Tamarind is rich in fibre and has no fat content. Studies suggest that eating tamarind daily might actually help in weight reduction since it contains flavonoids and polyphenols. Also, tamarind is loaded with hydroxycitric acid, which reduces your appetite by inhibiting amylase, an enzyme responsible for converting carbohydrate into fat.
Prevents peptic ulcers
Peptic ulcers can be very painful. These are basically sores that appear in the inner lining of the stomach and small intestine. Thanks to the polyphenolic compounds found in tamarind, this fruit can prevent these ulcers.
Effective in managing diabetes
Tamarind seed extracts are anti-inflammatory in nature and they are even said to stabilize blood sugar levels and reverse the damage of the pancreatic tissue in those suffering from diabetes. The enzyme alpha-amylase which is proven to reduce blood sugar levels can also be found in tamarind.
Helps with digestion
Tamarind has been used since ancient times as a laxative because of its tartaric acid, malic acid, and potassium content. Its ability to relax abdominal muscles is why it is also used as a remedy for diarrhoea. So, while the fruit is used to relieve constipation, the leaves provide treatment from diarrhoea, and the root and bark can be consumed to alleviate abdominal pain.
Aids a healthy heart
Tamarind is a very heart-friendly fruit. Flavonoids present in tamarind lower LDL or "bad" cholesterol and raise HDL or "good" cholesterol levels, thus preventing the build-up of triglycerides (a type of fat) in the blood. It also has high potassium content which can help keep your blood pressure in check.
Takes care of your liver
It turns out that tamarind can take care of your liver as well. A diet rich in calories leads to a fatty liver and studies suggest that daily consumption of tamarind extracts can reverse this condition.
It can help you deal with allergies
It is an effective way to deal with allergic asthma and cough because of its antihistaminic properties. It's also a rich source of vitamin C and can boost the immune system to prevent cold and cough. (Agencies)
Also Read: Health benefits of consuming tamarind