10 Incredible Health Benefits of Tamarind

Ukwaju. With its striking sweet and sour flavours enhancing dishes for generations, adding layers of complex kicks to otherwise seemingly mundane recipes, it’s an ingredient that makes for unique meals one doesn’t easily forget. But what are some of the health advantages it offers beyond simple taste?

Packed with an abundance of vitamins, nutrients and minerals, the versatility behind this little legume belies its stature. Here are just some of its diverse benefits:

1. Immunity Booster.

 High in Vitamin C and other vitamins such as Riboflavin and Niacin - known for their antioxidant properties - aid the body in fighting infections. Tamarind’s antiseptic and antimicrobial qualities help strengthen the immune system.

2. Keeps Your Body Cool.

 Tamarind juice, mixed with a bit of cumin, has been proven to help combat heat stroke and other heat related issues such as dehydration in people living in particularly hot regions, by keeping your system cool.

3. Helps Manage Diabetes. 

 Controlling sugar levels in one’s system is a constant struggle for those with diabetes. Tamarind however contains Alpha-amylase, a compound that aids in preventing the absorption of carbohydrates that turn into sugars in the body.

4. Heart Health. 

 High in Fibre content, Vitamin C and Potassium, Tamarind helps clear the arteries of LDL cholesterol and regulate blood pressure by decreasing the stress on vessels and arteries which leads to better blood circulation.

5. Digestion.

 Potassium, Malic and Tartaric Acids, found mainly in the pulp and leaves of Tamarind, are elements that all assist in boosting a healthy digestive system, as well as fend off parasitic infections.

6. Antihistamine.

 Proven to not only help fight off colds and flus, Tamarind’s antiviral properties also help manage allergies and asthma attacks.

7. Improve Nerve and Muscle Function.

 Thiamine properties present in Tamarind have proven to help the body strengthen its muscles, as well as improve nerve function. This in turn leads to a healthier body able to heal wounds faster.

8. Weight Loss.

 Hydroxycitric acid, also known as HCA found in Tamarind, prevents an enzyme in the body that stores fat from doing so, helping some shed off a few extra kilos.

9. Ulcers.

 This may seem counterintuitive given how acidic Tamarind sometimes tastes, however as mentioned earlier, by boosting the digestive system, regular intake of Tamarind helps the body ingest nutrients better, and compounds within the extract prevent the development of ulcers.

10. Possible Aid in Cancer Prevention.

 High in antioxidants, Tamarind is a veritable force in boosting the body’s antioxidant levels that help in breaking down and eliminating cancerous cells.

 So next time you’re about to enjoy a dish complimented with some ukwaju, remember to devour every last drop of this underrated juggernaut.