Tamarind is a tangy exotic fruit that is said to be native to Africa. The long, curved, brown treat not only is very tasty but it has many great health benefits.
As with many ancient fruits, vegetables and grains, tamarind historically has been used for many medicinal purposes, including easing stomach discomfort, aiding digestion, bringing down fevers and healing sore throats. Tamarind has also been cited as being effective in fighting against rheumatism and inflammation.
Each 100 grams of tamarind has 35% of the iron, 23% of magnesium and 16% of the phosphorus recommended for a day’s worth of nutrition. Other essential nutrients in tamarind include calcium and copper.
Tamarind helps to fight diabetes. According to a study, tamarind seed extract underwent examination to see if it increase glucose uptake in such patients. The fruit actually showed to have an anti-diabetic effect, indicating the possibility of formulating a new tamarind seed extract-based herbal supplement for diabetes patients to use.
In another study, tamarind extracts were reported by scientist as very useful therapies for conditions including, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dysentery, parasitic infections, fevers, constipation, inflammation, gonorrhea, and eye diseases.
Tamarind extracts were also reported to be antimicrobial, anti-venom, antioxidant, wound healing, and effective against diabetes, malaria, and asthma.
