Tamarind’s Health Benefits
In recent years, tamarind has caught the attention of modern medicine. Like so many plants and herbs consumed for their health benefits, it helps your body resist common physical stresses caused by diet and environmental pollutants. Here are a few ways it helps.
Supports the Liver
In one study, an extract of tamarind fruit stimulated production of the liver’s natural antioxidants superoxide dismutase and glutathione. With the increase in antioxidant protection, the livers of test subjects experienced less damage.
Soothes Joint Inflammation
Tamarind seed extract protects joints, bones, and cartilage from arthritis. It breaks down inflammatory chemicals like interleukin and prevents the formation of enzymes that break down bone and cartilage.
Supports Normal Blood Sugar
While cutting out foods loaded with sugar makes a good first step, it’s important to add foods that support blood sugar control. Based on research so far, regular consumption of tamarind offers positive effects on blood sugar.
- Regular consumption of tamarind lowers fasting and blood glucose levels in as little as five days.
- Helps return triglyceride levels to normal.
- Promotes balance blood sugar and the way your cells use calcium, an important component of cellular metabolism.
Promotes Fluoride Detoxification
With fluoride in toothpaste and a fluoridated water supply, the majority of Americans are in “overload status” of this toxic, non-useful metal. Once in your body, it disrupts your hormones and weakens your bones. Detoxing fluoride can be a challenge, but tamarind can handle it. In one study, 18 healthy boys were given a third of an ounce of tamarind daily for 18 days and eliminated what researchers described as a “significant” amount of fluoride. One note about tamarind…the researchers did report increased loss of essential minerals zinc and magnesium. So you should consider supplementing with these minerals if you eat tamarind over a period of time.
Tamarind Nutrition Facts Table
Tamarind’s unique as it is a fruit that’s an excellent source of calcium. It’s also loaded with B vitamins that support energy.
Nutrient | Per 100g | 1 Cup, pulp 120g |
---|---|---|
Energy | 239 kcal | 287 kcal |
Protein | 2.80 g | 3.36 g |
Fat | 0.60 g | 0.72 g |
Carbohydrate | 62.50 g | 75 g |
Fiber | 5.1 g | 6.1 g |
Sugars | 38.80 g | 46.56 g |
Vitamins in Tamarind | ||
Thiamine (B1) | 0.428 mg | 0.514 mg |
Riboflavin (B2) | 0.152 mg | 0.182 mg |
Niacin (B3) | 1.938 mg | 2.326 mg |
Vitamin B6 | 0.066 mg | 0.079 mg |
Folate (B9) | 14 ?g | 17 ?g |
Vitamin A | 30 UI | 36 UI |
Vitamin C | 3.5 mg | 4.2 mg |
Vitamin E | 0.1 mg | 0.12 mg |
Vitamin K | 2.8 ?g | 3.4 ?g |
Minerals in Tamarind | ||
Calcium | 74 mg | 89 mg |
Iron | 2.8 mg | 3.36 mg |
Magnesium | 92 mg | 110 mg |
Phosphorus | 113 mg | 136 mg |
Potassium | 628 mg | 754 mg |
Sodium | 28 mg | 34 mg |
Zinc | 0.1 mg | 0.12 mg |
Tamarind Fruit: A Natural Superfood
Traditional healers consider tamarind a superfood. And the way it helps control blood sugar, reduce the symptoms of arthritis, and protect the liver supports this long held view. But its special ability to detox fluoride takes it way beyond simply a food or supplement for health support. This tropical fruit offers an effective way to remove fluoride, the dangerous mineral toxin linked to bone loss, hormone imbalance, arthritis, infertility, thyroid disease, heart disease, kidney disease, and more.