Tamarind pods: health benefits and nutrition values

Tamarind pods grow on the tamarind tree and their origin is Africa. Now the tree grows also in Asia and Southern American regions. And tamarind is part of their cuisine. What are its health benefits and nutrition values?

Tamarind pods

Tamarind pods yield a paste that is an integral part of the cuisine of many Asian nations, Mexico, Middle Eastern regions and South America. The pods grow on tamarind tree and the origin of this tree was from Africa. Now it grows in many tropical regions of the world.

The pods are green to start with and turn brown with time. A sticky pulpy material comes from them and it has a sweet and sour taste. This gives foods a tangy flavor. In many areas of the world, these pods are sought after by pregnant ladies to decrease their severity of morning sickness.

The pods are a low glycemic fruit and finds application in beverages, sauce, desserts, syrups and candies. It has a lot of nutrients in it and has a lot of health benefits.

Nutritional facts

USDA has detailed the nutrition values of these tamarind pods pulp. Each cup of the paste which is around 120 grams has 287 calories. Carbs in this amount are 75 grams. Sugars are 46.6 grams while protein is 3.4 grams. Fats are a mere 0.7 grams.

In this, dietary fiber is 6.1 grams. And sodium is 34 mg while potassium is 754 mg. It has 4.2 mg of vitamin C in it. It has a low glycemic index and does not give rise to high blood sugar spikes. Some brands of the pulp available in the market might have added sugars. Check the labels carefully for it. Moreover, the pulp has B complex vitamins, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, and riboflavin.

Health benefits

The pulp of this fruit is highly nutritious. It has been use in traditional cuisines of Latin America, Asia and Middle Eastern regions. Moreover, it also is a traditional medicine and used in treatment of ailments such as nausea, vomiting, sunstrokes, constipation, and sore throat.

Some animal studies have shown that it can lower blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels. However, no human studies exist to confirm these findings. But it reduces body inflammation. It has a number of polyphenols, antioxidants that help in this. Additionally, it contains flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, phenols, saponins, and steroids. These could assist in arthritis control.

Extract from its seeds and other plant parts reduces pain due to any cause. A small study of 2013 did prove this.

Tamarind can also help protect the heart. The high antioxidant content of these pods help in this protection. An animal study of 2013 showed that it decreases and prevents atherosclerosis. But no human studies followed for confirmation.

Also, read 5 top healthy Thai food dishes with lot of nutrients!

Tamarind might have a role to improve liver function. Its polyphenols boost the liver function. They boost glutathione levels and reduce load on the liver. Moreover, it can reduce risk of cancer, especially the renal cell carcinoma. A 2012 study using the fruits seeds extract found its preventive role in cancer reduction.

Some people might have allergy or intolerance to the fruit. It has a laxative action and larger amounts could cause loose motions.