Tamarind Juice Health Benefits

The tamarind pod is brown in color and contains the pulp and seeds within. The pulp of the tamarind is sour when raw and turns sweet as it ripens. This pulp is used to make tamarind juice which has a sweetish sour taste. It is a popular food in Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean and is used as a spice in the local cuisines. Tamarind can also be eaten raw or mixed with sugar and the juice can be used as a flavoring agent.

It has been known to have curative powers and has long been used by traditional healers to treat a host of illnesses.

The health benefits of tamarind juice are many. It is rich in vitamin C, vitamin B, carotenes, antioxidants and minerals like potassium and magnesium. The high vitamin C content acts as an immune booster, helping the body to fight of viral infections like the common cold and fevers.

Nutritional Benefits Of Tamarind Juice

Tamarind juice is also a rich source of antioxidants. These compounds help protect the body from the damaging effect of free radicals. Antioxidants help boost overall health and the immune system. They can prevent the oxidation of cholesterol. This prevents cholesterol from sticking to the walls of arteries and blocking them, thereby lessening the risk of coronary heart disease. This makes tamarind juice a healthy addition to the diet of those who suffer from coronary heart disease and high cholesterol levels.

Tamarind juice is also beneficial to people with diabetes. Diabetics, because of their high blood sugar levels, are prone to developing coronary heart disease. In fact, coronary heart disease is one of the highest causes of mortality amongst diabetics. Drinking tamarind juice can help reduce this risk for diabetics. Tamarind juice can also have a beneficial effect on blood sugar levels of diabetics. Studies have shown that diabetics who consume tamarind juice before a meal usually do not have a sharp spike in blood sugar levels that follow a meal.

Many people with type 2 diabetes need to lose weight in order to get their blood sugar levels under control. Tamarind juice is good for weight loss in such cases as well as in cases of obesity. The high antioxidant content in tamarind juice can also reduce the risk of cancer by strengthening the body’s immune system. It can also delay the progress of fluorosis that is caused by excessive fluorides. Its cooling effect on body temperatures has been used to treat cases of sunstroke in the tropics. Tamarind juice also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve symptoms of sore throat. Gargling with tamarind juice can help lessen the pain and inflammation in such cases. A poultice made from tamarind and soaked in tamarind juice can be applied to joints to reduce inflammation.

When blended with honey, milk, lemon and dates, tamarind juice can be used as an aid to digestion and to treat biliousness and other digestive disorders. The high fiber content in tamarind juice helps regulate bowel movements and can be used as a remedy for constipation. It has also been used as a home remedy for treating intestinal worms and parasites in children. It can also be used to treat cases of diarrhea and dysentery as well as reduce the inflammation caused by hemorrhoids. Tamarind juice is also good for the skin. Along with the leaves it can be used to treat burns and can help prevent edema. Applying the juice on your skin can help keep it glowing and healthy.

Side Effects Of Tamarind Juice

Although generally safe, tamarind juice can have adverse effects on health. It can increase the absorption of aspirin and ibuprofen by the body and should be avoided by those taking these medicines. It may cause acidity in people who suffer from acid reflux.

Submitted on January 16, 2014