Tamarind fruit has a fleshy, juicy, acidulous pulp. It is mature when the flesh is colored brown or reddish brown. The tamarinds of Asia have longer pods (containing six to 12 seeds). The seeds are somewhat flattened, and a glossy brown. The fruit is best described as sweet and sour in taste, and is high in tartaric acid, sugar, B vitamins and calcium.This sweet and sour Tamarind is popular because of its many health and medicinal benefits. Leaves, bark, seeds, and flowers of tamarind too have medicinal uses. Combinations of herbs and spices mixed with tamarind powders are used by #herbalists and #ayurvedic practitioners for various natural treatments.  

Tamarind Health Benefits

 It supports a healthy heart, manage diabetes, boost the immune system, helps prevent heat stroke, support weight loss, aids development of muscle and nerves, support digestion and helps prevent ulcer.

Other benefits includes: preventing cancer, slow down aging process, and help fight cold and flu.

1. Pulp of tamarind acts as a laxative and is an excellent remedy for sluggish bowel movement.
2. Tamarind has the ability to lower levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) thereby promoting healthy cardiovascular health, this because of the presence of phenols, antioxidants beneficial for levels of HDL.
3. Diluted tamarind paste is an excellent home remedy for sore throat. A person with throat infection can gargle diluted lukewarm tamarind water for relief.
4. Tamarind pulp with a mix of crushed herbs such as coriander and mint is an excellent treatment for mouth ulcers. Tamarind has a cooling effect on ulcers caused by hot and spicy foods.
5. Scoops of thick tamarind paste are diluted in water and given to individuals with intestinal parasites.
6. Tamarind with all its benefits is also helpful in losing weight. There is an enzyme in the body that stores fat and the hydroxycitric acid or HCA present in tamarind stops it from doing so. It also helps suppress appetite as it increases the serotonin neurotransmitter.
7. Tamarind is an excellent home remedy for persons with bile problems.
8.  In Ayurvedic medicine, Tamarind is a major ingredient used to treat digestive and gastric problems.
   You may also like to know about the health benefits of Bael that helps in relief from constipation, indigestion, diarrhea and dysentery. 
9. Pulp of tamarind is known to protect against Vitamin C deficiency.
10. Paste of tamarind is excellent for diabetics. It is used as traditional medicine along with jamun and herbs for diabetes control. Pulp of this fruit helps lower glucose levels that tend to rise after meals.
    
    

Medicinal Use of Tamarind

1. Tamarind juice is used as a traditional medicine for jaundice sufferers.
2. Tamarind should be included in your diet because minerals present in this fruit are good for bone health.
3. The B complex present in tamarind in the form of thiamine is known to improve nerve function and helps develop stronger muscles. This leads to a healthy and strong body and function.
4. Paste of tamarind seeds acts as an antidote and is used as a home remedy for insect bites and stings.
5. Individuals that suffer from thyroid disorders should include tamarind in their diet.
6. Fruit extract of tamarind is consumed because it acts as a natural blood purifier.
7. A cup of tamarind water or two tablespoons of thick tamarind paste is an excellent home remedy for an individual that has suffered mild sunstroke.
8. Powdered tamarind seeds mixed with turmeric paste are used as a treatment for inflammation and sores
9. Juice of tamarind is given to individuals with a severe hangover resulting from alcohol consumption. Intoxication from various substances can be treated because tamarind plays the role of antidote.
10. Paste made from leaves of tamarind can be applied on areas of the body to reduce swelling of joints. This paste provides much-needed relief for arthritis sufferers that are not able to move their hands, legs or shoulders because of joint pain. Paste of seeds can also be used to treat boils and sprains.
11. The fruit contains Alpha hydroxy, which is what helps prevent spots and acne.

Tamarind Paste Culinary Usage

Tamarind pulp can be used for flavoring of chutneys, curries, and the traditional sharbat syrup drink. Tamarind sweet chutney is popular as a dressing for many snacks. Tamarind can be used in savory dishes, notably meat-based stews, and can be combined with dried fruits to achieve a sweet-sour tang. In Western cuisine, it is found in Worcestershire Sauce.

You may Buy HERBRISTA Sweet Tamarind Drink

A cool tip: Tamarind juice is used to clean brass, copper and other metals. This is done to restore shine on metal. The juice when scrubbed on metal gets rid of grime, tarnish and formation of green patina.

Checkout video: How to clean a Copper Vessel without Chemical- Using Salt and Tamarind.