The tamarind fruit is a long 12-15 cm brown pod. Inside the pod of the tamarind is a soft, brown pulp with shiny black seeds. It is this pulp that people eat to get all the nutritional and health benefits of the tamarind.

Initially it has sour taste, but it gets sweeter as it ripens. Tamarind is a rich source of vitamins (vitamin C and vitamin , fiber, calcium, magnesium, potassium and other nutrients.

Tamarind is used in Indian Ayurvedic Medicine. It has been found to treat gastric and/or digestion problems effectively.

Tamarind contains antioxidants like carotene, vitamin C, and flavonoids. Another powerful antioxidant which is responsible for the sour taste of tamarind is tartaric acid. These antioxidants protect the body against cancer and the damaging effects of free radicals.

The juice of tamarind act as a mild laxative. Tamarind pulp is a rich source of dietary fiber. The dietary fibers augment bowel movements and prevent constipation. 100 gm of tamarind fruit pulp provides around 13 percent of the daily value for dietary fiber. The fiber attaches to the toxins in the food and offers protection to the mucous membrane of the colon against harmful chemicals. You can take one or two tablespoons of tamarind in the evening or drink a glass of tamarind juice at night before you go to sleep. To make the juice, soak the tamarind pulp in water for an hour and then puree the pulp using a fork. Mix it with water and drink.

Tamarind helps in the lowering of the blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels in the body, according to animal studies. The dietary fibers present in the pulp get attached to bile salts (produced from cholesterol) and diminish their re-absorption in the colon. This helps in the elimination of the “bad” LDL cholesterol from the body. However, human clinical trials are needed before it can be recommended for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) or diabetes.

Tamarind fruit pulp is a rich source of potassium. Potassium aids in the regulation of heart rate and blood pressure by controlling the effects of sodium in the body. This helps promote a healthy heart.

Tamarind can lead to the healing of inflammations. Various combinations of the pulp, leaves and flowers, when applied on painful and swollen joints, can ease discomfort to a large extent.

Tamarind aids in the digestion of food. However, people who have digestive problems associated with acid reflux should avoid it. For those who suffer from loss of appetite, tamarind fruit drink works as a great appetite stimulant. To create a tamarind fruit drink, mix the pulp with a little water and combine it with black pepper, cloves and cardamom.

Tamarind fruit, being an extremely rich source of vitamin C, helps strengthen the immune system and protect the body against cold. It prevents scurvy (characterized by bleeding gums, loosened teeth and anemia caused by a lack of vitamin C).It also serves as a good cure to reduce fevers. Dilute the tamarind fruit pulp in water and add half a teaspoon of pepper and salt to taste. Drink it hot to get the benefits.

Tamarind pulp in the diluted form, can be used to help get rid of stomach worms and other intestinal parasites in young children.

Tamarind in your diet may delay the progression of fluorosis (bone and dental disease caused by excessive consumption of fluoride)

Gargling tamarind fruit boiled in water provides relief from a sore throat.

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