Controlling cholesterol to promote digestion; benefits of tamarind

Digital Desk: The tamarind tree, which is native to Africa but also grows in other tropical areas like India, produces tamarinds, a type of tropical fruit. The tamarind tree produces pods that resemble beans and are filled with seeds and fibrous pulp. The pulp of these pods ripens into a paste-like consistency and develops a sweet-sour flavor.

Tamarind is usually purchased as a paste or a purée, but it is also available in the form of raw pods, a pressed block, and tamarind concentrate. Tamarind is best known for its use in Asian, Mexican, and Caribbean cuisines. Tamarind contains many nutritional benefits.

Here are some of the health benefits of tamarind

A rich source of antioxidants

Several phytonutrients included in tamarind pulp act as strong dietary antioxidants and can improve the effectiveness of the body's natural immune defenses. To lessen the inflammatory effects of oxidative stress, antioxidants are required.

May have anticancer properties

In an animal study conducted in 2014, tamarind seed extract decreased oxidative stress indicators while also delaying the progression of renal cell carcinoma. This is due to the tamarind seed extract's antioxidant action, which also has the ability to disrupt cancer-related signal pathways and induce antioxidant enzymes.

May improve heart health and cholesterol

Tamarind has been shown to raise HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol, hence reducing the risk of atherosclerosis. Tamarind is also rich in polyphenols and flavonoids. Additionally, it was discovered that the dried pulp had hypotensive properties that lowered diastolic blood pressure.

Offers liver protective benefits

Hepatosteatosis, or fatty liver disease, is on the rise in the West, and tamarind fruit extract has been found to have liver-protective properties because it contains procyanidins, an antioxidant that fights free radical damage.

Provides natural antimicrobial benefits

Tamarind extract contains natural substances that may be utilized as a natural antibacterial agent against pathogenic germs. Particularly, lupeol, a substance, has been recognized for its antibacterial characteristics.

May offer anti-diabetic effects

Tamarind seed extract's anti-inflammatory properties have been demonstrated to provide potential protective advantages and enhance blood sugar control in diabetics.