Tamarind - sweet, sour and healthy

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L) is primarily used for its fruits, which are eaten fresh or processed, used as a seasoning or spice. It is better known for the pod pulp (40%) which is rich in vitamin C and contains tartaric, malic, and citric acids as well as sugars, has a sweet-sour flavor and is used in drinks, sweet meats, curries, and chutneys. It is an essential ingredient in Worcestershire sauce. Pulp is the richest known natural source of tartaric acid (8 to 18%) which is the main acidulant used in the preparation of foods in India. Almost every part finds at least some use, either in textile, carpentry, nutritional or medical.

                    Tamarind seeds are flattened, glossy, and orbicular to rhomboid. They are 3-10 cm x 1.3 cm in size. They are dicotyledonous. Seeds are hard, red to purple brown in color. Seed chambers are lined with a parchment like membrane. Cotyledons are thick. Seed size varies between 320-700 g per kg of fruit. Tamarind seed consists of the seed coat or testa (20-30%) and the kernel or endosperm (70-75%).

                 

Seed portion in tamarind is about 40% of the total weight. It is a by-product of the commercial or non-commercial utilization of the tamarind fruit for various purposes. This waste product mainly from commercial utilization can serve as good source for tamarind seed. At present tamarind is cultivated in 54 countries of the world: 18 in its native range and 36 other countries where it has been introduced. The major producers for tamarind are India, Thailand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Indonesia.

Nutritional Value of Tamarind (Per 100 g)

(Source- USDA Nutrient Database)

Mineral

  • Phosphorous- 113 mg

  • Copper- 0.86 mg

  • Magnesium- 92 mg

  • Zinc- 0.10 mg

  • Calcium- 74 mg

  • Selenium- 1.3 mcg

  .  Iron- 2.8 mg

Vitamins

• Vitamin C- 3.5 mg

• Vitamin K- 2.8 mcg

• Vitamin A- 30 IU

• Vitamin E- 0.10 mg

• Riboflavin- 0.152 mg

• Pantothenic Acid- 0.143 mg

• Niacin- 1.9 mg

• Thiamine- 0.428 mg

• Folates- 14 mcg

Phyto- Nutrients

• Carotene- 18 mcg

• Lutein- Zeaxanthin- 0 mcg

• Crypto- Xanthin- 0 mcg

Electrolytes

• Potassium- 628 mg

• Sodium- 28 mg

Principle Components

• Fats- 0.6 g

• Protein- 2.8 g

• Carbohydrates- 67.5 g

• Dietary Fiber- 5.1 g

• Energy- 239 kacl

• Cholesterol- 0 mg

Health benefits of Tamarind seed

1. Arthritis 

Its anti-inflammatory property eases out joint pain, consumption of ½ a teaspoon of roasted tamarind seed powder twice a day with water boost joint lubrication which soothes pain (Hivrale et al., 2013)

2. Heart disease and blood pressure 

Dietary fat rich in linoleic acid is, apart from preventing cardiovascular disorders such as coronary heart diseases and atherosclerosis, is also associated with preventing high blood pressure (Ajayi et al., 2006).

3. Teeth

Tamarind seeds can cure all teeth related problems and clean nicotine stuck to teeth. Seed powder can be used to clean the teeth.

4. Indigestion

Tamarind seed juice is a natural remedy to cure indigestion and increase bile production. Its rich dietary fiber lowers cholesterol. This helps digestion and is a great natural appetizer. This is also useful to treat stomatitis and relieve constipation.

5. Diarrhea 

The red outer cover of the tamarind seed cures diarrhea and dysentery effectively. Xyloglucan can be used as an excellent substitute for fruit pectin and, hence, can be used as an effective remedy against diarrhea, dysentery and colitis (Mishra and Malhotra, 2009; Rama Rao,1975, Jayaweera, 1981).

6. Cancer

Sticky tamarind seed juice can treat and protect from colon cancer. Antitumor activity and immune modulatory activity of tamarind seeds prevent the cancer evocation in the body. Seed extract decreases oxidative stress makers and delays the progress of renal cell carcinoma or decrease its incidence.

7. Immunity booster

Tamarind seeds contain immunity boosting properties and can protect from many diseases and disorders. TSP prophylactically enhanced haemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets. The increased expressions of CD4+ and CD8+ cells suggested a strong predominance of TH1 cytokine producing T cells on treatment with TSP (Aravind et al., 2012).

8. Antibacterial activity

Tamarind seed has antibacterial benefit that can protect from pneumonia-causing bacteria, Typhus and Staphylococcus aureus. This also protects from a bacterium that causes skin infections as well as intestinal and urinary

9. Tract infections

Protection against LDL oxidation and DNA damage Methanolic extract from seed coat of Tamarindus indica L. containing polyphenol, procyanidins, epicatechin shows protective effect against Cu2+-induced human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and oxidative damage of plasmid DNA. Hence, seed coat extract may be useful for preventing LDL oxidation and DNA damage (Suksomtip and Pongsamart, 2008). 

10. Cough, Tonsils and Throat Infections

Tamarind seed juice can be a good mouth wash. Gargling with this may live relief from sore throat. It can be mixed with ginger and cinnamon to treat tonsils, pharyngitis, cold, cough, and other throat infections.

11. Diabetes 

Tamarind seed lowers blood sugar levels. This protects the pancreas, which increases the size of insulin-producing cells. Extract reduces the body weight and adiposity along with an improvement in insulin resistance index.

12. Ophthalmic health

Tamarind seed extract or juice can be put in eyes to moisturize. The juice can be heated and applied to cure conjunctivitis. Tamarind seed contains polysaccharides that have adhesive properties to stick to the eye surface and help to keep them moist.

13. Skin health

Tamarind seed extracts are beneficial for skin care. Tamarind seed boosts skin elasticity, provides hydration and smoothness. This contains hyaluronic acid that helps in skin moisturization and smoothes fine lines and wrinkles. Tamarind seed is water-soluble, hence it is used for serums, gels, facial toners, moisturizers and masks. This also acts as an anti-aging formula.