Shiny black colored seeds are always ignored when we enjoy the tangy tamarind. For most of us, those seeds are just a distraction from the sweet but tart taste of tamarind. But, wait. The nutritional value of tamarind seeds will convince you otherwise. Tamarind seeds are high in proteins, fatty acids, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, and many more nutrients. And the seed coat is rich in fiber. Being rich in protein, it can be used to address protein malnutrition. You can make use of their nutritional benefits for better health. Here are a few health benefits of tamarind seeds you didn’t know.
1. Ease Arthritis
Suffering from joint pain? Believe it or not, tamarind seeds can give you relief from the symptoms of arthritis. The anti-arthritic efficacy of tamarind seed has been proved in a research study. The tamarind seed extract can alleviate arthritis-mediated cartilage/bone degradation and inflammation. The tamarind seeds could you protect cartilage and bone, inhibiting the enzymes that cause arthritis.1 Drinking ½ a teaspoon of roasted tamarind seed powder twice a day with water can improve your joint lubrication, which in turn, relieves the pain.
2. Fight Diabetes
Tamarind seeds can be one way to fight this worldwide epidemic. It can help you lower blood glucose level. It is found that the anti-inflammatory action of tamarind seeds on cytokines contributes toward its antidiabetic activity.2 It also helps you lose weight, thus, avoiding a risk factor for diabetes.
3. Boost Immunity
Tamarind seeds help you produce more of hemoglobin, platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells. Thus, its immune boosting properties could save you from infections, disorders, and diseases. With its antibacterial activity, you are protected from pneumonia-causing bacteria, Typhus and Staphylococcus aureus.
4. Treat Indigestion
Tamarind seed juice is known as a natural remedy to treat indigestion. The dietary fiber content in the seed can lower cholesterol and increase bile production. This will help your digestion. This is also used to relieve constipation, bloating, lack of appetite, and stomatitis.
5. Promote Oral Health
Surprised? It is a good replacement for your toothpaste. Tamarind seed powder can be used to clean your teeth. It can clean up the nicotine stain stuck to your tooth.3 Additionally, tamarind seed juice can be a good mouthwash to take care of all your dental problems.
6. Treat A Sore Throat
Next time when you have a throat infection, try this natural remedy. Gargle with tamarind seed juice to get relief from a sore throat. Another option is to mix it with ginger and cinnamon and use it to treat your tonsils, cough, and cold.4
7. Takes Care Of Your Eyes
The moisturizing effect of tamarind seed extract or juice will be useful to keep your eyes moist. The adhesive properties of polysaccharides in the tamarind seed makes this possible. If you slightly heat the juice, you can apply to treat conjunctivitis.
8. Prevent Cancer
Preliminary research suggests that seed extract decreases oxidative stress markers. And the antitumor activity of tamarind seed will be able to prevent cancer evocation in the body. It is also found that seed extract can delay the progress of renal cell carcinoma or decrease its incidence.5However, more research is needed in this area.
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