The Benefits of Lychee

With an inedible seed, the lychee is a fruit, rather than a nut.

With an inedible seed, the lychee is a fruit, rather than a nut.

The lychee is sometimes called a nut due to its firm shell, but it is actually a fruit. The seed of the lychee is inedible. The plant is highly esteemed in China, with dozens of varieties named after prominent Chinese families. The lychee can be round, egg-shaped or heart-shaped, with a variety of textures, fragrances, flavors and colors. It's a nutritious fruit, raw or dried, but the high sugar content of dried lychee may make it undesirable to diabetics or people on restricted-calorie diets.

Nutrition Basics

A 1-cup serving of fresh, raw lychees, has 126 calories with about a gram of fat and protein and 2.5 grams of fiber. Its sugar content is rather high, with 28 grams of natural sugar, about the same amount as in 1.5 cups of sweet cherries. Because the water is removed during the dehydration process, concentrating all of the remaining components, dried lychee is significantly higher in sugar and calories. One 1/2-cup serving has 263 calories and 63 grams of sugar, but it also provides 3.6 grams of protein and 4.4 grams of fiber.

Vitamins

Raw lychee fruit is rich in vitamin C. Each cup provides more than 100 percent of the vitamin C the Institute of Medicine recommends you get each day. One serving also gives you small amounts of folate, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin B-6, providing antioxidant benefits, immune system support, healthy metabolism, nerve function, heart and brain health. Dried lychee offers more than twice as much of these nutrients, per gram.

Minerals

Lychee fruit is a good source of potassium, a mineral that works with sodium to maintain a healthy balance of water in your body, keeping your blood pressure at a safe level. Although a cup of raw lychee has 324 milligrams of potassium, giving you less than 10 percent of your recommended daily intake, half as much dried lychee provides 1,054 milligrams of that nutrient, nearly a third of your daily value. It also provides 1.62 milligrams of iron, 40 milligrams of magnesium and 172 milligrams of phosphorous, giving you 20 to 30 percent of your RDI for each of those minerals.

Proanthocyanidins

Lychees contain powerful antioxidant properties, according to researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Guangzhou, China who published a study in the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry" in 2010. They reported that some proanthocyanidins in lychee fruit appear to have more antioxidant potency than L-ascorbic acid, or vitamin C. They also found that litchitannin A2, a compound in lychees, exhibited antiviral activity against viral infections such as coxsackie virus and herpes simplex virus.

With an inedible seed, the lychee is a fruit, rather than a nut.

With an inedible seed, the lychee is a fruit, rather than a nut.

The lychee is sometimes called a nut due to its firm shell, but it is actually a fruit. The seed of the lychee is inedible. The plant is highly esteemed in China, with dozens of varieties named after prominent Chinese families. The lychee can be round, egg-shaped or heart-shaped, with a variety of textures, fragrances, flavors and colors. It's a nutritious fruit, raw or dried, but the high sugar content of dried lychee may make it undesirable to diabetics or people on restricted-calorie diets.

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Nutrition Basics

A 1-cup serving of fresh, raw lychees, has 126 calories with about a gram of fat and protein and 2.5 grams of fiber. Its sugar content is rather high, with 28 grams of natural sugar, about the same amount as in 1.5 cups of sweet cherries. Because the water is removed during the dehydration process, concentrating all of the remaining components, dried lychee is significantly higher in sugar and calories. One 1/2-cup serving has 263 calories and 63 grams of sugar, but it also provides 3.6 grams of protein and 4.4 grams of fiber.

Vitamins

Raw lychee fruit is rich in vitamin C. Each cup provides more than 100 percent of the vitamin C the Institute of Medicine recommends you get each day. One serving also gives you small amounts of folate, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin B-6, providing antioxidant benefits, immune system support, healthy metabolism, nerve function, heart and brain health. Dried lychee offers more than twice as much of these nutrients, per gram.

Minerals

Lychee fruit is a good source of potassium, a mineral that works with sodium to maintain a healthy balance of water in your body, keeping your blood pressure at a safe level. Although a cup of raw lychee has 324 milligrams of potassium, giving you less than 10 percent of your recommended daily intake, half as much dried lychee provides 1,054 milligrams of that nutrient, nearly a third of your daily value. It also provides 1.62 milligrams of iron, 40 milligrams of magnesium and 172 milligrams of phosphorous, giving you 20 to 30 percent of your RDI for each of those minerals.

Proanthocyanidins

Lychees contain powerful antioxidant properties, according to researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Guangzhou, China who published a study in the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry" in 2010. They reported that some proanthocyanidins in lychee fruit appear to have more antioxidant potency than L-ascorbic acid, or vitamin C. They also found that litchitannin A2, a compound in lychees, exhibited antiviral activity against viral infections such as coxsackie virus and herpes simplex virus.

Benefits of Juicing Watermelon

Benefits of Juicing Watermelon
A glass of watermelon juice. Photo Credit utah778/iStock/Getty Images

Watermelon has been used for ages in folk medicine, and now current research shows it can also protect the liver, heal muscles and provide other health benefits. When you juice watermelon, you get a concentrated source of its beneficial properties.

Increased Nutrient Consumption

Elson Haas, M.D., author of "The Detox Diet" notes fresh juices are an excellent delivery system for many vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. When juiced, fruits like watermelon are broken down and compacted to allow increased consumption, thereby providing more nutrients that when eaten in solid form. Vitamins and minerals in watermelon include potassium, B vitamins, vitamin A as beta carotene. Watermelon also contains antioxidants, including lycopene, which may help reduce the risk of some cancers.

Liver Protection

A study published in September 2011 in "Food and Chemical Toxicology" studied watermelon juice's potential therapeutic effects on the liver. In the lab, administration of watermelon juice lessened liver damage from exposure to carbon tetrachloride. This toxic chemical is found in the air and industrial products, and it is known to damage the kidneys, liver and brain. The study concluded there is evidence to support use of watermelon juice to combat liver damage from carbon tetrachloride.

Muscle Soreness Relief and Recovery

Another study, this one from the August 2013 issue of "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry" showed watermelon may reduce muscle soreness and heart rate recovery in athletes. The study's authors note l-citrulline, an amino acid in watermelon, is effective in reducing muscle soreness, and the study used both watermelon juice and l-citrulline itself. The study found l-citrulline was absorbed better when in watermelon than alone and concluded watermelon juice is effective in reducing muscle soreness and heart rate recovery

Benefits of Juicing Watermelon
A glass of watermelon juice. Photo Credit utah778/iStock/Getty Images

Watermelon has been used for ages in folk medicine, and now current research shows it can also protect the liver, heal muscles and provide other health benefits. When you juice watermelon, you get a concentrated source of its beneficial properties.

Increased Nutrient Consumption

Elson Haas, M.D., author of "The Detox Diet" notes fresh juices are an excellent delivery system for many vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. When juiced, fruits like watermelon are broken down and compacted to allow increased consumption, thereby providing more nutrients that when eaten in solid form. Vitamins and minerals in watermelon include potassium, B vitamins, vitamin A as beta carotene. Watermelon also contains antioxidants, including lycopene, which may help reduce the risk of some cancers.

Liver Protection

A study published in September 2011 in "Food and Chemical Toxicology" studied watermelon juice's potential therapeutic effects on the liver. In the lab, administration of watermelon juice lessened liver damage from exposure to carbon tetrachloride. This toxic chemical is found in the air and industrial products, and it is known to damage the kidneys, liver and brain. The study concluded there is evidence to support use of watermelon juice to combat liver damage from carbon tetrachloride.

What Are the Wonder Health Benefits of Drinking Apple Juice

How apple juice is good for health?

Everybody is familiar with the fact that “An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away”. This precise statement shows the relevance and significance of eating apple and drinking apple juice. Apple juice promotes healthy body due to its enough power packed disease fighting vitamins. Apple juice is associated with important phytonutrients, which counter many health hazards like cancer, asthma, cardiovascular disease and blood pressure. Because of its antioxidants content, it reduces the risk of many chronic diseases. Apple is the richest source of phenolic compounds, which directly absorbed into the blood stream.Health Benefits of Apple Juice

Apple juice is the wonderful healthiest juice to keep you away from diseases and ailments. Apple is grown across the world and equally cherish by the people due to its delicious, enriched nutrient facts and incredible health benefits.

Top 10 surprising benefits of Apple juice

1. Apple juice for glowing skin

Apple juice is highly beneficial for skin related problems and hair. Apple juice can be used as home remedy to treat skin problems such as inflammation, itching, cracked skin, pimples, acne, and wrinkles. Apple juice is good against dandruff. Application of apple juice over the scalp followed by washing it after few minutes is good in dandruff prevention. Raw apple juice contains enough amount of vitamin C, which keeps your ligaments, tendons and skin healthy by producing collagen

2. Apple juice for diabetes prevention

Drinking of apple juice is linked with lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes. The presence of phyto-chemicals in apple is good in blood sugar regulation. These phenolic compounds stimulate the beta cells in the pancreas to secrete more insulin and helps in absorption of glucose from the digestive tract. Apple, especially the green one is good for diabetes due to its rich fiber content.

3. Apple juice for weight loss

Apple juice has low calorific value. Apple juice has low amount of sodium that helps to release excess water from the body. Presence of extra water in the body also gives the impression of heaviness and obese. Apple juice is full of fiber that makes your stomach full and discourages you from overeating.

4. Apple juice is good for heart

Apple juice is loaded with antioxidants. It is having important bio-chemical compounds such as polyphenols and flavonoids. These compounds are good in promoting heart health. Potassium is also seen with these products and good for heart. Potassium controls heart’s electrical activity and manages the acid-base ratio. One cup of apple juice provides more Potassium than the body’s daily requirement. Drinking of apple juice is also linked with decreased risk of stroke. Regular drinking of apple juice prevents the hardening of arteries due to rich amount of vitamin C. Apple juice helps to reduce cholesterol levels in the body thereby save you from many cardiac problems. Drinking apple juice every day is enabled you developing resistance against many diseases.

5. Apple juice for asthma prevention

Apple juice is loaded with flavonoids, which is effective in prevention of asthma attacks. This anti-oxidant makes your lungs function smooth. In a recent research, it has found that the positive association between lungs function and super antioxidant flavonoids. The drinking of apple juice regularly reduces the risk of developing asthma by 30-40 per cent. Asthma patients who drinks apple juice regularly, experiences less wheezing and asthma attack due to high amount of vitamin C and profuse antioxidants.

6. Apple juice for liver health

Apple juice due to its alkaline nature helps to flush out toxins and waste products from the body. It is good in maintain the pH level of the body. Apple skin contains pectin, which is beneficial in smooth function of the digestive system. Thus apple juice acts like as liver cleanser.

7. Apple juice prevents cancer

Apple juice helps to combat cancer, especially the lung cancer and colon cancer. The super anti oxidants like flavonoids and phenolic acids in apple are helpful in prevention of cancer. Apple is linked to antimutagenic activity, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory mechanisms and antiproliferative. It also prevents cancer like skin and mammary. Apple juice along with peel offers more cancer benefits because quercetin content is more abundant in the peel, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research.

8. Apple juice improves immunity

Apple juice has the adequate amount of vitamin C, which boosts your immunity thereby prevents you from many diseases caused by virus and bacteria. The presence of vitamin C and iron is also effective in making your bones stronger.

9. Apple juice cures constipation

Apple juice should be taken by person who is experiencing constipation problems. Apple juice contains sorbitol, which helps to extract water from the large intestine into colon thus facilitate easy passes of stool. To have the better benefits of it, take one glass of apple juice daily.  Apple contains a natural laxative. When its juice are taken, ensures the bowel movement and improves the intestinal power to push water through the gastrointestinal tract. Bowel movement also reduces the chances of colon cancer.

10. Apple’s nutrition facts

Apple’s maximum nutrients are found on the skin or just below the skin. Apple has the adequate amount of pectin and fiber. Apple juice has the good amount of vitamin A, C and B6. Drinking a cup of apple juice means taking 10 different types of vitamins at a time. The juice also contains important minerals like calcium, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, manganese and iron. Apple juice has multiples phytonutrients such as ellagic acid, malic acid, chlorogenic acid, and quercetin. It is low in sodium and contains no fat and cholesterol.

How apple juice is good for health?

Everybody is familiar with the fact that “An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away”. This precise statement shows the relevance and significance of eating apple and drinking apple juice. Apple juice promotes healthy body due to its enough power packed disease fighting vitamins. Apple juice is associated with important phytonutrients, which counter many health hazards like cancer, asthma, cardiovascular disease and blood pressure. Because of its antioxidants content, it reduces the risk of many chronic diseases. Apple is the richest source of phenolic compounds, which directly absorbed into the blood stream.Health Benefits of Apple JuiceApple juice with 3apples“. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

Apple juice is the wonderful healthiest juice to keep you away from diseases and ailments. Apple is grown across the world and equally cherish by the people due to its delicious, enriched nutrient facts and incredible health benefits.

Top 10 surprising benefits of Apple juice

1. Apple juice for glowing skin

Apple juice is highly beneficial for skin related problems and hair. Apple juice can be used as home remedy to treat skin problems such as inflammation, itching, cracked skin, pimples, acne, and wrinkles. Apple juice is good against dandruff. Application of apple juice over the scalp followed by washing it after few minutes is good in dandruff prevention. Raw apple juice contains enough amount of vitamin C, which keeps your ligaments, tendons and skin healthy by producing collagen

2. Apple juice for diabetes prevention

Drinking of apple juice is linked with lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes. The presence of phyto-chemicals in apple is good in blood sugar regulation. These phenolic compounds stimulate the beta cells in the pancreas to secrete more insulin and helps in absorption of glucose from the digestive tract. Apple, especially the green one is good for diabetes due to its rich fiber content.

3. Apple juice for weight loss

Apple juice has low calorific value. Apple juice has low amount of sodium that helps to release excess water from the body. Presence of extra water in the body also gives the impression of heaviness and obese. Apple juice is full of fiber that makes your stomach full and discourages you from overeating.

4. Apple juice is good for heart

Apple juice is loaded with antioxidants. It is having important bio-chemical compounds such as polyphenols and flavonoids. These compounds are good in promoting heart health. Potassium is also seen with these products and good for heart. Potassium controls heart’s electrical activity and manages the acid-base ratio. One cup of apple juice provides more Potassium than the body’s daily requirement. Drinking of apple juice is also linked with decreased risk of stroke. Regular drinking of apple juice prevents the hardening of arteries due to rich amount of vitamin C. Apple juice helps to reduce cholesterol levels in the body thereby save you from many cardiac problems. Drinking apple juice every day is enabled you developing resistance against many diseases.

5. Apple juice for asthma prevention

Apple juice is loaded with flavonoids, which is effective in prevention of asthma attacks. This anti-oxidant makes your lungs function smooth. In a recent research, it has found that the positive association between lungs function and super antioxidant flavonoids. The drinking of apple juice regularly reduces the risk of developing asthma by 30-40 per cent. Asthma patients who drinks apple juice regularly, experiences less wheezing and asthma attack due to high amount of vitamin C and profuse antioxidants.

6. Apple juice for liver health

Apple juice due to its alkaline nature helps to flush out toxins and waste products from the body. It is good in maintain the pH level of the body. Apple skin contains pectin, which is beneficial in smooth function of the digestive system. Thus apple juice acts like as liver cleanser.

7. Apple juice prevents cancer

Apple juice helps to combat cancer, especially the lung cancer and colon cancer. The super anti oxidants like flavonoids and phenolic acids in apple are helpful in prevention of cancer. Apple is linked to antimutagenic activity, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory mechanisms and antiproliferative. It also prevents cancer like skin and mammary. Apple juice along with peel offers more cancer benefits because quercetin content is more abundant in the peel, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research.

8. Apple juice improves immunity

Apple juice has the adequate amount of vitamin C, which boosts your immunity thereby prevents you from many diseases caused by virus and bacteria. The presence of vitamin C and iron is also effective in making your bones stronger.

9. Apple juice cures constipation

Apple juice should be taken by person who is experiencing constipation problems. Apple juice contains sorbitol, which helps to extract water from the large intestine into colon thus facilitate easy passes of stool. To have the better benefits of it, take one glass of apple juice daily.  Apple contains a natural laxative. When its juice are taken, ensures the bowel movement and improves the intestinal power to push water through the gastrointestinal tract. Bowel movement also reduces the chances of colon cancer.

10. Apple’s nutrition facts

Apple’s maximum nutrients are found on the skin or just below the skin. Apple has the adequate amount of pectin and fiber. Apple juice has the good amount of vitamin A, C and B6. Drinking a cup of apple juice means taking 10 different types of vitamins at a time. The juice also contains important minerals like calcium, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, manganese and iron. Apple juice has multiples phytonutrients such as ellagic acid, malic acid, chlorogenic acid, and quercetin. It is low in sodium and contains no fat and cholesterol.

Pineapple health benefits – Fruit with a Crown

Pineapple health benefits

Pineapple Health Benefits

 

Pineapples, another marvellous discovery of Christopher Columbus are counted among extravagant and exotic fruits. The exceptional juicy nature and the tropical flavour of the pineapples balance the taste of this fruit between tart and sweet. Pineapples are the result of fusion of individual fruitlets which fuse around the core in the centre. Pineapple, unlike other fruits is always ripened on the plant only. Once the pineapple is plucked, the taste of the pineapple remains same and no artificial ripening method can change it. Pineapple health benefits are numerous. Few of them are discussed below:

  1. Boost the immune system: pineapples help in boosting the body’s immunity against several infections as it works towards building a strong immune system. Since pineapples are very rich in Vitamin C which is also known as anti-oxidant vitamin, it improves the efficiency of immune system. Collagen synthesis in body is also dependent on Vitamin C. collagen acts as a structural protein for skin, bones, blood vessels and other organs.
  2. Strong bones: pineapple health benefits also include its impact on our skeleton system. Manganese present in pineapples is vital for the development of healthy bones. Pineapples are help in strengthening of connective tissues. Manganese is also required for production of energy, synthesis of fatty foods. A cup of pineapple juice is essential to maintain healthy bones.
  3. Diabetic helps: people suffering from diabetes can find some relief with this sweet fruit. Pineapple health benefits for diabetic people are that they can relish the sweet taste of this fruit and not worrying for the calories all the time. There is no spike in the level of blood sugar after consumption of pineapples.
  4.  Macular degeneration: macular degeneration is condition in which retina gets damaged which gradually leads to vision loss. Including pineapple in daily diet helps preventing the macular degeneration. The beta-carotene present in pineapple helps in improving the sight.
  5. Anti-inflammatory effect: pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which functions by reducing the pain, swelling and healing time. Pineapple consumption helps in fighting against worm infestation and arthritis.  Bromelain help in digesting the proteins and work as a detoxifier.
  6. Eat pineapple for healthy gums: gums hold the teeth together and pineapple helps in keeping the gums strong. The acidic nature of pineapple also prevents the growth of bacteria.
  7. Fertility: pineapple has become important fruit for maintaining the fertility of both males and females. This is because of the anti-oxidants like Vitamin C, Beta carotene, minerals like zinc; copper and folate prevent the damage caused to the reproductive system by free radicals.
  8. Prevents against the cancer: as well know now that how important is it to include the pineapples in our daily diet because of its strong anti—oxidant properties. The anti-oxidant properties of pineapple also help by reducing the risk of cancer by removing the free radicals.
  9. Prevents from hyper tension and controls the blood pressure: a pineapple rich diet means a diet rich in potassium and low on sodium. Thus pineapple health benefits also include maintaining the blood pressure at optimum level as well as preventing from hypertension.
  10. Younger looking skin: want to look young? Well, including pineapples in your diet may fulfil your wish. It stimulates the synthesis of collagen which keeps the skin flexible and firm. The vitamin C and amino acids presence in pineapples repairs the damaged tissue and cells.
  11.  Formation of mucous:  if you are suffering from accumulation of mucous in throats, try pineapple juice. Pineapple juice helps in clearing out the throat and preventing the accumulation of mucous. The Vitamin C in pineapple helps in clearing the lungs also.

Coconut Juice Benefits

Coconut Juice Benefits
A coconut drink on a sandy beach. Photo Credit shalamov/iStock/Getty Images

Coconut juice comes from the belly of young coconuts. Sometimes referred to as coconut water, coconut juice provides an impressive amount of nutrition and benefits your overall health. The best source of coconut juice is young coconuts. In the packaged varieties, pasteurization kills harmful microorganisms and helps preserve the coconut juice, but it also destroys many of the health properties and essential enzymes.

Nutritional Benefits

A 1-cup serving of raw coconut juice contains 46 calories, less than 1/2 gram of fat and 2.6 grams of fiber. Not only is this a low-calorie, low-fat beverage, but it also provides important electrolytes, such as 600 milligrams of potassium and 252 milligrams of sodium. For optimum bone health and muscle recovery, you get 58 milligrams of calcium and 60 milligrams of magnesium.

B Vitamins and Bioactive Enzymes

Coconut water contains water-soluble vitamins B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5, B-6, B-7 and B-9 that act as coenzymes essential for cellular function. The bioactive enzymes such as acid phosphatase, catalase, dehydrogenase, diastase, peroxidase and RNA-polymerases in coconut juice aid your body with digestion and metabolism.

 

High in Cytokinins

A study published by "Molecules" in 2009 uncovered the chemical composition and biological properties of raw coconut water. Of particular interest are the cytokinins, which are responsible for cell division and rapid growth. One particular cytokinin, called kinetin, had anti-aging effects on human skin cells and increased the life span of fruit flies. Another study published in the journal "Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology and Endodontology" in 2008 demonstrated the benefits of cytokinins for preserving avulsed teeth, which is good to know if you ever lose a tooth unintentionally.

 

Post-Workout Hydration and Recovery

One of the main advantages of coconut juice is its ability to help your body recover after working out or excessively sweating. The "Journal of Biological and Chemical Research" published a report in 2013 on the health benefits of coconut in Asian cuisine. The report refers to coconut water as a natural energy or sports drink. This is, no doubt, due to the beverage's high electrolyte, magnesium and calcium content. The small amount of sugar in coconut water is necessary to help your muscles recover after a strenuous workout.

Coconut Juice Benefits
A coconut drink on a sandy beach. Photo Credit shalamov/iStock/Getty Images

Coconut juice comes from the belly of young coconuts. Sometimes referred to as coconut water, coconut juice provides an impressive amount of nutrition and benefits your overall health. The best source of coconut juice is young coconuts. In the packaged varieties, pasteurization kills harmful microorganisms and helps preserve the coconut juice, but it also destroys many of the health properties and essential enzymes.

Nutritional Benefits

A 1-cup serving of raw coconut juice contains 46 calories, less than 1/2 gram of fat and 2.6 grams of fiber. Not only is this a low-calorie, low-fat beverage, but it also provides important electrolytes, such as 600 milligrams of potassium and 252 milligrams of sodium. For optimum bone health and muscle recovery, you get 58 milligrams of calcium and 60 milligrams of magnesium.

B Vitamins and Bioactive Enzymes

Coconut water contains water-soluble vitamins B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5, B-6, B-7 and B-9 that act as coenzymes essential for cellular function. The bioactive enzymes such as acid phosphatase, catalase, dehydrogenase, diastase, peroxidase and RNA-polymerases in coconut juice aid your body with digestion and metabolism.

The health benefits of tamarind have been well-studied and include the ability to reduce inflammation throughout the body, improve eye health, boost respiratory health, heal skin conditions, improve the digestive system, relieve pain, increase the strength of the immune system, reduce fever, lower cholesterol to improve cardiovascular health, treat piles, prevent cancer, and even protect children against parasites and worms.

Tamarind is a delicious, sweet fruit that has a wide variety of uses and applications, both for medicinal and culinary purposes. It is a medium-sized bushy tree with evergreen leaves and fruit that develops in pods characterized by long, brown shells. Inside is a sticky, fleshy, juicy pulp, which is the tamarind fruit. This is where the nutrition and taste reside! It is both sweet and sour in taste, and people tend to either immediately like it or have a natural disposition against it!

It is a member of the Fabaceae family, and its full scientific name is Tamarindus indica. The tamarind tree is indigenous to tropical regions of Africa, particularly the Sudan, but its cultivation has since spread to almost all tropical areas of the world, since it is such a useful and desirable source of nutrition and unique flavors. It has been cultivated for thousands of years, and likely made its way to Asia about 5,000 years ago. It wasn’t until 500 years ago that it made its way to the Americas via Spanish explorers, and South America and Mexico remain both the largest consumers and producers of tamarind in the world.

It can be consumed as a raw fruit, added to desserts once it is fully ripe, or it can be dried and ground into a spice. It is often used in jams and sauces, and is even dried and processed into candy in some parts of the world. It is a normal ingredient in soups and various dishes throughout Asia and South America, owing to the wealth of health benefits this unassuming little seed pod contains. Let’s find out more about what components make tamarind such a powerful and essential part of your diet!

Nutritional Value of Tamarind

Tamarind is such a valuable commodity in the world because of its many nutritional components that add to its healthy impact. These include a significant level of vitamin C, as well as vitamin E, B vitamins, calcium, iron, phosphorous, potassium, manganese, and dietary fiber. There are also a number of organic compounds that make tamarind a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. The health benefits of tamarind are explained in greater detail below.

Health Benefits of Tamarind

Digestive Health: Tamarind has long been considered a natural laxative, and its dietary fiber content probably has something to do with it. Eating tamarind as a fruit or as a spice can increase the efficiency of your digestive system, while the fiber can bulk up your stool, making it move through the smooth muscles of the intestinal tract easier. Tamarind is also a bilious substance, meaning that stimulates the activity of bile, which can help dissolve food faster, and the fiber also stimulates gastric juices to speed up digestion. All of this together means that things run through your digestive tract faster, making it a powerful laxative if you are suffering from chronic constipation. Oddly enough, the fiber can also reduce loose stool, and studies have shown tamarind to be effective against chronic diarrhea as well!

TamarindHeart Health: Studies done on tamarind have shown it to be effective in reducing blood pressure and blood cholesterol. The fiber content in tamarind certainly has something to do with the reduction in cholesterol, since it is known to scrap excess LDL cholesterol from the veins and arteries. The potassium in tamarind may be responsible for the reduction in blood pressure, since it is known as a vasodilator that reduces the stress on the cardiovascular system. The impressive level of vitamin C in tamarind also may have something to do with it as well, since vitamin C is an antioxidant compound that can reduce the impact of free radicals, those pesky byproducts of cellular metabolism that have been linked to heart disease and a number of other health conditions.

Circulation: Tamarind is a very good source of iron, and a single serving can provide more than 10% of your daily requirement. A healthy supply of iron in the body guarantees the proper red blood cell count in the body, which can ensure appropriate oxygenation of different muscles and organs that need oxygen to function properly. Also, iron deficiency results in anemia, which is characterized by weakness, fatigue, headaches, cognitive disorders, and stomach issues. So, eat plenty of tamarind to keep anemia at bay!

Nerve Function: One of the most significant vitamin elements of tamarind is the B complex. Thiamine, one of the most important parts of that vitamin family, is found in high quantities within tamarind. Thiamine is responsible for improving nerve function, as well as muscle development, which can help you remain active, maintain your reflexive, and stay strong.

Weight Loss: One of the unique compounds that can be extracted from tamarinds or gained as a benefit from it when used as a spice is called hydroxycitric acid (HCA). HCA is connected to weight loss because it has been shown to inhibit an enzyme in the body that specifically helps store fat. Furthermore, tamarind has been known to suppress the appetite by increasing the serotonin neurotransmitter. Research is still ongoing in these respective areas, but it shows promising signs as a weight loss supplement!

Manage Diabetes: Along with its ability to stop weight gain, inhibiting that enzyme, alpha-amylase mainly stops carbohydrates from being absorbed, which are easily converted to simple sugars or fats. A carbohydrate-heavy diet can increase the chances of uncontrolled glucose and insulin levels, which is the biggest problems for people suffering from diabetes. Tamarind can help monitor and control these fluctuations.

tamarindinfo

Anti-Inflammatory Capacity: The essential oils of tamarind have been connected to a number of anti-inflammatory abilities, including the reduction of joint pain and inflammation, arthritis, rheumatic conditions, and gout. It also reduces eye irritation. One of the most common forms of this is conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. Tamarind has shown a definite soothing and anti-inflammatory ability, and is therefore used in many herbal remedies for inflammation.

Immune System: High levels of vitamin C, as well as other antioxidant effects in the essential oils make tamarind a wonderful way to boost your immune system and ensure long-term health from microbial and fungal infections. It also reduces the occurrence of parasites in the body due to its antiseptic andantimicrobial effects. It has specifically been linked to eliminating stomach worms in children in tropical areas where tamarind in cultivated.

A Few Words of Caution: The main concern is that tamarind lowers blood pressure and is a blood thinner, so it can be difficult to reduce bleeding in case something happens. If you are taking aspirin or other blood thinners, be careful if you ingest an excessive amount of tamarind.