Tamarind is very popular in India and is used in many of the dishes prepared here. The seeds of tamarind are roasted and used as snack in the rural areas of India. Tamarind is mostly available in the dry season and its seed is a rich source of magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, Vitamin C and amino acids. It is black in color, with a shiny coat. Tamarind Seeds and its powder are very nutritious and has lots of health benefits.
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Tamarind Seeds Benefits for Skin:
Skin health:
The extract that you get from tamarind seeds is good for the skin also. It helps in improving the elasticity of the skin and also keeps the skin smooth and well hydrated. These seeds are rich in hyaluronic acid, which is very beneficial in moisturizing the skin and removing the fine lines and wrinkles on the skin. Tamarind seed is also water soluble and therefore it is used for the preparation of gels, serums, facial toners, masks and moisturizers. This is also a perfect anti-aging product.
[Also Read: Benefits of Sweet Lime for Skin]
Health and Medicinal Benefits of Tamarind Seeds:
Antibacterial:
Tamarind seeds have antibacterial properties and therefore they help in protecting you from the bacteria like Typhus and Staphylococcus, which are responsible for causing pneumonia. These seeds also provide you protection from the bacterium that causes skin infections. Bactria causing intestinal and urinary tract infections are also made inactive by consuming tamarind seeds.
Arthritis:
The anti-inflammatory properties of tamarind seeds makes it beneficial for getting relief from joint pains. It is especially good for those who suffer from arthritis. Take half a teaspoon of roasted tamarind seed powder and consume it twice daily with water. This helps in improving the joint lubrication and provides you relief from pain
Cough, tonsils and throat infections:
You can use tamarind juice as a good mouth wash. If you gargle with this juice, you get relief from sore throat. Mixing it with ginger and cinnamon is an effective way to treat pharyngitis, tonsils, cold, cough and other infections of the throat. Gargle one to two times daily till it is cured.
Cancer:
Tamarind seed juice is sticky in nature and this helps in protecting you from colon cancer. So have a glass of tamarind seeds juice daily to stay away from cancer.
Cosmetic:
The extract of tamarind seeds is rich in xyloglycans, which is an important ingredient in many of the cosmetic products as well as pharmaceutical products. You can also use the extract topically for getting relief from minor skin rashes and other such problems of the skin.
Diabetes:
Tamarind seeds are great for lowering the levels of blood sugar in the body. It protects your pancreas, which help in increasing the size of the cells that produce insulin. So, include this in your daily diet to treat diabetes.
[Also Read: Fenugreek for Diabetes Treatment]
Diarrhea:
The outer cover of the tamarind seeds is effective for treating diarrhea and dysentery.
Eye drops:
If your eyes are dry, extract the juice of tamarind seeds and put a few drops of it in your eyes. This help in moisturizing your eyes. To treat conjunctivitis, heat the juice and then apply this on your eyes. This gets you relief from the pain and swelling caused by the infection. This is because the polysaccharides in tamarind seeds have adhesive properties, which stick to the surface of the eye.
Fracture:
If you have suffered any fractures of the body, make a thick paste of tamarind seeds and apply it on the affected area. This helps in curing it effectively.
Heart health:
Tamarind seeds are rich sources of potassium, which help in providing you a healthy heart. It is also good for those who suffer from hypertension.
Indigestion:
The juice made from tamarind seeds is excellent for treating indigestion in a natural way and to increase the production of bile. It is rich in dietary fiber, which helps in lowering the cholesterol levels in the body. Tamarind seed juice is also a natural appetizer and increases your appetite. Consuming this juice helps in treating stomatitis and gets you relief from constipation.
[Also Read: Benefits of Turmeric for Health]
Low immunity:
Consuming tamarind seeds is an excellent way to increase your immunity and thus you can protect your body from various diseases and disorders.
Teeth:
If you have weak teeth, rub your teeth and gums with tamarind seed powder. This helps in making your gums and teeth stronger. Those who are heavy smokers, have nicotine deposits on the teeth. Similarly, tartar and plaque deposits are formed due to lack of dental or oral hygiene, and also due to consumption of soft drinks. Tamarind seed powder is very beneficial for treating such problems. It is also useful for removing stains caused by drinking tea and coffee.
Fry or roast tamarind seeds and consume them. Mash then in your mouth till the seeds are smooth. Now brush your teeth with a toothbrush. This is good for removing the nicotine stuck on your teeth and also to cure all problems related with teeth.
How to consume Tamarind seeds:
Take the seeds and roast them. Now remove the seed coat and then boil them or fry them. You can also grind them and use it in the form of powder. Roasted seeds are good to taste and also good for your health.
Another way to consume tamarind seeds is to roast them till they are darker in color and then cool them and remove the seed coat. Now take them in a bowl and add enough buttermilk so that it covers the seeds. Add a little salt and then leave it at room temperature for about 12 to 24 hours. By this time the seeds become soft. Now it is ready to serve. Try to include tamarind seeds in your diet and stay healthy and disease free. You can also try other recipes with tamarind seeds according to your taste and imagination.
