(NaturalNews) Let's face it – unless they are a big fan of Thai or Indonesian cuisine, chances are most Americans have not even heard of tamarind! Tamarind is a small tree that is actually native to the African continent but is now cultivated all over India and other parts of the Asian continent. It has long been valued for its small, sweet-sour fruit which is consumed both raw and cooked. When the fruits are soaked in water, the result is a sweet, tangy liquid used in a variety of Southeast Asian dishes. That is not the only reason why tamarind is so highly regarded throughout the region. It has long been used as well for its medicinal properties and is one of the great, still-unknown superfoods that the West, by and large, has not yet discovered. Read on to find out more about the amazing health benefits of this unusual fruit.

Promotes good digestion

Not surprisingly, tamarind is a well established part of Ayurvedic practice and is used to treat a variety of digestive disorders. There are many reasons for this. First, it has natural laxative properties that can treat constipation or sluggish bowels. It is also able to stimulate the production of bile in the liver, which helps improve the body's ability to break down food efficiently. Lastly, it is also known to be effective in the treatment of stomach ulcers.

Supports heart health

Tamarind has also been valued in the Ayurvedic tradition for its cardio-protective properties. It is able to promote heart health by normalizing cholesterol levels and by supporting overall cardiac health and function. It is also known to have positive effects upon blood pressure, which is important since hypertension is a risk factor for heart disease.

Nourishes skin and hair

Tamarind is a great tonic for both the skin and the hair. For the skin, it can help reduce inflammation and irritation and is a common folk remedy for conditions like hemorrhoids, which are largely caused by swelling and inflammation. Topically, it can also be used for conditions like cellulite and help smooth the skin and reduce dimpled appearances. It can also be used as a remedy against hair loss or hair thinning due to age or hormonal imbalances.

Regulates blood sugar levels

With diabetes reaching epidemic proportions in the United States, tamarind's ability to help with day-to-day diabetic management may boost its popularity. Certain active compounds in tamarind have been shown to act in much the same way that insulin does in the body, lowering insulin resistance and thus overall blood sugar levels.

In short, tamarind is not only delicious and an important part of Southeast Asian cuisine; it is also a fruit with some pretty significant health benefits, which explains why its medicinal use stretches so far back in the Ayurvedic healing tradition.

Sources:

http://www.organicfacts.net

http://realityspeaks.expertscolumn.com

http://www.foodofy.com

About the author:
Sandeep has written many health field articles for both Internet and print publication. He currently writing for insurancetips4u.co.

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