Health Benefits of Tamarind Leaves

Benefits of Tamarind Leaves

Tamarind is a popular ingredient in most of the Indian dishes that we cook. The mere smell and taste of tamarind makes it a popular choice as an ingredient added in food. Not only does tamarind taste well, but it also has a myriad of health benefits too. However, have you heard like the seeds and pulp; tamarind leaves also have several health benefits that you should not miss? If you are wondering how to extract the health benefits of these wonderous tamarind leaves, read on to know more.

Nutritional Value of Tamarind Leaves

Before getting into the health benefits of tamarind leaves, it is important to know the nutritional value to make most of it. Tamarind leaves are known to be rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C. About 100gms of tamarind leaves contain:
Calories: 239
Total Fat: 1g
Sodium: 26mg
Total carbohydrates: 63g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin A: 1%
Calcium: 0.07
Vitamin C: 6%
Iron: 16%

Health Benefits of Tamarind Leaves

Tamarind leaves are longitudinal in shape and green in color. Like the pulp, the leaves are also used in various ayurvedic medicinal formulations. In dishes, tamarind leaves are used both in fresh and dried form. Tamarind leaves have a myriad of health benefits and are versatile in its medicinal properties. Some of the main tamarind leaves benefits include:

1} Treats Malaria

One of the most popular health benefits of tamarind leaves is that it helps provide relief from malaria. Tamarind leaves contain anti-malarial properties that helps inhibit the growth of malaria causing bacteria Plasmodium Falciparum.

2} Helps treat scurvy

Tamarind leaves being rich in Vitamin C is known to help treat the Vitamin C deficiency related disease known as scurvy. Tamarind leaves are rich in ascorbic acid which help relieve scurvy symptoms such as fatigue, bleeding gums, and nails.

3} Provides relief from menstrual cramps

Menstrual cramps can be a nightmare in many women. However, tamarind leaves can be used to rescue women from this pain. Tamarind leaves have analgesic properties that makes the pain more manageable. Tamarind leaves are boiled in water with a pinch of salt and this mixture can be taken orally to provide relief from menstrual cramps.

4} Prevents the risk of cancer

Some of the other tamarind leaves benefits also include its ability to prevent cancer. Tamarind leaves boasts of high antioxidants which are required to eliminate free radicals. Tamarind leaves help get rid of free radicals that can cause cancer and its related symptoms.

5} Promotes wound healing

Tamarind leaves are extensively used in ayurvedic medicine due to its properties to heal wounds quickly. Tamarind leaves are known to possess antiseptic properties which speeds up the process of wound healing. The juice from the tamarind leaves is also known to reduce secondary infections that can be caused due to these wounds. Tamarind leaves also increase the production of white and red blood cells in the body.

Conclusion

The pulp and leaves of tamarind have its own benefits and can be used extensively to improve the body’s immunity and treat several underlying diseases. Tamarind is widely grown in Africa and Asia including India. It is commonly available and frequently grown in several parts of India as it’s a popular addition in many dishes.

Most people use more of tamarind pulp and little do they know about the tamarind leaves. The health benefits of tamarind leaves mentioned above will help you easily incorporate tamarind leaves in your diet and lifestyle.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/tamarind
https://www.lybrate.com/topic/tamarind-leaves-benefits