O tamarindo é uma vagem de fruta agridoce. É amplamente utilizado na culinária indiana e africana. Ele também é usado em algumas preparações da Ásia e do Oriente Médio.

O tamarindo confere um sabor adocicado a um prato. Os extratos dessa fruta foram usados ​​na medicina antiga para tratar picadas de cobra, malária, diabetes, constipação e várias condições agudas e crônicas.

Nesta postagem, exploraremos mais sobre o tamarindo e as diferentes maneiras de incluí-lo em sua dieta.

O que é tamarindo?

A árvore de tamarindo ( Tamarindus indica ) é nativa da África tropical. Foi introduzido há muito tempo na Índia. Os índios o adotaram tão bem que se tornou (quase) indígena em seu país. O nome origina-se de uma palavra persa chamada tamar-I-hind (que significa 'data indiana') (1).

É chamado de 'tamarindo' em espanhol e português e 'tamarin', 'tamarinier', 'tamarinier des Indes' ou 'tamarindier' ​​em francês. É 'tamarinde' em alemão e 'tamarandizio' em italiano. É conhecido como 'ambli', 'imli', 'chinch' ou tamarindo na Índia. No Camboja, é 'ampil' ou 'khoua me' e 'ma-kharm' na Tailândia. Em vietnamita, sou apenas 'eu'. É usado em várias cozinhas em todo o mundo, daí os vários nomes.

Origem do Tamarindo

O tamarindo é confundido com origem indiana. Seu nome botânico, indica, também apóia esse mito. No entanto, a árvore foi naturalizada no Havaí por volta de 1797.

Acredita-se que o tamarindo foi introduzido na América tropical, Bermudas, Bahamas e nas Índias Ocidentais muito antes.

O tamarindo enorme, de crescimento lento, produz frutos semelhantes a vagens. Essas vagens contêm carne altamente ácida (e muito picante). As sementes macias, esbranquiçadas e subdesenvolvidas são envolvidas nessas vagens.

Assim que amadurecem, as vagens ficam suculentas. A polpa fica marrom, pegajosa e fibrosa. A pele externa se transforma em uma casca facilmente quebrável. As sementes ficam duras e castanhas brilhantes.

Tanto as frutas de tamarindo cru quanto as maduras são amplamente utilizadas na culinária. É usado como condimento em caril, molhos, pestos e molhos. O tamarindo também é cozido com arroz, peixe e carne como ingrediente central em algumas cozinhas.

Em outras palavras, o tamarindo encontra seu caminho em quase todas as cozinhas.

Mas qual poderia ser a razão por trás de sua popularidade global? Não pode ser apenas por causa do sabor, pode?

Verdade. O tamarindo é conhecido por suas diversas propriedades terapêuticas. É um excelente laxante e carminativo. Também possui potentes propriedades antiinflamatórias e anti-sépticas.

O tamarindo é usado tradicionalmente no tratamento de dores abdominais, diarreia, disenteria, cicatrização de feridas, inflamação e febre (1). Acredita-se que também ajude no tratamento de dores nas articulações, dor de garganta, asma, articulações inchadas, conjuntivite e hemorróidas.

A próxima seção é sobre os benefícios do tamarindo. Confira!

7 benefícios para a saúde do tamarindo

O tamarindo é um remédio caseiro bem conhecido para o controle de constipação, diabetes, saúde da pele e infecções microbianas. Também está comprovado que ajuda na perda de peso e na prevenção de doenças cardiovasculares. Vamos validar essas crenças com algumas evidências científicas.

1. Pode atenuar a lesão hepática

A inflamação crônica em seu corpo afeta indiretamente o fígado. Em um estudo, ratos com artrite receberam extrato de semente de tamarindo. Os resultados mostraram uma redução do estresse oxidativo hepático (2).

As procianidinas ativas no extrato de tamarindo neutralizaram os danos dos radicais livres no fígado. Depleção nos níveis de marcadores inflamatórios, como glutationa, tióis totais, glutationa peroxidase e redutase, também foi observada (2), (3).

Os minerais encontrados no tamarindo - como cobre, níquel, manganês, selênio e ferro - estão envolvidos na melhoria da defesa do corpo contra o estresse oxidativo. O selênio, junto com a vitamina E, protege o conteúdo lipídico nas células do fígado do ataque dos radicais livres (3).

2. Pode ajudar a esfoliar e iluminar sua pele

A polpa do tamarindo é usada como esfoliante natural para a pele desde os tempos antigos. Promove a pele mais lisa e clara devido à presença de alfa-hidroxilácidos (AHAs). Os AHAs na polpa de tamarindo incluem ácido tartárico (8–23,8%), ácido láctico (2%), ácido cítrico e ácido málico. Esses AHAs, junto com a pectina e o açúcar invertido, hidratam e hidratam a pele (4).

Diz-se que a polpa de tamarindo possui propriedades de clareamento da pele. Um estudo com 11 voluntários do sexo masculino foi conduzido para investigar o efeito do extrato da semente de tamarindo no tom da pele. O extrato da semente foi aplicado / massageado duas vezes ao dia em suas bochechas por 12 semanas (4), (5).

Houve uma diminuição relativa nos conteúdos de melanina e sebo da pele quando o produto de teste foi aplicado. Isso pode ser atribuído à presença de polifenóis antioxidantes no tamarindo. Esses compostos eliminam os radicais livres em seu corpo e, assim, indiretamente reduzem o teor de melanina em sua pele (5).

3. Pode ajudar no controle de peso

Obesity is linked to heart, liver, kidney, and several metabolic disorders. Researchers have studied the effect of tamarind on weight management and obesity in rat studies. Tamarind pulp was found to lower the bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase the good cholesterol (HDL) content in plasma (6).

This anti-obesity effect was seen when rats on a high-fat diet received 5, 25, or 50 mg/kg of tamarind pulp extract orally for 10 weeks. This study also resulted in body weight loss in these rats (6).

Moreover, this extract reduced the activity of fatty acid synthase (FAS). FAS is an enzyme that promotes the formation of adipose tissue in your body. It also prevents the oxidation of lipids by free radicals. The rat study demonstrated the antioxidant properties of this extract as well (6).

The extract could induce beneficial effects in obesity-induced rats. Further studies are needed to understand what other compounds in the plant contribute to this benefit.

4. May Relieve Stomach Ache And Constipation

Tamarind has traditionally been used as a laxative because it has high amounts of malic and tartaric acids. Tamarind also contains potassium bitartrate, which, along with other active ingredients, relieves constipation (7).

Constipation and diarrhea often cause abdominal pain. Tamarind bark and root extracts have been proven to be effective in curing stomach ache. In Nigeria, soaked tamarind is eaten to deal with constipation (7).

Rasam is a South Indian preparation that is made of spices, tamarind, cumin, black pepper, and mustard. It is eaten with rice to promote digestion (8).

5. May Control Hypertension And Promote Heart Health

The dried pulp of tamarind fruits was found to have anti-hypertensive effects. Tamarind pulp has been found to reduce diastolic blood pressure at a dose of 15 mg/kg body weight (9).

Animal studies have demonstrated the anti-atherosclerotic effect of this fruit. Thus, tamarind extract has a high potential to lower the risk of atherosclerosis (clogging of arteries) in humans as well (10).

The fruit extract was able to heal atherosclerotic lesions in hamsters. Moreover, active tamarind molecules possess anti-inflammatory effects. They can tone down the severity of atherosclerosis and several cardiovascular diseases (10).

6. May Help Manage Diabetes and Hyperglycemia

Tamarind brought down the blood sugar levels in diabetic rats. This fruit could neutralize hyperglycemia even in rats that had severe diabetes (10), (11).

One of the major causes of diabetes is inflammation of pancreatic cells, especially those cells that produce insulin (beta cells). Since tamarind can inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory chemicals like TNF alpha, it can protect the pancreas from inflammation-induced damage (11), (12).

The seeds of this fruit can boost the neogenesis (production of new cells) of pancreatic beta cells. This may restore the ability to produce required amounts of insulin in patients with diabetes (10), (12).

7. Can Help Prevent Malaria And Microbial Diseases

Tamarind has been used as a febrifuge (fever control medicine) in traditional medicine. African tribes in Ghana use the leaves of tamarind to treat malaria (10).

This fruit also has a broad-spectrum of antimicrobial properties (10).

Extracts of tamarind have shown significant inhibitory effect against Burkholderia pseudomallei , Klebsiella pneumoniae,Salmonella paratyphi , Bacillus subtilis , Salmonella typhi , and Staphylococcus aureus (10).

Various parts of this plant have been used to cure malaria. Similar fevers caused due to bacterial infections can also be managed with tamarind extracts. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties could play a critical role in such cases.

Did You Know?

Tamarind has proven anti-venom properties. It is widely used as a remedy against snake bites in India.

Its extract prevents edema, hemorrhage, and rapid blood clotting in victims.

Moreover, tamarind seeds can inhibit several enzymes that are involved in venom response in your body (10).

In India and Africa, tamarind is used as an aphrodisiac. Rat studies demonstrated the effect of this fruit extract on sexual drive and arousal. Male rats showed an increase in sperm count and motility.

Tamarind extract has low toxicity and is safe up to an oral dose of 2000 mg/kg (13).

Tamarind is a household name. This sour-sweet fruit is a staple in several cuisines. Its integral place in the kitchen is because of its excellent nutritional value. Check out the next section to find out more.

Nutritional Value of Tamarind

The values in the brackets include the daily value of the particular nutrient the serving of the ingredient meets .

NUTRITIONAL VALUE PER 1 CUP, PULP 120 g
Nutrients	Units	Quantity
Water	g	37.68
Energy	kcal	287
Energy	kJ	1200
Protein	g	3.36
Total lipid (fat)	g	0.72
Ash	g	3.24
Carbohydrate, by difference	g	75.00
Fiber, total dietary	g	6.1
Sugars, total	g	46.56
Minerals
Calcium, Ca	mg	89
Iron, Fe	mg	3.36
Magnesium, Mg	mg	110
Phosphorus, P	mg	136
Potassium, K	mg	754
Sodium, Na	mg	34
Zinc, Zn	mg	0.12
Copper, Cu	mg	0.103
Selenium, Se	mg	1.6
Vitamins
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid	mg	4.2
Thiamin	mg	0.514
Riboflavin	mg	0.182
Niacin	mg	2.326
Pantothenic acid	mg	0.172
Vitamin (B6)	mg	0.079
Folate, total	mg	17
Folate, food	mg	17
Folate, DFE	µg	17
Choline, total	mg	10.3
Vitamin A, RAE	µg	2
Carotene, beta	µg	22
Vitamin A, IU	IU	36
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol)	mg	0.12
Vitamin K (phylloquinone)	µg	3.4

(Source: United States Department of Agriculture)

Tamarind contains a variety of biologically active phytochemical compounds. Predominantly, it contains catechin, epicatechin, proanthocyanidins, apigenin, luteolin, naringenin, taxifolin, eriodictyol, and other phenolic polymers (14).

Tamarind leaf pulp contains pipecolic acid, nicotinic acid, 1-malic acid, geraniol, limonene, pipecolic acid, lupanone, lupeol, orientin, isoorientin, vitexin, isovitexin, cinnamates, serine, pectin, tannins, and glycosides (7).

Tamarind fruits commonly contain tannins, succinic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, and pectin. Its seeds contain campesterol, beta-amyrin, beta-sitosterol, oleic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, and eicosanoic acid. Cellulose, albuminoid amyloids, and phytohemagglutinin were also found in traces (7).

The phytochemicals and nutrients of tamarind act in synergy to produce its miraculous benefits.

Aren’t you excited to use tamarind in your cooking? Here are a few tips on how to use and store tamarind.

How To Use And Store Tamarind

There are various ways you can use tamarind in your cooking.

One of the simplest ways to extract the pulp of this fruit is by soaking it.

• Soak a small piece of tamarind in warm water.
• Leave it in the water for about 10 minutes until it softens. Squeeze and squish the tamarind piece with your fingers.
• Strain the juice and discard the pulp.

The next method takes a bit longer. You will need to soak, refrigerate, and extract the pulp.

• Place a handful of semi-dried tamarind pieces in a glass container that has a lid.
• Pour enough drinking water to immerse the pieces.
• Close the lid and place the container in the refrigerator.
• Leave it overnight. By the next morning, the chunks of tamarind will soften and be ready to use.
• Squeeze sufficient pulp and store the rest of the soft tamarind.
• Cover the container once you are done. Let the rest remain in the refrigerator until it lasts.

Now comes the elaborate and (a little) messier way of extracting the pulp. In this method, you soak, squeeze, and boil the tamarind.

• Add 5-6 ounces of tamarind pieces and 2 cups of water to a microwave-safe bowl.
• Heat it in the microwave for about a minute until the pieces soften.
• Let the contents cool down completely.
• Once cooled, squish out the pulp from the soaked tamarind pieces using your fingers.
• Add small amounts of water and keep squeezing the pulp until the yield ceases.
• You will have a slurry of tamarind pulp in water.
• Run the slurry through a mesh/sieve/strainer to collect the juice in a colander.
• Add more water to the remaining pulp in the sieve and squeeze it to extract the last traces of tamarind juice.
• You should only be left with the fiber and seeds from the fruit when you are done.
• Discard the solid waste and transfer the juice to a saucepan.
• Boil the contents for 1-2 minutes.
• Reduce the heat to a simmer for 5 minutes. The juice should thicken to a soupy-syrupy consistency by now.
• Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
• Pour the fresh tamarind syrup into a clean, sterile jar.
• Refrigerate until the next use.
• Use a clean, dry spoon to take out the tamarind syrup.
• Refrigerate the rest. Don’t leave the spoon/ladle in the bottle.

This way, tamarind extract can last up to three months. If you use tamarind in your cooking every day, the above method is probably the best. It saves you time and effort without compromising on the taste.

You can try the method you prefer and enjoy the benefits of tamarind. Including tamarind in your food can fulfill the recommended daily requirement of several minerals like iron, zinc, magnesium, and calcium.

Tamarind also has medicinal uses. It could be used in the form of a beverage to treat constipation or fever. Its bark and leaves may also be used to promote wound healing. However, more research is warranted in this regard.

Different Forms Of Tamarind

There are two major forms of tamarind. The most common form is the one that tastes sour. The other form is sweet tamarind that is usually grown in Thailand.

Tamarind can be consumed fresh, both in its ripe or unripe forms. It also can be processed into different products. Tamarind juice has similar benefits, as discussed in this post.

Though tamarind is medicinally very relevant, excess intake can cause problems. In the following section, we will look at the possible side effects of tamarind.

Does Tamarind Have Any Side Effects Or Risks?

The World Health Organization (WHO) considers tamarind fruit to be safe and non-toxic. Rat studies have shown no mortality/toxicity even after the administration of 5000 mg/kg and 3000 mg/kg doses of its extract (15).

However, your kidneys may be affected by mineral overload. It would be better to consult a nutritionist/healthcare provider to decide on the upper limit of tamarind intake for you (15).

There is insufficient data to understand the safety of consuming tamarind for pregnant and nursing women.

Also, if you are on anti hypertensive or anti-diabetic drug medication, it is better to consume only small amounts of this fruit extract. Some may advise you against its usage. However, none of these claims have been proven.

Conclusion

Tamarind is the central ingredient of Indian and several indigenous Asian dishes. Traditional medicine considers this fruit and its parts a remedy for a host of conditions.

Its leaves, fruit, seeds, bark, stems, branches, and flowers (almost every part) have high therapeutic value. The anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, catechins, tannins, polyphenolic acids, minerals, vitamins, sugars, and other phytonutrients make tamarind an ingredient you cannot miss.

Expert’s Answers for Readers Questions

Is it good to eat tamarind every day?

Yes. Tamarind is rich in nutrients, and including it in your everyday diet can improve your health in the long run.

Is tamarind good for sleep?

Some believe that the high magnesium content in tamarind may help promote sleep. The mineral is believed to relax nerves. However, there is lack of scientific evidence to back this up.

Does tamarind help treat kidney stones?

There is no research that links tamarind to treating kidney stones. Excess intake of tamarind may, in fact, overload your kidneys with the minerals.

Is tamarind good for migraine?

There is no scientific backing to prove that tamarind can help migraines.

15 sources

A Stylecraze tem diretrizes rígidas de abastecimento e depende de estudos revisados ​​por pares, instituições de pesquisa acadêmica e associações médicas. Evitamos usar referências terciárias. Você pode aprender mais sobre como garantimos que nosso conteúdo seja preciso e atualizado lendo nossa política editorial.

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