Tamarind is a fruit that grows in pods containing seeds and has a taste of sweet and sour at the same time. It is commonly used for medical purposes, such as treating colds, constipation, and nausea. Tamarind is a nutritious fruit that provides carbohydrates and vegetable protein which is composed of amino acids such as tryptophan, methionine or lysine. It also provides us with a large amount of soluble fiber (mainly pectin). The pulp that this fruit contains is rich in polysaccharides. This helps our digestive system stay healthy and we can prevent situations such as constipation. Tamarind has also been widely used for baby for a variety of purposes.

12 Effective Benefits of Tamarind for Babies

Tamarind brings benefits to our body because it is rich in different vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and others as mentioned above. However, it is clear that you should always consult your doctor before adding new foods to your baby’s diet. Listed below are effective benefits of tamarind for babies.

1. Great source of minerals

This fruit is a known source of abundant minerals, such as iron, potassium, calcium, zinc, and magnesium. Due to its high calcium content it helps in making your baby’s bones and teeth stronger. Potassium is an important component of cellular fluids controlling high blood pressure and heart rate while the iron is essential for an excellent production of red blood cells.

2. Rich source of vitamins

Tamarind leaves are rich in vitamin C and it protects your baby from microbial infection. It is also very effective in preventing and treating scurvy in young children. It is also a rich source of thiamine vitamin that helps in the proper functioning of the muscles, nerves and digestive system.

On the other hand, it is a source of potassium which is necessary for heart health and muscle tissue; as well as iron which facilitates the transport of oxygen in the blood to the whole body.

 3. Natural Laxative

Tamarind pulp is considered as a natural laxative. Babies suffering with constipation can consume 2 to 5 g daily to ease constipation. It should not be mixed with other laxatives or heated because it loses its properties. Its natural laxative properties can treat constipation or lazy bowels syndrome.

4. Promotes good digestion

Tamarind is a well-established fruit in Ayurvedic practice and is used to treat various digestive disorders. There are many reasons for this. First, it can stimulate the production of bile in the liver, which helps improve the body’s ability to break down food efficiently. Second, it is also known to be effective in the treatment of ulcers in the stomach. Ayurvedic practices recommend tamarind to relieve stomach discomfort, increase appetite and reduce flatulence in growing babies.

5. Visual health

Like adults, young children too suffer from conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis can be cured with the consumption of Tamarind juice. The seeds of tamarind can be used to provide relief from the dryness of the eyes.

6. Treats Burns

Tamarind leaves are used to treat burns in babies. The most used remedy is to put these leaves in a container with a lid and then on the stove. When they burn enough, they are reduced to a hovering dust. Mixed with vegetable oil, it is applied in damaged areas. It is also useful to heal wounds and to improve the health of the skin in babies.

7. Reduce Fever

It is said that tamarind pulp is an excellent remedy to reduce fever in young children. Even 15 g consumption of tamarind can effectively reduce body temperature. Another remedy is to boil the pulp in ½ liter of milk with sugar, some dates, cardamom, cloves, and camphor. The resulting infusion is effective to combat febrile states and the causative virus.

8. Nourishes skin and hair

Tamarind is a great tonic for your baby’s skin and hair. On the skin it can help reduce inflammation and irritation and is a popular folk remedy for diseases such as hemorrhoids which are caused in large part by swelling and inflammation. Typically, it can be used for problems such as cellulite and in this way helps soften the skin and reduce the appearance of dimples. It can also be used as a remedy for hair loss or thinning hair due to hormonal imbalances.

9. Good for improving eyesight

Regular consumption of tamarind is good for the health of the eyes and improves vision in babies. It is a good source of Vitamin A and beta-carotene which is needed to improve eyesight. Further, it also helps in reducing the risk of degeneration of the macula. It is also useful in curing the dryness of the eyes.

10. Fight Anemia

Many babies suffer from anemia due to lack of proper nutrition. The tamarind is a good source of iron, which is vital to have a correct count of red blood cells. Even a small amount of tamarind can provide you ample of iron that is quite effective in treating anemia characterized by weakness, fatigue, headaches, cognitive disorders, and stomach problems in babies.

11. Promotes the immune system

One of the benefits of tamarind is having high levels of vitamin C, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds which help stimulate the immune system. This guarantees that our body can fight microbial and fungal infections. It also reduces the appearance of parasites in the body due to its antiseptic properties and antimicrobial effects. The consumption of this fruit has been related to the elimination of worms in the stomach of children.

12. Provides relief in cases of Malaria and Scurvy

It has been proven that the tamarind leaf inhibits the growth of Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest species of Plasmodium that cause malaria in humans. It is a great treatment for scurvy: This is because tamarind leaves are a source of vitamin C. Tamarind reduces symptoms such as bleeding gums and nails, fatigue etc. It also helps heal wounds in babies. The juice extracted from the tamarind leaves can be applied to wounds, which helps to heal faster. This is due to its antiseptic properties and to the fact that it accelerates the healing process.

Precautions

Tamarind is considered safe for human consumption and can be used in the preparations you like. However, it can increase the risk of bleeding if taken together with medications that have anticoagulant effects such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and antiplatelet medications. So you have to take this fact into account. Due to their concentration of fiber and sugars, tamarinds should be consumed in moderation. It should be avoided in individuals with known allergy or hypersensitivity to tamarind or its components. Do consult a doctor before including tamarind in your babies’ diet to avoid any future complications.

References:

http://healthyliving.natureloc.com/tamarind-a-flavouring-agent/

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/tamarind.html