Tamarind, a fruit that is nutritious for weight loss

In Indonesia, tamarind fruit is no stranger to the legendary processed tamarind menu. The sour taste makes the brown fruit a complementary ingredient in traditional dishes, sauces, snacks, and even thirst refreshing drinks. But, did you know that the fruit is also calledtamarind this can help diet and lose weight because of its acid content?

Benefits of tamarind in losing weight

Tamarind or in Latin is called Tamarindus indica, commonly used for a number of medicinal purposes including as a preventative for diabetes and rattlesnake bites. A 2011 study published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics examined the effects of the extract Tamarindus indica on body weight in mice on a diet due to obesity. As a result, the researchers found that the extract tamarindus indica could help promote significant weight loss in these mice.

In addition, a 2012 study published in the Journal of Natural Medicine also found similar results in obese mice given tamarind extract doses. Although tamarind extract may benefit mice, it is not known whether it will have the same effect in humans. Moreover, other clinical studies need to be carried out before any definite claims of weight loss are made.

The content of tamarind can slow down fat production

Hydroxycitic acid or HCA in tamarind, is predicted to be a substance that has an effect on weight loss. The University of Maryland Medical Center states, however, that test-tube studies show that HCA is in tamarindus indica can help inhibit body fat storage.

Then, a 2011 study published in the Journal of Obesity reports that while HCA can promote short-term weight loss, it's not that big. When the body consumes tamarind, the HCA content in it is also able to suppress appetite by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Your digestion can also produce optimal working effects, and can increase the body's metabolism.

Who should not eat tamarind?

Apart from the properties of tamarind, not everyone can eat this sour fruit. The following are conditions that you should be careful about before consuming tamarind:

1. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers

Actually, it is still confused about the effect of this fruit on pregnant and lactating women. But a few things to know for sure, one cup extract tamarindus indica contains 3.36 milligrams of iron, which is 12 percent of the 27 milligrams of iron that pregnant women need on a daily basis. Iron is very important because it helps support increased blood volume, but it can also reduce the chance of preterm labor and the risk of a low birth weight baby.

2. Diabetics

Tamarind can also function to lower blood sugar levels. There is concern that it might interfere with blood sugar control. If you have diabetes and use tamarind, monitor your blood sugar levels closely. Also pay attention to dose adjustments for diabetes drugs that are being used.

3. Before surgery

There is a concern that tamarind might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Better, stop using tamarind at least 2 weeks before you do any surgery.