Tamarind is a leguminous tree. It produces a pod-like fruit that is used in different cuisines around the world.
The pulp of the tamarind if sour when raw and turns sweet as it ripens.
This fruit can also be made a juice which is popular in Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
How Tamarind Helps In Losing Weight
Tamarind is an efficient natural laxative agent. Laxative agents loosen stools and increase bowel movements.
They are used to treat constipation. Consuming enough tamarind will also help in preventing constipation and, in the long run, help in healthy weight loss.
In addition, tamarind also contains dietary fiber that reduces the time our colon is exposed to toxins in waste materials and also supports healthy,
natural fermentation processes in the digestive tract, thus maintaining digestive health.
2. Tamarind Contains Hydroxycitric Acid
Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is a derivative of citric acid. This is found in tamarinds, specifically Malabar tamarind.
Test tube and animal research suggest that HCA may be helpful in weight loss because of its effects on metabolism.
However, studies in humans have found mixed results.
Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is derived from the Malabar tamarind tropical fruit (Garcinia cambogia) native to India.
HCA has been found to inhibit mitochondrial citrate lyase, leading to decreased acetyl coenzyme A production and decreased fatty acid synthesis.
Although HCA appears to be well tolerated, the evidence for efficacy currently is contradictory.
3. Tamarind Prevents Overeating
HCA in tamarind stops the body from producing fat cells by inhibiting an enzyme, citrate lyase, that your body requires to convert fat from carbohydrates.
HCA does not only block fat, but can also suppress appetite.
HCA does this by increasing levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain that makes you feel good.
It is believed that low levels of serotonin compel people to eat reactively (emotionally).
In addition, low levels of serotonin may make you feel depressed or anxious. For this reason, serotonin is the target of many antidepressant medications.
By increasing serotonin levels, HCA improves mood and suppresses the drive to react to stressful situations with food.
As you eat less, your body releases stored fat in your fat cells.