4 Best Ways Tamarind Helps You To Lose Weight

Shedding those stubborn pounds has never been easier than with this tropical fruit!

Reviewed by Dr. Pallavi Srivastava, Clinical Nutritionist
Written by Jyotsana Rao, BE
Edited by Arshiya Syeda, BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma
Fact-checked by Himanshi Mahajan, BSc (Life Sciences), Certified Health & Nutrition Life Coach  • 

Have you ever seen yourself in the mirror and got frustrated with those extra pounds or loose muscles? Did you ever get fed up of indulging in crash diets or using miracle weight loss pills because they gave no results?

If this is the case, then there is some amazing news for you. You can now lose weight, I mean, really lose weight with this one super-ingredient that is available in your kitchen!

It is the wonder-food tamarind. Are you thinking how the humble tamarind can help you in losing weight? Is tamarind good for weight loss? Sit back and read on! You will be amazed!

What Is Tamarind?

Tamarind displayed in a bowl
Image: Shutterstock

Tamarind is a leguminous tree belonging to the Fabaceae family and indigenous to tropical Africa. The tamarind tree produces edible, pod-like fruits, which are used extensively in cuisines around the world.

protip_icon Trivia
Tamarind has a juicy and acidic pulp with a sweet and tangy taste, which makes it an excellent addition to balance out flavors in savory dishes.

The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) reported that the prevalence of severe obesity in 2017-2018 in the United States was 9.2%. Women had a higher prevalence of obesity (11.5%) than men (6.9%). The highest prevalence was recorded among adults aged 40–59 (11.5%), followed by adults aged 20–39 (9.1%) and adults aged 60 and over (5.8%).

Nutritional Values Of Tamarind

A bowl of tamarind paste beside tamarind fruits
Image: Shutterstock

To understand how this healthy food helps one lose weight, we need to first take a look at all the nutrients present in it.

Here are the nutritional facts of tamarind (1):

Tamarinds, raw
Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy239 kcal (1,000 kJ)
Carbohydrates62.5 g
Sugars57.4
Dietary fiber5.1 g
Fat0.6 g
Protein2.8 g
Vitamins
Thiamine (B1)(37%) 0.428 mg
Riboflavin (B2)(13%) 0.152 mg
Niacin (B3)(13%) 1.938 mg
Pantothenic acid (B5)(3%) 0.143 mg
Vitamin B6(5%) 0.066 mg
Folate (B9)(4%) 14 μg
Choline(2%) 8.6 mg
Vitamin C(4%) 3.5 mg
Vitamin E(1%) 0.1 mg
Vitamin K(3%) 2.8 μg
Trace metals
Calcium(7%) 74 mg
Iron(22%) 2.8 mg
Magnesium(26%) 92 mg
Phosphorus(16%) 113 mg
Potassium(13%) 628 mg
Sodium(2%) 28 mg
Zinc(1%) 0.1 mg
Link to USDA Database entry
Units μg = micrograms  • mg = milligrams IU = International units
Percentages are roughly approximated using US recommendations for adults.
Source: USDA Nutrient Database

Now that we know which nutrients tamarind has, let’s understand how it helps to aid in weight loss overall fitness, and healthy living.

Tamarind For Weight Loss:

1. Contains Hydroxy Citric Acid

Tamarind contains HCA – hydroxy citric acid which slows down the production of fat. HCA is very similar to citric acid. This acid is present in many other plants too, but it is most prominently found in tamarind. Studies suggest that HCA inhibits the enzyme in the body that promotes fat storage. Hydroxycitric acid also suppresses appetite by increasing serotonin neurotransmitter levels. It also burns fat during long exercises. But research is in progress to check HCA’s effect on metabolic rates (2), (3).

2. Acts As A Mild Laxative

Woman with highlighted liver in the body
Image: Shutterstock

Tamarind also acts as a mild laxative (4). Tamarind juice is effective in treating and preventing bile disorders (5).

3. Helps The Digestive System:

Woman with highlighed intestines, showing digestive health
Image: Shutterstock

Consumption of tamarind aids in the smooth working of the digestive system. This makes sure your health stays at its optimum levels (6 ).

4. Helps Prevent Overeating:

Woman sitting at a table full of food
Image: Shutterstock

protip_icon Quick Tip
You can use tamarind pulp instead of vinegar in salad dressings. You can also make tamarind paste as a dip or topping for meats and fritters.

If you are accumulating pounds due to binge eating and finding it hard to control yourself, then tamarind benefits weight loss by setting up your appetite right (7).

What Are The Other Benefits Of Tamarind?

  1. Tamarind may not only helps you lose weight but its nutrition also offers a number of other benefits, thanks to the abundance of vitamins, minerals, and fiber in it (1).
  2. Tamarind can be used to cure sore throat (8).
  3. Tamarind may help fight against cancer too. It contains high levels of antioxidants, which may help prevent and combat colon cancer (9).
  4. Tamarind is rich in Vitamin C (1). Hence, it serves as a fantastic cure for scurvy and other health issues related to the deficiency of Vitamin C (10).
  5. Applying tamarind on wounds may lead to faster healing (11).

Consuming tamarind is generally safe and beneficial for most people. However, it also may cause certain side effects. Read on to learn more.

Side Effects Of Tamarind

The acidic nature of tamarind may increase the acid content in the digestive system and result in acidity. People with gastric issues like acid reflux should reduce tamarind consumption. The tannins in tamarind may cause digestion issues (12).

Excess intake of tamarind may also increase the risk of enamel erosion.

Anecdotal evidence also suggests that people on diabetes medications should check with their doctor before taking tamarind as it may severely lower blood sugar levels.

Also, those allergic to legumes may experience symptoms like rashes, itching, inflammation, and vomiting upon tamarind intake.

Infographic: 4 Ways Tamarind May Promote Weight Loss

Losing weight can be tough. And with all those extra hours in the gym, if you still cannot see any results, try consuming tamarind. This tangy delight may help you achieve your weight loss goals. Check out the infographic below to learn the top 4 ways it may support your weight loss journey. Scroll down.

4 ways tamarind may help in weight loss (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Tamarind is a rich source of hydroxy citric acid, a compound that is known to slow down fat production in the body. In addition to healthy eating, this citrus fruit may work as an appetite suppressant since it can increase the levels of serotonin neurotransmitters in the brain, which is all the more reason to add it to your diet. Consuming tamarind for weight management also comes with other health benefits as it is rich in various minerals and vitamins. For instance, tamarind may help improve digestion and exert a mild laxative effect. It also may be used to facilitate wound healing and cure sore throats. With its rich tangy taste, tamarind has various culinary uses, so it is fairly easy to incorporate it into your meal plans and healthy lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much tamarind should I eat daily?

10 grams of tamarind is generally considered safe for daily consumption.

Is eating raw tamarind good for weight loss?

Yes, raw tamarind is considered good for weight loss and general wellness. It helps burn fat and may also reduce cholesterol levels, which may improve metabolism and trigger weight loss.

Can tamarind reduce belly fat?

Tamarind has a decent amount of fiber. It may help promote satiety and reduce food intake, which may trigger overall weight loss, including belly fat loss.

Key Takeaways

  • The high fiber and low calorie content in tamarind make it a good food choice for weight watchers.
  • It is rich in hydroxy citric acid, which may slow fat production and suppress appetite to keep you from overeating.
  • Consuming tamarind may also assist with the smoother working of the digestive system and boost the metabolic rate.
  • Besides weight loss, tamarind may also alleviate the symptoms of sore throat and issues related to Vitamin C deficiency.
tamarind for weight loss

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Tamarind juice is a delicious and healthy way to lose weight. Watch this video to learn about its health benefits and how to make a delicious drink to brighten your day.

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. Tamarinds raw
    https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/167763/nutrients
  2. Effects of garcinia cambogia (Hydroxycitric Acid) on visceral fat accumulation: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial☆
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC4053034/
  3. Safety and mechanism of appetite suppression by a novel hydroxycitric acid extract (HCA-SX)
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12349913/
  4. The laxative effect of fresh pulp aqueous extracts of Thai Tamarind cultivars
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/247474128_The_laxative_effect_of_fresh_pulp_aqueous_extracts_of_Thai_Tamarind_cultivars
  5. Tamarindus indica L. – A review of traditional uses phytochemistry and pharmacology
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322983943_Tamarindus_indica_L_-_A_review_of_traditional_uses_phytochemistry_and_pharmacology
  6. Assessment of the potential genotoxic risk of medicinal Tamarindus indica fruit pulp extract using in vivo assays
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/26826094_Assessment_of_the_potential_genotoxic_risk_of_medicinal_Tamarindus_indica_fruit_pulp_extract_using_in_vivo_assays
  7. A Trypsin Inhibitor from Tamarind Reduces Food Intake and Improves Inflammatory Status in Rats with Metabolic Syndrome Regardless of Weight Loss
    https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/8/10/544
  8. Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) research – a review
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281466386_Tamarind_Tamarindus_indica_L_research_-_a_review
  9. Chemopreventive effects of a Tamarindus indica fruit extract against colon carcinogenesis depends on the dietary cholesterol levels in hamsters
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28687269/
  10. Physicochemical composition of Tamarindus indica L. (Tamarind) in the agro-ecological zones of Uganda
    https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/fsn3.627
  11. Effect of Tamarindus indica (Linn) on the Rate of Wound Healing in Adult Rabbits
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/304946338_Effect_of_Tamarindus_indica_Linn_on_the_Rate_of_Wound_Healing_in_Adult_Rabbits
  12. Tamarindus indica and its health related effects
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2221169115300885
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