Top 7 Side Effects Of Tamarind

Tamarind adds that tangy zest to many soups and gravies, especially in the Indian cuisine! Added to chutneys and condiments, it makes your meals burst with nutrition, flavor, and zing! Tamarind is traditionally used to alleviate diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, and dizziness (1). However, too much consumption can lead to certain side effects of tamarind! While most of us might be unaware, there are certain things you need to keep in mind if you like having tamarind too often! Read on to find out more!

Know The Flip Side: Tamarind

Short-Term Effects
Itching, rashes, dizziness, breathlessness, vomiting, acidity, and weaver’s cough.

Long-Term Effects
May aggravate tooth enamel erosion, slow blood flow, or block blood vessels.

Drug Interactions
Excessive tamarind intake may interact with medications such as antibiotic, antiplatelet, and anti-inflammatory drugs and laxative products.

When To See A Doctor
If you experience excessive abdominal pain, hives, difficulty breathing, or very low blood sugar levels (especially if you have diabetes).

7 Side Effects Of Tamarind

While tamarind has many known benefits, there is another side to the coin as well. Let us know about the most common tamarind side effects:

1. May Cause Allergic Reactions

Allergy or hypersensitivity is one of the most common side effects of tamarind (1). There are lots of people who are sensitive to the ingredients of this fruit and end up developing a number of symptoms like rashes, itching, inflammation, stinging sensation, lightheadedness, fainting, vomiting, shortness of breath, etc. by consuming it.

Did You Know?

Tamarind originates from the legume family that includes beans, nuts, chickpeas, and soybeans. If you are allergic to any of these, you also may be allergic to tamarind.

2. Can Damage Tooth Enamel

Tamarind is highly acidic by nature. Therefore, the chance is big that it will take a toll on your beautiful sets of teeth with over consumption. If you eat tamarind in excessive quantity, the enamel of your teeth is likely to get corroded by its acid component. Remember, too much tamarind is extremely bad for the health as well as for the look of your teeth.

3. Induces Acid Reflux

As said earlier, tamarind is an acidic food element. When we eat it, the acid levels go up within our gastrointestinal tract, especially our stomach. So, if you are already suffering from digestive issues like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)ⁱ  A digestive disease in which the stomach acid frequently flows back up the food pipe and irritates the lining. or ‘acid reflux’, you should stay away from it. Otherwise, you will end up developing acute acidity.

4. Promotes Vasoconstriction

If you are taking any sort of vasoconstrictor (no matter whether it is an herb, a supplement or a synthetic drug), you should strictly steer clear of tamarind (2). This fruit is known to add to the vasoconstricting effects by accelerating the process of narrowing of the blood vessels. It ultimately results in slow blood flow or sometimes even complete blockage of blood vessels.

5. Interacts With Certain Antibiotics

If you are using any ophthalmic antibioticⁱ  Solutions or ointments that are used to treat and prevent bacterial infections in the eyes. on your eyes topically, avoid tamarind intake. Several researchers have shown that this fruit interacts with such type of drugs and can lead to unwanted skin as well as health hazards.

6. Produces Laxative Effects

The pulp or extract of tamarind is well-known for its laxativeⁱ  A substance, property, or medication that is used to loosen stool and improve bowel movements. qualities and can be helpful in treating constipation (4). But if you are already using any other laxative product, make sure that you skip eating this fruit.

7. Can Make Weaver’s Cough Worse

Well, weaver’s cough is not caused by the intake of tamarind. Rather, it is a medical condition resulted from the powdered tamarind seeds. However, if you are going to use it in your dishes as an additive, be careful as the powder can affect your lungs and induce chronic respiratory issues (2).

Quick Tip

Other symptoms of Weaver’s cough include aching limbs, severe headaches, fever, and weight loss.

Infographic: What You Should Consider Before Using Tamarind

Tamarind is a tangy-flavored fruit with many nutritional benefits. However, excess consumption may cause several adverse effects, including allergic reactions, nausea, and interactions with certain medications. Hence, you must consider a few things before consuming tamarind to avoid its negative effects. Click on the infographic below to learn more about the same.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it good to eat tamarind every day?

Yes, eating tamarind every day is good as it offers an array of health benefits. It contains antioxidants that may boost heart and bone health. However, if consumed in excess, it may cause side effects like acid reflux and damage to the teeth.

How much tamarind should I eat daily?

Tamarind is good for weight loss. It has many health benefits. However, it needs to be consumed in moderation. You can eat 10 grams of tamarind daily.

Is tamarind good for the kidneys?

Yes, tamarind is loaded with antioxidants that can promote kidney health.

How does tamarind affect digestion?

It helps maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria in your gut and encourages the production of beneficial substances that aid in digestion. Tamarind promotes a healthy gut environment by reducing inflammation and supporting the strength of your digestive tract (5). However, it may lead to discomfort if consumed in excess.

Can tamarind increase breast size?

No, tamarind cannot increase breast size.

Who should not eat tamarind?

Tamarind may lower blood sugar levels way too much if consumed in excess. Hence, people with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar levels while eating tamarind.

Is tamarind good for the liver?

Yes, tamarind is good for the liver if consumed in moderation.

Illustration: Side Effects Of Tamarind

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Tamarind may taste delicious, and tamarind seeds have many benefits too, but too much of it is not good for your health. Watch this video to learn about tamarind’s negative impact on your health and well-being.

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Karishma ShahIntegrative Health Nutritionist

     

Karishma Shah is an Integrative Health Nutritionist and Holistic Wellness Coach with 3 years of experience. She has an extensive background in clinical nutrition, Ayurveda, and spiritual-mental health. She adopts a multi-disciplinary and wholesome approach to work on the body, mind, and soul and brings about sustainable and long-lasting transformations in her clients.

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Tanya ChoudharyHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Tanya is an ISSA certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition. She specializes in writing articles on ingredients that benefit skin, hair, and health. She believes in the right health and lifestyle practices and strives to promote the same to everyone around her.

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