Tamarind Jelly – Sweet and Savory
Tamarind Jelly Recipe
Newcastle, Nevis – December 14, 2008
Ingredients:
- 1.5 Cups of Tamarind seeds (#ad) (Pods)
- 1.5 Cups of sugar
- 6 Cups boiling water
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks
- 1 Clove
- Zest of one half of a lime
Cooking Method:
- Pour boiling water over tamarind and boil for 5 minutes.
- Cool and strain liquid.
- For each cup of resulting Tamarind liquid, add 1 cup of sugar.
- Boil liquid cinnamon sticks, clove, lime zest and sugar until sugar dissolves.
- Continue to boil at medium heat until jelly is set.
- Remove clove and cinnamon sticks.
- Pour in sterilized canning jars and seal immediately.
Tamarind Jelly Health Benefits
Tamarind jelly, made from the pulp of tamarind fruit, is not only a delicious treat but also offers several health benefits. Here are five notable ones:
1. **Digestive Health**: Tamarind is rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and prevents constipation. The fiber content helps in the smooth movement of food through the digestive tract, ensuring regular bowel movements.
2. **Heart Health**: Tamarind contains polyphenols and flavonoids that have antioxidant properties, which can help lower blood cholesterol levels. This reduction in cholesterol can decrease the risk of heart disease. Additionally, tamarind can improve heart health by lowering blood pressure due to its potassium content, which helps control the heart rate by counteracting the effects of sodium.
3. **Antioxidant Properties**: The high levels of antioxidants (#ad) in tamarind jelly can help fight against free radicals in the body, which are known to cause oxidative stress leading to chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants also promote overall health and delay the aging process.
4. **Immune System Support**: Tamarind is a good source of vitamin C, a natural antioxidant that helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and eliminates harmful free radicals. Vitamin C is crucial for the proper function of the immune system, helping to prevent colds and flu.
5. **Blood Sugar Control**: Tamarind has been shown to have a positive effect on controlling blood sugar levels. It contains compounds that can inhibit the enzyme alpha-amylase, which helps in reducing the absorption of carbohydrates and thereby lowers blood sugar levels after meals. This can be particularly beneficial for people with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition.
Incorporating tamarind jelly into your diet can provide these health benefits, but it’s important to consume it in moderation due to its sugar content, especially if it’s a commercially prepared product. Opting for homemade or low-sugar versions can be a healthier choice.