Health fads on the internet travel faster than the speed of light. The latest one is to popularise tamarind seeds as a cure to deal with the painful issue of arthritis, especially among women.
Packed with protein, dietary fibre, and carbohydrates, tamarind seeds are a powerhouse of essential macronutrients like magnesium and potassium, but are they any good for your bones and joints?
Tamarind seeds are also rich in compounds like tannins and flavonoids, which help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, among the key factors in arthritis. The seeds are important for bone health and muscle function and can provide relief from stiffness and discomfort associated with arthritis.
It is widely believed that these seeds can help improve joint lubrication, promote smoother movement, and reduce pain. However, while they do show promise, there is still no scientific evidence to prove their effectiveness as a standalone treatment for arthritis. Experts suggest these can be used as a complementary approach along with medically prescribed treatments for the debilitating condition.
How can you use tamarind seeds?
While they are not prescribed as a treatment or cure for arthritis, experts say that since tamarind seeds are high in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, you can roast and grind them into a powdered format, or as an addition to smoothies, soups, and sauces.
Also, you can use them to cure indigestion and increase bile production, as tamarind seeds are loaded with dietary fibre, which further results in the reduction of cholesterol and improves your digestive system.
According to doctors, tamarind seeds can protect your pancreas, which increases the size of insulin-producing cells. You must try drinking tamarind seed water daily in the morning to help manage blood sugar levels naturally.
Ways to effectively manage arthritis pain
Experts believe arthritis cannot be cured, and so, the only way to keep the symptoms away is by managing them, by involving a combination of:
- Being physically active
- Reducing and maintaining weight
- Trying out heat and cold therapy
- Medication as prescribed by your doctor.
According to doctors, regular gentle exercises, especially low-impact activities like swimming, can strengthen muscles and improve flexibility. Also, various ways to induce weight loss, such as diet control and physical activity, help reduce stress on weight-bearing joints.
Heat and cold alleviate pain and inflammation, along with assistive devices like canes or shoe inserts, which can improve mobility and reduce joint strain.
What are the risk factors of arthritis?
Anyone can develop arthritis; however, a few factors can make you more likely to, including:
Tobacco use
Smoking and using other tobacco products increase your risk.
Family history
Those whose biological family members have arthritis are more likely to develop it.
Activity level
You may be more likely to have arthritis if you are not physically active regularly.
Other health conditions
Having an autoimmune disease, obesity, or any condition that affects your joints increases the chances you’ll develop arthritis.
Some people have a higher risk of arthritis, including:
- People older than 50 years of age
- Women
- Athletes, especially those who play contact sports.
- Those who have physically demanding jobs or do work that puts a lot of stress on their joints.