TAMARIND OVERVIEW
Indigenous to Africa and Asia, the tamarind tree known botanically as Tamarindus Indica belongs to the family of  fabacea. An evergreen tree with lush green leaves, it bears pulpy fruits in pods, endowed  with various medicinal values.The various parts of the tree such as the leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds, have therefore been used as medicines, since ancient times. The fruits, nevertheless have been used for dishing out tasty dishes in various cuisines across the world. However in places like South  East Asian countries,  the fruit has been passed on for generations as a secret ingredient for skin and hair care. This is primarily due to the fruits skin-friendly  attributes that promote skin health.



SKIN NUTRIENTS AND BENEFITS OF TAMARIND

Tamarind profuse with potent antioxidant substances, complete  vitamins, C, A, k, E prove beneficial for skin. They also have potassium, Magnesium, copper, selenium and zinc in moderate quantities. Apart from these skin friendly compounds, the chief attributes for maintaining skin health is nonetheless, the alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and hyaluronaic acid (HA).


ALPHA HYDROXY ACID (AHA) IN TAMARIND 

However, synthetically produced acids have a possible risk of causing skin irritation while the natural ones as found in the sweetish tamarind fruits are considered absolutely safe. Besides, the tamarind fruit pulp consists of a wide array of AHAs namely malic acid, citric acid, lactic acid and tartaric acid. They augment collagen production, a  skin protein that keeps the skin firm and taut, inhibiting  and smoothening wrinkles, fine lines and skin sagging.  They make effective humectants as they lock moisture within the skin, alleviating skin dryness and peeling. They also clear and lighten skin blemishes and pigmentation caused by over exposure to sunlight. Apart from these, they have the ability to loosen and slough several layers of dead skin cells from surface, thus paving the way for skin rejuvenation, by restoring and revealing new cells from below. These characteristic feature enables younger looking, supple, soft and smooth skin.

HYALURONIC ACID IN TAMARIND 

However HA repairs and renews cellular tissues, supports skin structure and safeguards skin damages from the harsh ultra violet rays of  sunlight.
Hyaluronic acid otherwise known as hyaluronan is a naturally occurring polysaccharide ( carbohydrate) substance in the body. Referred to as ‘the fountain of youth’, this substance fills the gap between the skin cells.  Being a natural lubricant it keeps the skin smooth and plump, by retaining and absorbing moisture ,depending upon the humidity of changing seasons. Hence most youthful skin have HA in abundance.  Nevertheless, after forty years of age there is a significant depletion of this compound, that makes the skin appear dull and lacklustre causing skin dryness, wrinkling and sagging. Furthermore with decreased collagen synthesis in older people, the skin acquires dark patches and

VITAMINS AND MINERALS IN TAMARIND 

Vitamin C antioxidants are one of the excellent sources for skin care. They safeguard the skin from environmental pollutants like smoke, dust and pollution. This aspect helps neutralise the free radical substances in the body getting rid of blood toxins and purifying blood. This plus a natural tendency to synthesise collagen avert wrinkle formation,  fine lines and skin discoloration owing to sun damage. They offer anti inflammatory effects and soothe inflammatory conditions like acne pimples and skin eruptions. Vitamin A on the other hand alleviates dry skin and helps repair and maintain skin.They control acne breakouts and also prove effective for skin conditions like psoriasis. Vitamin E smoothens skin promoting a healthy glow. Vitamin K enables rapid healing of wounds and bruises. They heal acne and are helpful in getting rid of under eye dark circles. Selenium and copper protect the skin from burning and averts occurrences of melanoma due to overexposure to the harsh rays of the sun.

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