Over 200 million people in the United States have access to water supplies that are fluoridated. If you’re one of these individuals, you might consider using tamarind as a means to remove fluoride from your system.
Tamarind (Tamarindus indica), a perennial tree originating from tropical Africa, is extensively grown for its distinctive sweet and sour fruit.[i] The pod-like fruit’s brown pulp is commonly used in Indian cooking for marinades and chutneys, while its unripe version is valued for pickling. Additionally, a dried powder made from this fruit is often included in drinks and snacks to add a tart flavor.[ii]
However, tamarind is not just a culinary ingredient; it has a rich history in traditional medicine. The leaves of the tamarind tree have anti-inflammatory properties,[iii] and its seeds are a source of fatty acids, phenolic antioxidants, and various biological compounds. Leaf extracts are also rich in potent flavonoids like epicatechin and apigenin, as well as beta-carotene and vitamin C.[iv]
Our extensive tamarind research database includes numerous studies highlighting the health benefits of tamarind. Notably, tamarind seed polysaccharides have been identified as effective in detoxifying harmful substances, including fluoride, which is found in 73% of the drinking water in the United States.[v]
Tamarind Helps Eliminate Fluoride from the Body
In the United States, chances are high that you are among the over 207 million people receiving fluoridated water.[vi] Fluoride, known to be a neurotoxin, can adversely affect health in various ways, including cognitive issues, reduced IQ, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, thyroid problems, heart disease, and fluoride toxicity.[vii]
The most effective method to shield yourself from fluoride is to minimize exposure, ideally by using a reverse osmosis or similar filtration system[viii] to eliminate this toxin from your water.
To aid in expelling fluoride already ingested, consider tamarind. A study involving 20 Indian boys who consumed 10 grams of tamarind daily with their lunch for 18 days showed a notable increase in fluoride excretion.[ix]
The study observed that boys who ate tamarind expelled approximately 4.8 milligrams (mg) of fluoride daily through urine, compared to 3.5 mg for those who did not consume the fruit. In India, excessive fluoride intake from food and water often leads to dental fluorosis in children and adolescents, characterized by tooth discoloration and mottling, which might increase cavity risks[x] and indicate other systemic health issues. Children with fluorosis are also more prone to cognitive impairments.[xi] In India, fluorosis from high fluoride intake is a significant public health concern,[xii] and in the U.S., around 65% of children exhibit dental fluorosis.[xiii]
However, tamarind might offer a solution. The study concluded, “Tamarind intake is likely to aid in slowing the progression of fluorosis by enhancing urinary fluoride expulsion.”[xiv]
Tamarind Can Also Remove Fluoride from Bones
Tamarind might also be effective in removing fluoride from water before consumption. When tamarind seed polysaccharides were added to water, they successfully reduced fluoride levels by 60%.[xv] A study published in Chemosphere stated:
“This research highlights the potential of T. indica L. seed polysaccharides as a natural coagulant for fluoride removal from drinking water … Tamarindus polysaccharides could be an eco-friendly alternative to chemical agents for fluoride elimination, thereby benefiting the environment and human health.”
Further studies have shown tamarind’s capability in mobilizing fluoride deposited in bones. Children who consumed tamarind for three weeks showed a significant increase in urinary fluoride excretion, suggesting its effectiveness in removing the toxin from bones and the body.[xvii] Additionally, when combined with spirulina, tamarind reduced fluoride toxicity in mice.[xviii]
Tamarind’s Benefits Extend Beyond Fluoride Detoxification
Tamarind’s advantages extend beyond its ability to detoxify fluoride. In animal research, a supplement containing tamarind seeds and turmeric significantly reduced joint pain, inflammation, and cartilage degradation, indicating potential benefits for osteoarthritis treatment.[xix]
The tamarind polysaccharides, xyloglucan oligosaccharides (TXOS), function as prebiotics and were found to greatly enhance gut microbiota diversity in obese mice.[xx] This suggests their possible role in improving various obesity-related conditions, including liver fat metabolism and body weight regulation.
Tamarind extract also exhibits antimicrobial and antiviral properties,[xxi] along with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.[xxii] Other research indicates its cardioprotective[xxiii], antidiabetic[xxiv], and potential weight management benefits by reducing food intake.[xxv]
In conclusion, if you reside in an area with fluoridated water, tamarind might be a valuable addition to your diet for fluoride detoxification. Other strategies for fluoride detox, including the use of iodine and curcumin, have also been previously discussed.
REFERENCES:
- Britannica, Tamarind https://www.britannica.com/plant/tamarind
- Bon Appetit January 13, 2021 https://www.bonappetit.com/story/how-to-use-tamarind
- Bon Appetit January 13, 2021 https://www.bonappetit.com/story/how-to-use-tamarind
- Antibiotics (Basel). 2023 Mar; 12(3): 464. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10044421/
- U.S. CDC, Water Fluoridation Data & Statistics https://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/statistics/index.htm
- U.S. CDC, 2018 Fluoridation Statistics https://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/statistics/2018stats.htm
- Fluoride Action Network, Health Effects https://fluoridealert.org/issues/health/
- Fluoride Action Network, FAQs https://fluoridealert.org/faq/
- European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 56, pages 82-85 (2002) https://www.nature.com/articles/1601287
- Caries Res. 2013;47(4):299-308.
- J Clin Diagn Res. 2015 Nov; 9(11): ZC10-ZC15.
- Environ Health Prev Med. 2017; 22: 17. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5664902/
- JDR Clin Trans Res. 2019 Oct;4(4):298-308. doi: 10.1177/2380084419830957. Epub 2019 Mar 6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30931722/
- European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 56, pages 82-85 (2002) https://www.nature.com/articles/1601287
- Chemosphere. 2023 May 26;335:138931. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138931. Online ahead of print. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37245596/
- Chemosphere. 2023 May 26;335:138931. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138931. Online ahead of print. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37245596/
- Nutrition. 2004 May;20(5):433-6. PMID: 15105030 www.greenmedinfo.com/article/tamarind-intake-appears-have-additional-beneficial-effect-mobilization-deposit
- Indian J Exp Biol. 2016 Jan ;54(1):44-55. PMID: 26891552 www.greenmedinfo.com/article/spirulina-and-tamarind-fruit-pulp-reduced-fluoride-toxicity-and-led-better-rec
- J Am Nutr Assoc. 2023 May 24;1-11. doi: 10.1080/27697061.2023.2209880. Online ahead of print. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37224433/
- Foods. 2023 Apr; 12(7): 1382. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10093524/
- Antibiotics (Basel). 2023 Mar; 12(3): 464. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10044421/
- Integr Med Res. 2019 Sep; 8(3): 181-186. www.greenmedinfo.com/article/anti-inflammatory-and-analgesic-potential-tamarindus-indica-linn-fabaceae-narr
- J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. 2021 Apr 29. Epub 2021 Apr 29. PMID: 33915613 www.greenmedinfo.com/article/tamarindus-indica-linn-leaves-ameliorates-experimental-induced-heart-failure-w
- Biol Pharm Bull. 2005 Jul;28(7):1172-6. PMID: 15997092 /article/tamarind-has-antidiabetic-actions-through-its-blood-sugar-and-blood-cholestero
- Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2015 Feb ;70(2):136-43. PMID: 25789523 www.greenmedinfo.com/article/isolated-trypsin-inhibitor-tamarindus-reduces-weight-gain-reducing-food-consum