Native to tropical Africa, tamarind has found its way into the cuisines of many countries around the world, from the African and Asian continents to the tropical Americas. It is a bean-like shaped pod that encases a tender, succulent flesh with a highly acidic flavor when young. When ripe, tamarind loses its acidic punch and becomes sweet enough to be used for culinary purposes. Tamarind is not only an amazing ingredient in a wide range of dishes, but it also has a long history of medicinal use, as it was traditionally used to help ease stomach discomfort, aid digestion and promote better bowel movement. Besides, it provides your body with niacin, calcium, vitamin C, copper and pyridoxine.