Tamarind, or Mak-khaam as it is called in Thailand, is used in Tao Garden Health Cuisine because of its fresh, slightly sour taste. Valued as a tropical health food since times immemorial, Tamarind is rich in calcium, phosphorus, iron, thiamine and riboflavin and a good source of niacin. Tamarind used internally is a powerful digestive, hence its use in Tao Garden Salad Dressing, Sauce and Jam. In Ayurvedic Tamarind is known as a medicine for gastric and digestive disorders. Used externally as a house medicine, Thai people value its astringent quality for beautiful skin. In Five Element Nutrition Tamarind is a food which enhances the Fire Element (small intestine) and Metal Element (large intestine).