Amazing Health And Weight Loss Benefits of Kokum
Hello All!!
Ever heard of Kokum or mangosteen fruit? Its botanical name is Gracinia indica. It is a fruit that is very much Indian. These are tiny fruits that turn into deep purple from red as they ripen. It is harvested and dried. People of the western ghats have been using it as a spice and as a medicine. The taste of this fruit is slightly sour with a faintly sweet aroma.
Kokum has been used a lot in Ayurveda to treat a number of illnesses. The major active ingredient in kokum is garcinol. Garcinol has anti-bacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Research says that the activities of kokum’s antioxidant is stronger than several other fruits, spices and veggies.
Kokum has a lot of health benefits to offer due to the presence of antioxidants. It is often called the ‘cool king’ of Indian fruits. Have a look:
Protects from free radical damage
Kokum having garcinol (antioxidant) as an active ingredient protects the body from free radical damage. The antioxidant property of this fruit is helpful in promoting brain health by aiding the growth of neurons and stopping them from getting damaged. It wards off many diseases including cardiovascular disease and cancer. It also promotes cell repair, regeneration and prevents aging.
Builds immunity
Kokum is known to build immunity as it has garcinol in it which has anti-bacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It keeps diseases away.
Used to treat allergy
In order to treat allergic reactions, a cold blend of kokum is used for local application. This method is highly effective in treating skin allergies and rashes.
Eases constipation
If someone suffers from constipation the peel of the dried kokum fruit is given at night to ease the constipation.
Helps digestion
Kokum juice is known to help digestion and is also a refreshingly cool tonic for the body. Kokum fruit pulp is mixed with sugar to make a sweet and sour tasting drink.
Weight loss benefits
Kokum contains Hydrocitric acid that is known to be helpful in weight loss as it is an appetite suppresser. It lowers the levels of cholesterol and at the same time suppresses fatty acid growth that results in bringing down a person’s overall weight. Isn’t that great?
Protects from the summer sun
Kokum is useful in providing a cooling effect on the body and it protects the body from sunstroke and dehydration. It also brings down fever that occurs due to the heat.
Good for heart and liver
As per Ayurveda, kokum is a tonic for the liver and the heart.
Kokum butter
The butter of this fruit called kokum butter is an emollient like shea butter or cocoa butter. It treats cracks in the feet. It finds its use in cosmetics like moisturizing creams, lipsticks, conditioners and soaps.
A word of caution:
Please do not consume the fruit in excess and consume milk and milk products only after an hour of eating kokum.
How to include in daily diet?
So that is all about the health benefits. You must be raring to know about including it in your diet, here you go:
Kokum (dried) can be added to curries, dals and vegetable side dishes. It has a strong antioxidant nature so it is a healthy replacement to lemon or tamarind. It can be added as strips to salad or can also be added to raitas.
How did you find the Amazing Health And Weight Loss Benefits of Kokum?
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