Kokum is a tropical fruit native to India and Sri Lanka. Kokum is also known as Garcinia indica or Garcinia gummi-gutta. This plant belongs to the family Clusiaceae and grows naturally in South Asia. The trees can grow up to 20 feet tall. The blooms are white flowers. Fruit is small in size and contains red seeds.
Its fruits contain high amounts of citric acid, vitamin C, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, folate, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, biotin, and vitamins B1, B2, B6, E, K, and D.
Kokum contains high amounts of antioxidants, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and carotenoids. These compounds are responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties of kokum. They also boost metabolism, improve digestion, and enhance immunity.
The most common way to use kokum is by eating it raw. It can be used fresh or dried. You can eat kokum like you would eat an apple. However, if you want to get all the benefits from this fruit, you should consume it raw.
How To Use Kokum?
You can add kokum powder into your diet in various ways. Here are some examples: Add 1 teaspoon of kokum powder to water and drink daily. Mix 2 tablespoons of kokum with milk and have it once a day. Add 1 tablespoon of kokum to your breakfast cereal. Mix one cup of kokum juice with two cups of water and drink twice a day. Use kokum pulp to make smoothies. Consume kokum pulp on salads. Eat kokum pulp sprinkled over vegetables. Make kokum jam.
Benefits of Kokum
Reduces Fatigue, Improves Digestion, Boosts Immunity, Increases Energy Levels, Reduces Stress, Improves Skin Health, Boosts Metabolism
Kokum butter
Kokum butter is extracted from the fruit. This oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and D. Kokum butter is commonly used in cosmetics and personal-care products because it is easy to use and inexpensive.
Kokum butter is an effective moisturizer. Kokum butter is rich in vitamin A. Kokum butter contains natural antioxidants.
This butter is rich in vitamins A and D, minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and zinc, and essential fatty acids like omega 3 and omega 6. It helps cure many diseases such as diarrhea, constipation, gastric disorders, and heartburn. It is also beneficial for people suffering from dry skin and hair because it contains natural moisturizers.
The main component of kokum butter is called alpha-amyrin acetate. In addition, kokum butter contains several vitamins such as beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, retinoic acid, riboflavin, thiamine, and vitamin B6. These nutrients are essential for maintaining good vision, bone growth, and immune system function.
Health benefits of Kokum
- Kokum fruit contains antioxidants which help fight free radicals.
- Kokum extracts help to lower cholesterol levels.
- Kokum extract helps to curb appetite and aids weight loss.
- Kokum is rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Zinc, Fiber, Hydroxy Citric Acid (HCA).
- It is useful for treating constipation and indigestion.
- It also fights obesity and diabetes.
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Extra reading
Manoranjitha (Artabotrys odoratissimus)
Happy Gardening!
Dr. Vandana K.