12 Health benefits of kokum (Garcinia indica)

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WHAT IS KOKUM:

Kokum, belongs to mangosteen family (Clusiaceae), is a magical fruit with lots of medicinal properties. The scientific name of kokum is “Garcinia indica“. In this article, we are going to reveal 12 surprising benefits of eating kokum fruit. Along with this, you will also know the side effects of eating kokum.

GARCINIA INDICA (KOKUM) PLANT DESCRIPTION:

Kokum has around 200 species and about 35 of them are found in India. Garcinia indica is an evergreen tree. The tree can grow as high as 18 meters. It is mostly found and cultivated in Asia and Africa.

The fruit is similar to orange in size and shape. Fruit color is like purple berry. Kokum fruit contains 5 to 8 large seeds which hold 20-23% weight of the fruit.

Garcinia indica is found in riversides, forest lands and wastelands. These plants of Garcinia indica prefer evergreen forests, but occasionally they also thrive in the areas with relatively low rainfall. It doesn’t require irrigation and spraying of fertilizers or pesticides.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF KOKUM:

The benefits of kokum fruit may include:

1. ANTI-FUNGAL AND ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES:

Kokum fruit has anti-fungal and antioxidant properties. A study done on rats found that anti-fungal properties present in kokum fruit can help reduce the effect of ulcers to some extent.

At the same time, kokum fruit can also be used as an antioxidant. It contains phytonutrients, called anthocyanins, which contain antioxidant properties. The antioxidant properties present in kokum fruit can help protect the skin from the bad effects of free-radicals.

2. PROTECT AGAINST TUMORS:

The benefits of eating kokum fruit can also be seen here. The fruit contains anti-tumor properties, which may prove to be useful in reducing the risk of developing tumors.

In addition, according to a study done on rats stated that consumption of kokum fruit can help heal tumors on the skin. However, more research need to be done on humans to prove this.

3. FOR DIARRHEA:

Kokum fruit can provide some relief in diarrhea. It has anti-diarrhea properties, due to which consuming it can help in the treatment of diarrhea. In this situation, kokum fruit juice can be given to the people suffering from diarrhea.

4. FOR HEART HEALTH:

Consumption of kokum fruit can also work protect against the risk of many heart problems. According to a scientific research, nutrients like potassium, manganese, magnesium and B-complex vitamins are found in plenty in kokum fruit. All these properties can help control heart rate and blood pressure.

At the same time, it may also show beneficial effects in reducing the risk of stroke and heart disease. In addition, it also has cardioprotective properties.

5. FOR BRAIN HEALTH:

The benefits of kokum fruit can also be found for brain health. A scientific research clearly mentions that this fruit has neuroprotective effects that help keep the brain healthy and safe. In such a situation, it can be said that the use of kokum can be beneficial for the brain.

6. IMPROVES IMMUNITY:

According to a research, kokum fruit can also be used to improve immunity. The properties present in it can help improve the immune system to some extent. People with weak immunity can include kokum fruit in their diet.

For this, you can consume it as raw or in the form of juice. Hence, it would not be wrong to say that kokum fruit helps improve immunity.

7. RELIEVES ACIDITY:

In today’s time, many individuals are troubled by the problem of gas or acidity. It may be due to poor lifestyle and bad eating habits. In such a situation, kokum can help prevent this problem to some extent.

Its consumption can help cure many digestive problems, such as constipation, flatulence and indigestion, as well as the problem of gas in the stomach. At the same time, due to cooling properties, consuming kokum juice in the summer season can be beneficial. It can work reduce acidity as well as keep the body hydrated. However, more scientific evidence is still needed in this regard.

8. IN LIVER HEALTH:

Consumption of kokum fruit may show positive effect when it comes to good liver health. According to a scientific study, kokum fruit contains various bioactive compounds such as garcinol, which can work as antifungal, antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties. These properties can help keep the liver healthy and protect against the risk of cancer.

At the same time, an another scientific research also states that the use of kokum fruit can help overcome liver disorders.

9. IN HEMORRHOIDS (PILES):

The benefits of eating kokum fruit can also be found for reducing the risk of hemorrhoids. The fruit has anti-piles properties.

It is believed that the consumption of kokum fruit and its peel and fresh leaves in the decoction form can help to come out this problem. However, more medical research is still needed in this regard. Along with home remedies, a proper medical treatment is also necessary when the condition is severe.

10. HELPS RELIEVE BURNS:

The use of kokum fruit can also be beneficial in recovering from minor burns. For this, after removing the seeds from the fruit, mixing its pulp with yogurt can be applied on the affected area. If the condition of the burn is severe, then medical treatment must be done without any delay.

11. IN WEIGHT LOSS:

The benefits of kokum fruit can also be seen when it comes to weight loss. It contains active compounds such as garcinol and hydroxy-citric acid, which can play an important role in weight control.

Not only can it be used as a fat burning agent for weight loss, but it can also be helpful in reducing cholesterol and anxiety problems. In such a situation, it can be said that the use of kokum can be beneficial for reducing weight.

12. FOR SKIN IRRITATION:

The benefits of kokum fruit can also be seen for the treatment of inflamed skin. Using kokum fruit as a sorbent may help reduce skin irritation caused by the sun. It can help prevent skin damage.

At the same time, kokum (Garcinia indica) is also used in the cosmetic industry, kokum butter is used in foot cream. However, due to which property it can help in this regard, is a matter of research and scientific research is still going on this.

HOW TO USE KOKUM:

Kokum fruit can be used in the following ways:

Kokum fruit can be used as a smoothie.
Kokum fruit juice can also be used for drinking.
Can be used to make syrup and drink.
It can be used as a fruit salad with food.
After washing, peeling off the upper skin, kokum fruit can be eaten like other fruits.
It can be used as a flavoring agent to enhance the taste of food.

WHEN AND HOW MUCH TO EAT:

You can consume 1 to 3 kokum fruit throughout the day. However, it is vital to consult a dietician to know the right amount of its consumption.

It can be eaten in the morning after having breakfast. It can also be consumed in the form of juice in the summer season.

SIDE EFFECTS OF KOKUM:

Eating it in moderate amounts does not cause any serious side-effect. However, its excessive consumption can cause some side-effects. They may include:

Do not consume kokum fruit, if you are allergic to it. Consult your doctor before consuming it.
If someone is getting medical treatment for any serious disease, then it is important to consume it only on the advice of the doctor, otherwise it can reduce the effect of the treatment.

TAKE AWAY

After reading this article, you must have understand that kokum is really a magical fruit, which can help treat various health disorders. However, it can also have some health side-effects, for which you must be careful. Keep in mid that if you notice any serious symptoms during its consumption, then stop its consumption immediately.

REFERNCES:

The chemistry and medicinal uses of the underutilized Indian fruit tree Garcinia indica Choisy (kokum): A review; Manjeshwar Shrinath Baliga, Harshith P. Bhat, Ramakrishna J. Pai and Rekha Boloor; ISSN: 0963-9969.
Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Effects of Garcinia indica; K.N. Varalakshmi. C.G. Sangeetha, A.N. Shabeena, S.R. Sunitha and J. Vapika; World Journal of Agricultural Sciences 7 (2): 193-196, 2011; ISSN 1817-3047.
A Phytopharmacological Review on Garcinia indica; Prajakta Jagtap, Kiran Bhise and Vijayalakshmi Prakya; International Journal of Herbal Medicine 2015; 3(4): 02-07.
Bioactive Constituents of Kokum and its Potential Health Benefits.pdf; Author: Rahul C. Ranveer and Akshya K Sahoo; Volume 1, Issue 6, 2017; ISSN: 2573-4946.
Antibacterial Activity of Polyphenols of Garcinia Indica; C. Lakshmi, K. Akshaya Kumar, T. J. Dennis and T. S. S. P. N. S. Sanath Kumar; PMCID: PMC3374570. PMID: 22707838.
Emerging role of Garcinol the antioxidant chalcone from Garcinia indica Choisy and its synthetic analogs; Subhash Padhye, Aamir Ahmad and Nikhil Oswal; PMCID: PMC2743703. PMID: 19725977.
Kokum (Garcinia Indica) and its Many Functional Components as Related to the Human Health: A Review; Shrikant Baslingappa Swami, N.J. Thakor and S.C. Patil.
Garcinia indica; Wikipedia.
A COMPARISON ON THE PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF SEEDBUTTERS OF SELECTED INDIAN GARCINIA SPP.; Utpala Parthasarathy, O.P. Nandakishore, R. Senthil kumar and V.A. Parthasarathy; Journal of Global Biosciences; ISSN: 2320-1355; Volume 3, Number 6, 2014, pp. 872-880.
Organic colors for Ayurvastra from kokum fruits and rinds; M Vasundhara, B Radhika and BS Thara; Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies 2016; 4(6): 104-107; ISSN 2320-3862.

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