Know the Medicinal Importance, Benefits and Uses of Kokum

2022-04-15 00:00:00

Kokum is a fruit scientifically known as Garcinia Indica. The fruit looks like an apple and is quite popular for its health benefits. This fruit is considered beneficial for reducing weight, strengthening the digestive system and curing many diseases. Most people like to consume it in the form of juices, salads and smoothies.

Importance of Kokum

Kokum is rich in antioxidants, antibacterial and antiviral properties. Apart from this, it is considered a good source of vitamins and minerals. At the same time, elements like magnesium, calcium, potassium, iodine, nitrate, phosphorus, vitamin C, vitamin B1, B2 and sodium are present in it which help in increasing the digestion process in the body, increasing stamina, controlling blood pressure, youthful skin and many other diseases. Due to all these properties, kokum fruit has been used as a medicine and spice for years.

Benefits of kokum

To reduce weight-

Kokum contains vitamin C and fibre which helps in reducing the extra body fat. Vitamin C present in kokum improves metabolism by preventing the deposition of fat. Therefore, to lose weight we should include kokum in our daily diet.

For digestion-

Kokum is beneficial for digestion and stomach problems like gas. Consumption of kokum works to have a positive effect on the digestive system by stimulating the digestive juices due to which the functions of the digestive system of the body improve.

For immunity-

Kokum promotes immunomodulatory. Vitamin C and many types of minerals are found in kokum that works by influencing the immune system. Apart from this, the antiviral, antibacterial properties present in kokum help in keeping the body healthy by removing bacteria.

For heart health-

Kokum works to keep the heart healthy & protect it from diseases. According to scientific research, nutrients like vitamin B-complex, potassium, magnesium and manganese are present in Kokum fruit which help control blood pressure and heart rate. Apart from this, the cardioprotective properties present in kokum fruit prove to be beneficial in reducing the risks of stroke and heart-related problems.

Beneficial for liver-

Wrong eating habits and lifestyles have a direct effect on the liver. In such a situation, it is necessary to change your diet and routine from time to time. For this, including kokum fruit in your diet along with other foods is very beneficial for the liver as kokum contains various bioactive compounds like garcinol, which act as antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral. These properties work to keep the liver healthy and protect it from cancer or any kind of damage. Therefore, include kokum fruit in your diet.

Get rid of constipation-

Kokum fruit proves to be effective in relieving problems like abdominal cramps, constipation, diarrhoea etc. The fruit is beneficial for stimulating the digestive system. It also helps in relieving gastrointestinal problems like indigestion, acid reflux, etc. For this, consume kokum juice daily. By doing this the complaint of constipation can be removed.

For diarrhoea-

The use of kokum fruit is considered effective for diarrhoea as it has anti-diarrhoea properties. It also proves to be effective in the problem of dehydration due to diarrhoea. For this, make juice of kokum fruit and consume it. By doing this, there is relief in diarrhoea.

To keep the skin young-

Kokum reduces the signs of premature ageing as it contains high amounts of Vitamin-C and E that exhibit antioxidant effects. Due to this effect, kokum helps to keep the skin young for a long time by reducing the effect of free radicals. Apart from this, kokum also helps in removing wrinkles by controlling the amount of collagen. Therefore, kokum fruit can be used to reduce the effects of aging and to remove skin related problems.

For skin irritation-

The use of kokum is beneficial for burning skin. For this, mix the pulp of kokum fruit with curd and apply it to the affected area. Doing this helps reduce skin irritation caused by sunburn or other reasons. Therefore, kokum is also used in making many types of cosmetic products or foot creams.

For hair growth-

The main reason for the problem of hair loss and baldness is the lack of sufficient nutrients. Kokum contains vitamin B and vitamin C in abundance which helps in hair growth by reducing the problem of alopecia (hair loss).

Uses of Kokum

• Kokum fruit is consumed like other fruits by removing the peel.
• The fruit is also used in the form of juice or syrup.
• Kokum is used as a flavouring agent to enhance the taste of food.
• It is used for sourness in lentils, sambar and vegetables.
• It can be used as a salad or smoothie.

Side effects of Kokum

• Excessive consumption of kokum can lead to the problem of metabolic acidosis.
• If a person is taking blood pressure medicine, then its consumption should be avoided.
• People who have any kind of skin allergies should consume it only according to the advice of the doctor.