What is Kokum?
Kokum (scientific name Garicinia Indica) is a tropical fruit and has its origins in India. Its found in abundance in Konkan region of Maharashtra and in Goa. Its used in everyday cooking in India’s Konkan region. Kokum is black to deep purple colored. The skin of the fruit is dried, preserved with salt and sold as kokum.
Health benefits and medicinal properties?
The fruit: It is rich in vitamin C and a very powerful anti oxidant. Kokum is a natural digestive it provides relief on flatulence, infections, heat strokes, and allergies. The fruit (also known as kokum) is used in treatments for piles, dysentery. The roots for the tree can be used as a natural astringent. Kokum is full of minerals like manganese, potassium and magnesium. Potassium helps control heart rate and blood pressure and offers protection against stroke and coronary heart diseases. It has anti- paralysis properties
Anti obesity: Kokum also helps in weight loss. It contains Hydroxy citric acid(HCA) which prevents development of fatty acid synthesis, lipogenesis, food intake and induces weight loss. It is low in calories and contains no saturated fats
The Juice: Kokum juice is purplish red in colour and is consumed during the summer season. It helps in cooling down the body temperature and prevents dehydration. The juice is also effective against allergies due to bee and ant bites.
For your skin: The seed of the fruit contains about 24% oil which remains solid at room temperature, this is used in the preparation of cosmetics and medicines. .Kokum butter is slowly gaining popularity among the youth. The butter of kokum is rich in Vitamin E and works wonders on the skin. It reduces the degeneration of skin cells and restores softness, making it a good ingredient for skincare products like soaps, oils, foot creams etc. The residue or so called cake which is left after extraction of oil is used as manure.
Kokum is also used in many ayurvedic and homeopathic medicines. Its because of its such unique and useful features and health benefits, kokum is a great fruit.
