Different types of fruits are found in India. Some are known, some are unknown. One such unknown fruit is ‘Kokum’. Kokum is considered a medicinal fruit. It looks like an apple in appearance. This fruit has been used medicinally and as a spice for years. In this article of My Health Only, we are going to give you detailed information about this fruit. Here we will tell in detail about the benefits of eating kokum as well as the side effects of eating kokum.
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First of all, the article let us know about what is Kokum.
What is Kokum?
Table of Contents
Kokum is considered a medicinal fruit. Its scientific name is Garcinia indica. It is a fruit found in Goa and Gujarat. It has been used medicinally and as a spice for years. Along with bringing coolness to the body, its consumption can be considered beneficial for all kinds of physical problems.
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In this part of the article, we are telling about the benefits of kokum.
Benefits of kokum
Kokum not only helps in staying healthy but can also help in recovering from various health problems, which are explained in detail below. At the same time, if someone is seriously ill, then along with consuming this fruit, it is also necessary to get a checkup done by a doctor.
- For diarrhea
Kokum fruit can provide some relief in case of diarrhea. Actually, kokum fruit has anti-diarrhoeal properties, due to which consuming it can help in the treatment of diarrhea. In this situation, the juice of kokum fruit can be given to a person suffering from diarrhea.
- As anti-fungal and anti-oxidant
Kokum fruit can also be consumed as an anti-fungal and anti-oxidant. Kokum fruit has both anti-fungal and anti-oxidant properties. A study done on rats found that with the help of anti-fungal properties present in kokum fruit, the effect of ulcers can be reduced to some extent.
At the same time, kokum fruit can also be used as an anti-oxidant. Actually, kokum contains phytonutrients called anthocyanins, which have active anti-oxidant properties. The anti-oxidant properties present in it can help protect the skin from free-radical damage. Therefore, this fruit can be eaten in the morning as per medical advice.
- To protect against tumors
The consumption of kokum fruit can also actively show its properties to ward off tumors. Actually, anti-tumor activity is found in kokum fruit, which may prove useful in reducing the risk of developing tumors. In addition, tests done on rats have found that its consumption can help heal tumors on the skin. Of course, its results have been found to be good in tests done on rats, yet consume it only on the advice of a doctor.
- For Heart Health
Consumption of kokum fruit can also work to protect against heart diseases. According to scientific research, nutrients like B-complex vitamins, potassium, manganese, and magnesium are found in kokum fruit. All these properties can help control heart rate and blood pressure. It can also show beneficial effects in reducing the risk of stroke and heart disease.
In addition, it also has cardioprotective properties (protective properties for heart health). It can be included in the diet on the advice of the doctor.
- For Stomach Gas
Most people are troubled by stomach gas, but the benefits of kokum can eliminate the problems of such people. Consumption of kokum can cure many digestive problems, such as flatulence, constipation, and indigestion, as well as the problem of gas in the stomach.
In addition, kokum has cooling properties, so consuming kokum sherbet in summers can be beneficial. It can reduce acidity as well as keep the body hydrated. However, more scientific evidence is still needed on how kokum can be beneficial in all these problems. To overcome the problem of gas, kokum can be used for medical advice.
- For Liver Health
Consumption of kokum fruit can also be beneficial for good liver health. According to scientific research, kokum fruit contains various bioactive compounds such as garcinol, which can act as antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. These properties can help keep the liver healthy and protect against cancer. In such a situation, see a doctor and also get information about medical treatment.
At the same time, medical research published on the website of NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information) also states that the use of kokum fruit can help in relieving liver-related disorders.
- In case of piles
The benefits of eating kokum also include reducing the risk of piles, as it has anti-piles properties. To stay away from this disorder, the fruit, peel, and leaves of the Kokum tree can also be used in the form of juice. For now, more medical research is needed in this regard. Along with this, medical treatment is also necessary for the severe condition of piles.
- In case of burns
The use of Kokum fruit can also be beneficial in case of burns. Kokum fruit can be used as an Ayurvedic medicine in case of burns. For this, after removing the seeds of kokum, mixing its pulp with curd can be applied to the affected area. If the condition of the burn is more serious, then medical treatment must be done without delay.
- In reducing weight
The benefits of kokum can also be seen in reducing weight. In fact, compounds like garcinol and hydroxycitric acid present in kokum can play an important role in controlling weight. In such a situation, it can be said that the use of kokum can be beneficial for reducing weight.
- For the mind
The benefits of kokum can also be achieved for the brain. Research clearly mentions that kokum has neuroprotective effects that 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.
- For Immunity Improvement
According to a research paper, kokum can also be used to improve immunity. People with weak immunity can include kokum in their diet in the form of fruit or juice. The properties present in it can be beneficial for improving the immunity of the body. In such a situation, it can be said that due to weak immunity, kokum can be considered beneficial for people who fall ill again and again.
- For skin irritation
The benefits of kokum can also be seen for the treatment of inflamed skin. Using kokum fruit as a sorbent can help reduce skin irritation caused by the sun and other causes and help prevent skin damage. At the same time, kokum is also used in the cosmetic industry, kokum butter is used in a foot cream. However, due to which special properties it can help in this, scientific research is still going on on this. Therefore, it can be consumed after consulting a doctor.
Note: The benefits of kokum are not limited to this. As some additional information, let us tell you that kokum contains hydroxy citric acid (HCA). 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.
Let us now know how we can use kokum fruits.
Uses of Kokum
Kokum fruit can be used in the following ways:
- After washing the kokum fruit, peeling off the upper skin, it can be eaten like other fruits.
- Kokum fruit juice can be used for drinking.
- It can also be used as a smoothie.
- It can be used to make syrup and drink.
- Kokum can be used as a fruit salad with food.
- Kokum can also be used as a flavoring agent to enhance the taste of food. It can be used to sour dal, sambar, and vegetables.
When to eat – The fruit can be eaten in the morning after breakfast. It can be consumed in the form of juice in summer. Along with giving it a cooling effect, it can also be beneficial to eliminate the problem of gas in the stomach. It can be consumed after eating.
How much to eat – You can eat 1-3 fruits of it throughout the day, but do consult a dietician to know the right amount of its consumption.
There can also be some side effects due to its consumption, which are going to be told in this part of the article.
Side Effects of Kokum –
However, there is not much harm in eating kokum fruit, but still, use it in limited quantity. Here we are telling about some side effects of consuming Kokum fruit in excess:
- People who have any skin allergies must consult a doctor before consuming it.
- If someone is getting treatment for any serious disease, then in that case take it only on the advice of the doctor, otherwise, it can reduce the effect of the treatment.
In this article, you learned that eating kokum can help in curing various health disorders. However, it can also have some side effects, for which you must be careful. Be sure to wash it thoroughly before consuming it. Note that if you see any health problem or some other symptoms during its consumption, then stop its consumption. Start consuming it only after medical consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
It is considered good to drink kokum syrup in the morning during summer. However, take care of its quantity before including it in the diet.
Yes, kokum fruit can be eaten directly.
No, Kokum contains compounds like garcinol and hydroxycitric acid, which are known to control weight.
Yes, using kokum can be helpful in preventing skin damage.
Yes, the fatty acids present in kokum are considered essential for the strength and growth of hair.
