Amazing Benefits Of Kokum

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

This is the name of the Indian garcinia (Garcinia indica) - a tree from Western India. Its red-brown fruits resemble plums and are highly valued due to the abundance of nutrients in the composition. What is the secret of the growing popularity of kokum?

The plant belongs to the mangosteen family. It is distinguished by juicy fruits with a soft, fleshy skin and sourish flesh. They are often used in Indian cuisine for preparing food and drinks. For example, in the south of Goa, kokum sherbet is widespread - a traditional drink for quenching thirst in the heat. Ayurveda followers value this herb more for its medicinal and cosmetic properties.

Coconut oil

While the pulp of the fruit contains fiber, protein, carbohydrates, pectin and vitamin C, the most impressive of the medicinal qualities of kokum are hidden within its rind and seeds. The latter include 33 to 44% oil. It is white in color with a mild aroma. The oil is very light and non-greasy. It can be stored for up to 2 years.

It can be used in food. The oil has emollient, astringent and soothing properties. Contains stearic, oleic, palmitic, linoleic acids. Thanks to this, it helps to heal wounds, soften rough, dry skin, keep it youthful, improve blood circulation, provide hydration and nutrition.

Kokum fruit

Botanists claim that the kokuma fruit contains a unique blend of phytochemicals. This is why kokum peels are valuable in Southeast Asia. It has three valuable nutrients: anthocyanin, garcinol, and hydroxy acid.

1. Help in weight loss

The popularity of kokum and products with its participation has become popular all over the world due to their ability to beneficially influence a person's weight. When combined with a proper diet and plenty of exercise, kokum can help maintain or reduce weight loss more effectively.

It has been shown that dietary kokum inhibits the accumulation of visceral and subcutaneous fat. The research results showed that the amount of fat decreased in 4 weeks by up to 15%. Scientists claim the ability of kokum to suppress appetite, increase energy and increase metabolism.

2. Simplicity of anxiety and depression

Another interesting quality of kokum fruit is its ability to increase serotonin levels in the brain. According to the research results, mice regularly fed with kokum extract in their diet were less susceptible to panic attacks and anxiety than their counterparts. Mice that regularly consumed kokum were more active and curious.

3. Antioxidant powerhouse

Kokum peel is enriched with anthocyanins and garcinol. They stimulate cognitive function, protect against free radicals, maintain heart health, improve vision, and may help prevent weight gain. The peel of the fruit contains cyanidin-3-glucoside, which is particularly protective against the harmful effects of free radicals. But the main antioxidant of the fruit peel is garcinol, a super-powerful substance that relieves oxidative stress and neutralizes free radicals 3 times more effectively than vitamin E.

4. Against inflammation

Chronic inflammation is at the root of many diseases (cancer, dementia, heart disease, and diabetes). Research on the garcinol found in kokum has shown that it suppresses several pro-inflammatory enzymes. This means that kokum also protects against inflammatory processes.

5. Against ulcers

Stomach ulcers are caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, long-term use of aspirin, other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or simply stress. But the same garcinol found in kokum is recognized as an effective treatment for H. pylori infection. In addition, this antioxidant fights well against free radicals, which also play a role in the development of ulcers.