Kokum or Garcinia Indica has been used by Ayurveda physicians to treat sores, prevent infection, improve digestion, alleviate diarrhea and constipation, lessen arthritis pain, cure ear infections and heal stomach ulcers.
Apart from being nutritious in nature, kokum renders a unique reddish colour to your food (you can also used it as a natural food colouring agent). However, what you may not know is that the refreshing kokum sherbat or the delicious sol kadi made from kokum is packed with numerous health benefits. :
Keeps your heart healthy
Kokum is a rich source of powerful anti-oxidant vitamin C in the form of citric acid, malic acid, acetic acid, ascorbic acid, hydro citric acid and hydroxycitric acid. Garcinol is the major active ingredient of Kokum and it has antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. It does not contain cholesterol or saturated fats. It is low in calories and rich in dietary fibres. Fresh Kokum fruit highly contains B-complex vitamins such as niacin, folates and thiamin which are co-factors of many biochemical reactions. The seed of kokum contains 23-30% oil and it is used in preparation of medicines, cosmetics and confectionery. Kokum is loaded with magnesium, potassium and manganese that protects against heart disease and also aids in control of blood pressure.
Aids in Digestion
Kokum is widely used to combat myriad digestive problems like constipation , acidity and flatulence. It contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA) that acts as an appetite suppressant. Its anti-helmintic properties help in removal of worms like ascaris from the stomach.
Aids in weight loss
Its juicy berry contains HCA that acts as a hypocholesterolaemic agent. It suppresses the activity of the enzymes responsible for conversion of calories into fat. It induces weight loss by hindering with the process of lipogenesis (fatty acid synthesis)
Boosts the brain activity
Kokum is found to exert positive effects on the brain by helping in the neuronal growth process. It also prevents damage to the brain by nullifying the action of the free radicals
Builds your immunity
Kokum enhances your immune function by acting as a powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Garcinol, an active constituent present in kokum is found to posses an anti-carcinogenic property that helps in suppressing the production of reactive oxygen species responsible for the cancer
Thus, Kokum or Mangosteen fruit has a number of medicinal benefits which can be used over a period of time and as it is a natural remedy, it is obviously harmless to the body. This medicinal fruit is gaining popularity at a fast pace all over the world as more and more countries are taking note of this fruit. Studies are being conducted to enhance its medicinal properties to a new level.