Kokum (Garcinia Indica) benefits

It has been a month I have shifted to Goa and I get to drink Kokum juice as Kokum is a essential component of the Konkan food culture. The Kokum juice here is called the Sol Kadi and owing to the humidity here it is given as a summer coolant and a digestive juice in any restaurant you visit.

As I did a little research on this fruit I got to know about its various benefits which I would like to share.

Here are the benefits of Kokum –

• Kokum improves immunity as it has citric acid, carbohydrates, malic acid, acetic acid, hydro citric acid, ascorbic acid, vitamin B complexes, garcinol, manganese, potassium, magnesium, hydroxycitric acid as well as dietary fibre.
• As a matter of fact it helps improve digestion and increases the appetite.
• It helps prevent infection as it has both antifungal as well as antioxidant properties.
• It has anti-ageing properties as it is extremely rich in antioxidants which help improve skin and its texture.
• It reduces the body heat and has cooling properties.
• It stabilizes the levels of cholesterol.
• It helps in decreasing the production of excess fat thus in turn helps in weight loss.
• Moreover it reduces the chances of heart disease and acts like a cardio tonic.
• It promotes cell repair and cell regeneration.
• It can help relieve you from acidity, flatulence, constipation and indigestion.
• It is a good source of potassium

Some home remedies –

• To curb acidity – Drink a mixture of Kokum + Sugar + Salt
• To reduce flatulence — Kokum juice with ginger and honey
• For indigestion – The juice + black pepper powder
• For Headache and indigestion – Take 10 mature leaves and cook it well in a cup of water. Add a pinch each of ginger, pepper,cumin seed powder and salt. Let it simmer for 5 minutes. This is effective in headache and indigestion.

Kokum is a gift of nature which is put to a variety of uses.If not for the medical benefits, try Kokum for the great taste it offers! It adds flavor to food, and health to life!