by The summer season makes us crave something refreshing and energizing constantly. What better way to beat the heat than with a fruit packed with flavor and nutrients? Introducing kokum, the superfruit that is taking the Indian culinary world by storm! With its tangy flavor and versatile nature, kokum is the perfect addition to your summer diet. It not only helps with digestion and skin health, but also refreshes the body and keeps it hydrated. So, let’s take a look at the benefits of kokum and ways to include it in your diet.
Kokum or Garcinia indica is a tropical fruit that is commonly used in Indian cooking, particularly in coastal regions like Maharashtra and Goa. Popularly used in summer mocktails, it is known for its unique tart flavor and is packed with a variety of nutrients that make it a great addition to your summer diet. The tiny rounded appearance of this tropical summer fruit is red while on the tree, but the color turns to a deep purple, fairly close to blackish when ripe and dry.
Kokum Health Benefits
1. Helps in digestion
“For several centuries, people have eaten kokum for healthy digestion and to relieve heartburn attacks, as well as burning sensations in the heart and stomach due to indigestion,” says dietitian and nutritionist Avni Kaul. The dried kokum fruit, made into a drink as kokum juice, is a natural cure to stimulate the digestive fire and improve the body’s digestion.
2. Good for the skin
Studies have indicated that kokum contains anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. This is due to the presence of specific phenolic compounds in the kokum fruit. That is why kokum has various healing applications. It can treat wounds and cuts. Kokum butter is often used on the skin to keep it healthy.
3. Kokum has many nutrients
It is rich in nutrients. Kaul explains that kokum is packed with multiple vitamins, such as vitamins A, B3, and C, and minerals such as calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, and potassium. It also has an excellent amount of folic, ascorbic, acetic and hydroxycitric acid, as well as fiber. So, from building your immunity to helping with so much more, this unassuming fruit is nutritious enough to keep you in good overall health.
4. Kokum is a good cooling and moisturizing agent.
This is a summer fruit, and its sorbet is one of the best natural drinks you can drink during the summer to avoid dehydration and the chance of heat stroke. This is due to one of the health benefits of kokum, which is its ability to cool down your entire system. “Bright red kokum sorbet contains cooling properties. It immediately refreshes and replenishes lost body fluids, leaving you energized and active during the peak temperatures of summer,” says Kaul.
5. Weight loss
Kokum is rich in hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which has been shown to boost metabolism and increase fat burning in the body. It can also help control your appetite and prevent overeating. Fruit contains high levels of dietary fiber, which can help you feel fuller for longer and reduce your overall calorie intake. Additionally, kokum is a low-calorie fruit, making it a great addition to any weight loss diet.
