Kokum, the tangy berry used mostly in Maharashtra has a wide range of health benefits packed in its pulp, seeds, bark, rind and root. In traditional Indian medicine like Ayurveda, this fruit was used as herbal suppressant and to treat edema, delayed menstruation, constipation, rheumatism, etc. This berry is currently used in kitchens as a food preservative, flavoring agent and natural food color.
Kokum is rich in dietary fibre and low in calories and contains absolutely no cholesterol and saturated fats. Purple in color, this berry is packed with B-complex vitamins namely niacin, thiamin and folic acid. These vitamins act as co-factors in many biochemical functions of the body. It also contains high levels of vitamin C that acts as a powerful antioxidant. Kokum is loaded with magnesium, potassium and manganese that offer protection against heart diseases and also aids in control of blood pressure.
Four health benefits of kokum –
Acts as a digestive Aid
Kokum is widely used to combat a myriad range of 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
This 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 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 immunity
Kokum enahnces 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 anti-carcinogenic properties that helps in suppressing the production of reactive oxygen species responsible for the cance.
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