Benefits Of Kokum Powder

Kokum, scientifically known as Garcinia Indica, is native to India and is known by different names in different regions across the country.

Mainly used by people in the southern region, it is also found in coastal areas of India like; Gujarat, Maharashtra and some southern coastal states. 

People mostly use it as a spice, but it also has medicinal value. People living in this region widely use kokum to make sharbat during summers.

Kokum is used in both ripe and dried forms. It is small, reddish-purple and has a tangy flavour. People commonly use salt to preserve and extend kokum's shelf life. It is readily available in powder form.

Did you know that this locally grown summer fruit is so nutrient-dense that it can provide fantastic health benefits? Here are 9 health advantages of kokum fruit that you might find interesting.

Table Of Contents

1. 9 Health Benefits Of Kokum Powder

2. Side Effects Of Kokum Powder

3. Nutritional Value Of Kokum Powder

4. Kokum Recipes

5. The Final Say

6. FAQs

9 Health Benefits Of Kokum Powder

1. Antioxidant And Antifungal Properties

Kokum contains antioxidants, which protect the body's free radicals. In addition, it has antifungal properties that help fight infections.

2. Loaded With Nutrients

Kokum powder is excellent for pregnant women since it includes vitamin B. It also has reasonable amounts of citric acid, carbohydrates, and malic acid, as well as garcinol, fibre, manganese, potassium, and ascorbic acid.

3. Great For Digestion

The kokum fruit has a high level of dietary fibre that helps digestion and avoids constipation and dysentery. You may easily prevent constipation by mixing kokum powder in warm water.

4. Ayurvedic Properties

Kokum powder works wonders for rheumatic discomfort, ear infections, cracked heels, inflammation, and menstruation pain.

5. Contains Anti-Inflammatory Properties 

You can apply kokum powder on rashes as it contains anti-inflammatory properties that benefit some allergies.

6. Aids in Weight Loss 

Kokum has cholesterol-lowering properties, which means it helps in weight loss. Also, it contains good fibre content and meagre calories. It also helps in preventing heart troubles.

7. Cooling and Healing Properties 

Kokum has healing and cooling properties, which is why kokum sharbat is consumed in summer to lower the heat from the body.

8. Manages Diabetes

It helps to manage insulin production in the body and control the blood sugar level. It is also packed with antioxidant elements in it.

9. Boosts Mood

Kokum can enhance mood due to the presence of some hormones which release serotonin. As a result, it keeps your mood happy, your mind active, and reduces stress.

Side Effects Of Kokum Powder

Although kokum powder may be able to prevent skin allergies and rashes, it can also cause skin irritation in certain people.

If taken in excess, kokum powder may cause metabolic acidosis. Thus patients with high blood pressure should avoid eating it if they also take certain drugs.

Nutritional Value of Kokum 

100gm of kokum provides

• Calories- 60kcal
• Fibre- 2gm
• Other minerals like vitamin C, iron, manganese, potassium, folic acid

Try Some Popular Kokum Recipes

1. Kokum Cooler

Ingredients

• Kokum- 10-15 nos
• Black salt - 1 tsp
• Curry leaves - 12-15 leaves
• Chat masala - 1 tsp
• Ice cubes - 5-7
• Sprite or plain soda - 800 ml 
• Sugar (powdered) - 4 tsp

Preparation Method

• Blend kokum, powdered sugar, and curry leave with water in a smooth paste. 
• Add sprite, black salt, and chat masala, mix well and serve in a glass with ice cubes.

2. Watermelon Kokum Smoothie

Ingredients

• Watermelon - 500 gm
• Kokum syrup/ kokum powder- 2 tbsp
• Mint leaves- 4-5 leaves
• Lemon juice- 2 tsp
• Ginger- 2 inch
• Ice cubes- 2-3 cubes
• Black salt- 1/3 tsp

Preparation Method

• Blend all the ingredients with ice cubes.
• Serve chilled in a glass.

3. Minty Coconut Kokum Cooler

Ingredients

• Fresh coconut water- 300ml 
• Vanilla ice cream- 1 scoop
• Sweetened kokum extract/ kokum powder- ¾ cup/ 2 tbsp
• Ice cubes- 2-3 cubes
• Mint leaves- 10 mint leaves
• Cumin powder- 1/2 tsp

Process: 

• Mix coconut water kokum powder/ kokum extract, ice cubes, mint leaves, and cumin powder and blend well.
• Now serve in a glass, add 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream, and enjoy.

The Final Say

The use of kokum, which comes in various forms, including powder, butter, drink, and more, is widespread in coastal areas because of its ability to reduce heat and keep the body cool. Therefore, it is primarily utilised in the summer. 

It contains antioxidants that fight infections and high fibre along with the other nutrients, aids in digestion and weight reduction. Therefore, eating it in any form, such as powder, syrup, or dried form, is always advantageous.

FAQs

1. Can kokum be beneficial for digestion?

Kokum has a good amount of digestive fibre that aids digestion and improves gastric troubles.

 2. Can kokum butter be utilised for cooking purposes?

Yes, indeed, kokum butter can be utilised for cooking. 

 3. Is kokum good for overall health?

Yes, kokum is excellent for skin, digestion and overall health as it contains many nutrients like Vitamin c, potassium, manganese and many more.

4. Is kokum great for the skin?

Kokum contains anti-inflammatory properties, which help to heal scars, burns and rashes and heals the skin from within.

5. Can kokum fights cancer?

Kokum contains carcinogenic properties, which help to fight free radicals and prevent carcinogenesis(cancer formation).

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