Cool down with kokum! Know the health benefits of this summer superfruit

The summer season makes us crave for something refreshing and energising constantly. What better way to beat the heat than with a fruit that is packed with flavour and nutrients? Introducing kokum, the superfruit that is taking the Indian culinary world by storm! With its tangy taste and versatile nature, kokum is the perfect addition to your summer diet. Not only does it help with digestion and skin health, but it also cools down your body and keeps you 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 cuisine, particularly in coastal regions like Maharashtra and Goa. Popularly used in summer mocktails, it is known for its unique tart flavour and is packed with a range of nutrients that make it an excellent addition to your summer diet. The tiny round-shaped appearance of this tropical summer fruit is red in colour while on the tree, but the colour turns deep purple, quite close to being blackish while it is ripe and dried.

Health benefits of kokum

1. It helps in digestion

“For several centuries, people have eaten kokum for healthy digestion and to relieve acidity attacks as well as burning sensations in the heart and stomach due to indigestion,” says dietician and nutritionist Avni Kaul. The dried kokum fruit, made into a drink as kokum juice is one natural cure to boost the digestive fire and enhance the body’s digestion.

2. Good for the skin

Studies have indicated that kokum contains anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. This is because of the presence of specific phenolic compounds in the kokum fruit. This 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 loads of nutrients

It is rich in nutrients. Kaul explains that kokum is full of multiple vitamins such as vitamins A, B3, and C and minerals such as calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, and potassium. It also has an excellent quantity of folic, ascorbic, acetic and hydroxy citric acid, besides fibre. So from forming your immunity to assisting in much more, this unassuming fruit is quite nourishing to keep you in overall good health.

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4. Kokum is a good cooling and hydrating agent

This is a summer fruit, and its sherbet is one of the finest natural drinks you can have during summer to avoid dehydration and the probability of a heat stroke. This is due to one of the health benefits of kokum, which is its ability to cool down your entire system. “The bright red kokum sherbet contains cooling properties. It immediately refreshes and replenishes lost body fluids, leaving you energized and active during peak summer temperatures,” 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. The 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 an excellent addition to any weight loss diet.