HEALTH DRINK
KOKUM
Kokum, a plant of the Western Ghats, has
myriad health benefits
MOST NORTH and east
Indians haven’t even heard of kokum, let alone use it. But according to
ayurveda, this is a very useful plant. It grows primarily in the Western Ghats
and is used a great deal in the cuisine of the western coast, especially
Maharashtra’s Konkan region.
Known also as Garcinia
Indica and vrikshamla, the health benefits of kokum have been known since the
Vedic period. While India takes kokum for granted, its international varieties
often sell for a premium.
The fruit looks a bit
like a cherry tomato and it is dried and used in traditional cooking as a
souring agent, primarily by soaking it in water and making a paste. This paste
can also be used in several other ways, as you will see when you read on.
Here are five health
benefits offered by kokum. 1. Weight management The rind of the garcinia
contains hydroxy citric acid, which decreases the appetite. After using it for
a few weeks, your appetite goes down naturally. It also reduces the conversion
of carbohydrates to fats, making it a great weight loss ingredient. 2. Immunity
improvement and allergy reduction Intestinal allergies go down when garcinia is
consumed as a drink made with diluted and sweetened kokum paste. The
unsweetened paste can be used as a pack on the skin. Kokum also improves
immunity, leading to a fall in nasal allergies. 3. Intestinal health The
beverage made from kokum is a health drink that can manage intestinal problems
like acidity, indigestion and flatulence. This is because it has an astringent
and cooling impact on the body. 4. Cracked heels Kokum is an ancient remedy for
cracked heels. Mix it with nut butter or a plant-based oil, then apply it on
the heels. Leave on overnight for best results. 5. Internal and skin
regeneration Vrikshamla (ayurveda’s name for kokum) is an excellent
antioxidant, making it useful in anti-ageing treatments. It reduces skin and
tissue damage by providing the ingredients for repair and healing. This
wonderful quality also makes it useful for internal regeneration of the
arteries and blood vessels, including vessels damaged by plaque.
SHIKHA SHARMA
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