Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Updated : April 17, 2015 7:39 PM IST
Have you ever heard of kokum? No! Well, it is a native of Western Ghat and mostly used by Maharastrian to impart a tangy flavour to the dish. Apart from being nutritious in nature, kokum renders a unique reddish colour to your food (you can also used it as a natural food colouring agent). However, what you may not know is that the refreshing kokum sherbat or the delicious sol kadi made from kokum is packed with numerous health benefits. Here are 5 healthy reasons to include kokum in your diet
#1 Keeps your heart healthy
Kokum is rich in dietary fibre and low in calories and contains absolutely no cholesterol and saturated fats. It also contains high levels of vitamin C that acts as a powerful antioxidant. Kokum is loaded with magnesium, potassium and manganese that protects against heart disease and also aids in control of blood pressure.
#2 Acts as a digestive aid
Kokum is widely used to combat myriad 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.
#3 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). Read about these 10 diet habits that guarantee weight loss.
#4 Boosts your 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. Are you aware of these 10 ways to a smarter, faster brain?
#5 Builds your immunity
Kokum enhances 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 an anti-carcinogenic property that helps in suppressing the production of reactive oxygen species responsible for the cancer. Here are 10 natural remedies to strengthen your immune system.
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