Reasons to get addicted to kokum sherbet

Kokum, known as the Garcinia Indica plant, is native to the Western Ghats region of India. This exotic fruit is a wonder berry with a pleasant, tangy-sweet taste. This summer fruit available between March to May is spherical in appearance, becoming red to dark purple when fully ripe.

Multiple Uses of Kokum 

• The dried rinds of the fruit are used as a condiment or flavouring agent in curries, seafood and meat in place of lemon.

• The fruit extract has long been used as a flavouring agent for beverages and gourmet spices.

• The fresh fruit is consumed directly and pulp is used to prepare sherbet.

Nutritional Importance of Kokum 

• The seed kernel portion consists of 33-44% oil, commercially known as kokum butter. The butter is 60-65% saturated fatty acids.

• Majorly 44% oleic acid, 1-8% linolenic acid and has a substantial amount of Malic acid, which is responsible for the pungent sour taste of the fruits.

• The rind contains nutrients like protein, tannin, pectins, sugars, fat, organic hydroxy citric acids, and other phytochemicals. 

• Kokum has photochemical properties responsible for various protective and prevention of health effects. It is loaded with B complex vitamins and minerals like potassium, manganese, magnesium, all are important for maintaining blood pressure, offers protection against cardiovascular diseases.

Why Drink Kokum Sherbet or Juice?

It has a natural cooling effect on the body, so popular during summers as it helps protect against sunstroke by keeping you hydrated. It is a healthier, refreshing option compared to the commercially available cold drinks.

Potential Health Benefits of Kokum 

1) Antibacterial Activity 

The active constituent gracing possesses powerful ant-bacterial activity and the aqueous extract is reported to fight against Bacillus subtilis, followed by E.coli and S aureus.

2) Anti-Ulcer Activity 

The garcinol extract may help reduce gastric ulcers induced by indomethacin.

3) Anti-Obesity 

Mainly HCA hydroxycitric acid is responsible for providing the weight loss effect as it acts by reducing appetite, inhibiting lipogenesis and reducing body weight.

4) Antioxidant Activity 

It exhibits free radical scavenging activity, it has potent antioxidants comparable to ascorbic acid, which helps reduce oxidative stress.

5) May Fight Cholesterol

As the hydroxycitric acid helps curb biogenesis and thereby help reduce cholesterol.

6) Helps Combat Digestive Issues

It helps deal with indigestion, flatulence, acidity or constipation issues.

To conclude, kokum wonder berry offers a wide array of potential health benefits like cholesterol control, weight loss, digestive health. The best way to consume it is to be eaten as whole fruits or fresh sherbets.

REFERENCES 

• Aparna et al. (2018). Kokum A fruit with multiple benefits, Health Action, 31 (8), 22 – 23. Health Action.ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Imphal, Manipur)

• Parle Milind et al. 2013, GOLDEN BENEFITS OF DRINKING KOKAM-COLA. Int. Res. J. Pharm. 4 (5)

• Miguel, Braganza.,  Shirodkar, Ajit., Bhat, D. Jayarama., & Krishnan, S. (Eds) (2012). Resource Book on Kokum, Western Ghats Kokum Foundation, Panaji – Goa. India.