Introduction
The Kokum plant belongs to the mangosteen family, its botanical name is garcinia indica. It can be used as spices, sherbet, and jam. The fruit is red but when dried it becomes black.
Origin
Kokum can only be found in coastal regions of India that is it is grown in the western and eastern Ghats. The states in which kokum grow are- Tamilnadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Gujarat, West Bengal, and Maharashtra.
Different names
Hindi- Kokam, Bengali- Kokam, Gujarati- Konkan, Kanada-Murgala, Malayalam- punarpuli, Marathi- amsol, Punjabi- Kokam, Tamil-murgal.
History
It is believed that kokum was first grown in the African region after some years it got exported to Asia when Dravidian people ( Kerala, Tamilnadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Sri Lanka Tamil people) came to India for survival. They came here billions of years ago and settled in India.
Making of Kokum Sherbet
- One can make kokum sherbet either at home or can drink it in a ready-made way.
- Firstly one has to dry kokum and then cut it into two half pieces.
- Then squeeze the fruit so that the pulp and seeds come out.
- Blend all the parts of the fruit in a blender.
- Mix the required amount of sugar into sherbet.
- Finally, tasty sherbet is ready to be served.
Health Benefits
It is considered the most beneficial in agricultural medicines. Kokum contains many beneficial nutrients that are vitamin a, vitamin b3, vitamin c, folic acid, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and zinc.
- Boosts the Immunity
Antioxidant and anti-bacterial present in kokum helps a person to boost his/her immunity level.
- Maintains Weight
Eating kokum fruit regularly or drinking kokum sherbet regularly can maintain the weight of a person as the fruit contains hydro citric acid in it.
- Can Treat Cracked Heels
Cracked heels are a major problem for many as it hurts a lot. There is definitely a solution for this as one can apply it’s powder after getting it dry and applying it to one’s heels. It can give a person quick results.
- Improves Intestine Health
It can also play a vital role in improving the coolness of the intestines after having a refreshing kokum sherbet.
- Anti-aging treatment
It contains a high amount of antioxidants which repair the skin damage and cell damage. It also prevents the person from aging.
- Cooling of our body
It’s sherbet acts as a refreshing drink that cools down the whole body of a person.
- Reliefs from depression
It can relieve a person’s depression and it can lead to the relaxation of a person as the fruit contains hydro citric acid which helps in relaxation.
- Reduces the risk of cancer
The fruit contains anti-carcinogenic which reduces the risk of getting a life taking disease that is cancer. The fruit can prevent a person from having cancer.
- Good for the heart
The fruit has very low calories and zeroes cholesterol will help a person good blood circulation in the body and automatically the person can have a healthy heart rate when the fruit is consumed regularly.
Disadvantages
- A person who has a skin allergy should avoid applying to the skin for an anti-aging treatment.
- One should not drink milk or consume milk products immediately before or after having it sherbet or fruit, it can lead to reactions in the body, moreover, the fruit tastes very sour.
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not consume this as it can get worse for a newborn child or the unborn child.
- This fruit is consumed in a large amount can affect the diabetic patient as the sugar level in the fruit is high.
Conclusion
- Kokum is mostly grown in southern India, as the climate and soil of southern India are suitable for the plant to grow healthily. Every fruit has its advantages and disadvantages.
- It’s advantages are that- boosts immunity, maintains weight, can treat cracked heels, improves intestines health, anti-aging treatment, is cooling our body, and relieves depression. The fruit’s disadvantages are- skin allergy, sour taste, can react in our body, can affect a diabetic patient.
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