7 ways Kokum can help you lose weight
Garcinia Indica, popularly called Kokum has been used since centuries for the flavour and benefits it provides. Kokum is used to make curries, pickles and juices. It is also used as a flavouring agent in place of tamarind or lemon.
Kokum tree is an evergreen tree, predominantly grown in the tropical humin rainforest of Western Ghats. The colour of the fruit is green in its raw form and changes to red or dark purple when it ripens.
The fruit is used in Ayurveda for its medicinal purposes and is also a popular beverage.
From anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity to anti-cancer, there are many health benefits of this fruit.
Kokum for weight loss
Kokum can significantly help in losing weight. Here are seven reasons that make kokum good for weight loss:
Improves digestion
Kokum aids digestion by fighting conditions like flatulence, constipation and acidity. We all know that a good digestive system is a basic requirement to lose weight.
It contains hydroxyl acid
The hydroxyl acid in Kokum is a great appetite suppressant. Thus having it helps in reducing cravings and control overeating.
Helps in fat loss
According to a study published in the Journal Nutrition, the hydroxyl acid in kokum is not just attributed to weight loss but also fat loss.
Anti-inflammatory
Kokum has anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation in the body can trigger obesity imany people. The presence of an active compound called garcinol makes kokum anti-inflammatory and thus helps in weight loss.
Reduce the conversion of food into fat
Kokum helps in reducing the conversion of food into fat. This helps in stopping the synthesis of fatty acids to a great extent and thus preventing the build-up of fat in the body.
Converts calories into glycogen
The fruit has a tendency of converting most calories in the body into glycogen and thus not leading to weight gain.
Vitmain C
Vitamin C in kokum helps in preventing the growth of free radicals. These free radicals can cause oxidative stress in the body, which can further aggravate conditions like obesity and diabetes.
How to consume kokum for weight loss
Kokum is a popular South-Indian food, which is available in juice and powder form as well. To consume the whole Kokum, soak it in water overnight and extract the juice. You can store it in the fridge for a few days. You can also add Kokum in your curries and dals.
The powder available in the market can be mixed with water to make juice.