Kokum
Kokum is the most commonly used souring agent in the Konkan and Malabar regions of India.
Nutritional nuggets
Kokum contains 10 percent malic acid, as well as a little tartaric acid and citric acid.
Fat fight
During the last few years, there has been a great interest among scientists regarding kokum as an anti-obesity agent. Kokum contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA) and can help lose weight without damaging side effects.
Preliminary results suggest that HCA in kokum, increases the body's production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) which is said to regulate appetite, thereby controlling caloric intake. When combined with a healthy diet and exercise, HCA appears to speed up weight loss.
Artificial versus natural
Natural food stores and health food shops in Western countries now stock kokum or HCA capsules. This is still not available in India. However, we should not abandon the practice of drinking and eating kokum.
Tasty bites
Kokum can be added in our daily diet to curries, vegetables like ladies finger (to reduce the stickiness) and in chaat snacks (such as bhel).
You can also soak two to three dried kokum fruit in a glass of water for a few hours. Then, sweeten it with half a teaspoon of honey. Season with cumin seed powder. Drink everyday. It is not only a good digestive; it will also help you lose weight.
Dried kokum can be used as a garnish to give a sour flavour to curries, while fresh kokum can be used to prepare a refreshing beverage known as xarope de brindao or kokum squash.
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