The most important health benefits of Garcinia indica include its ability to speed wound healing, prevent chronic disease, reduce allergic reactions, optimize digestion, protect the skin, boost the immune system, relieve pain, and eliminate inflammation.
Garcinia Indica Nutrition
The unique chemical composition of Garcinia indica, which includes garcinol, HCA, and various other antioxidant compounds and nutrients, is one reason why this fruit is so highly prized. [1]
It is useful in industrial and culinary uses, but when it comes to traditional Ayurvedic medicine, the extracts, poultices, decoctions, and salves made from the fruit of this beloved tree are of great importance. It is also valued in other cultures of Asia and Africa as a health-boosting fruit and remedy.
Garcinia indica is a rich anti-oxidant and is well-known as a summer drink. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Health Benefits of Garcinia Indica
Let’s take a closer look at some of the many health benefits of Garcinia indica.
May Improve Digestion
One of the most common uses of Garcinia indica is in the treatment of indigestion and other gastrointestinal issues. The blend of unique chemicals and components in this fruit can help reduce inflammation in the gut and stimulate proper nutrient uptake and digestion of food. This can also help to reduce constipation and diarrhea, as well as IBS symptoms. Mixing Garcinia indica with pepper and salt is the traditional means of treating stomach problems. [2]
May Aid in Skin Care
If you apply a salve of Garcinia indica extract with butter or some other type of antioxidant cream (aloe, etc.) to the skin, you can greatly reduce the appearance of wrinkles and scars due to the powerful chemical components of this fruit. It is particularly good for speeding wound healing, such as in cracked heels. This can be a chronic and uncomfortable problem, but apply Garcinia indica to the affected area and you will see rapid improvement. [3]
May Relieve Excess Flatulence
One of the most embarrassing and uncomfortable conditions for many people is being bloated and gassy. Having excess flatulence is often a symptom of a poor diet or less than optimal functioning of your gut. Garcinia indica can help to relieve that pressure and reduce flatulence, as well as gastric distention. Having a chronic gas can be dangerous as well as awkward, so act quickly to solve it and add some Garcinia indica to your diet! [4]
May Have Anti-allergenic Property
If you apply Garcinia indica directly to an allergic reaction or rash on the skin, its anti-inflammatory properties will help soothe that area and reduce swelling and itchiness. Furthermore, when consumed, some of the organic compounds in Garcinia indica help reduce the release of histamine, thereby lessening the severity of allergic reactions. For chronic allergies, you can regularly drink a cold infusion of Garcinia indica. [5]
Might Boost Immunity
Studies have revealed that certain compounds found in significant levels in Garcinia indica have antibacterial and antiviral properties, meaning that this versatile fruit can also support our immune system by protecting our system against foreign agents and pathogens. This is applicable in both topical and oral applications; these qualities are also complementary to the antioxidant activities of this fruit. [6]
May Have Antioxidant Potential
Some of the most valuable aspects of any fruit or vegetable are the antioxidants contained within it. Antioxidants can seek out and neutralize free radicals, the dangerous byproducts of cellular respiration that can cause mutation and apoptosis on healthy cells, wreaking havoc on the system in the form of chronic disease. While research is ongoing in terms of cancer prevention and treatment pathways, the early results of Garcinia indica show higher than average antioxidant activity, making this a potentially important element of any diet (Wang J et al., 2017). [7] [8]
May Have Anti-inflammatory Property
For the millions of people who regularly suffer from inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and gout, Garcinia indica may represent a solution to an age-old problem. The anti-inflammatory compounds of this beneficial fruit can help relieve the pressure, pain, and swelling in those affected areas. You can topically apply a mixture of Garcinia indica extract or consume the fruit directly to enjoy these sorts of effects. [9]
May Aid in Weight Loss
Garcinia indica may possess a unique chemical called HCA (Hydroxycitric acid), which functions as an appetite suppressant. Along with the fiber found in the fruit that makes us feel full, the HCA in the fruit also keeps us satisfied, preventing us from cheating on our diets or snacking between meals when we’re trying to watch our weight. [10]
May Improve Cognitive Health
One of the other main chemical components of Garcinia indica is garcinol, which is a powerful active ingredient that can inhibit the oxidation of neurons in the brain, thereby retaining neural pathways and preventing the plaque build-up that can lead to cognitive disorders. As there is no “cure” for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, these types of herbal or natural remedies are often used as preventive measure. [11]
May Improve Heart Health
One of the other roles of garcinol occurs in the heart, where it may similarly suppress oxidizing agents that may contribute to heart disease and the build-up of platelets in the arteries and blood vessels. By preventing or slowing down this process of breakdown, Garcinia India can protect us from atherosclerosis and consequent heart attacks and strokes. [12]
Garcinia Indica Tree
Garcinia indica is one of those strange plants that are known by their scientific name just as readily as by their common one. You may know this flowering tree in the Mangosteen family by the name “kokum”, and millions of other people also know about this plant due to its significant medicinal, culinary, cultural, and industrial applications. The Garcinia genus is native to Asian and African tropics, but Garcinia indica, as the name implies, was first discovered in India. These are hardy, fast-growing plants whose fruits are small and red, in most cases, between the size of a cherry tomato and a small plum. The outer covering or rind of the fruit is typically dried in the sun and then removed. This can be ground into a sour, flavorful spice, while the fruit itself can be consumed directly for a wide range of health benefits. [13]
Word of Caution: There are no regularly reported side effects of risks of using Garcinia indica. It is even approved of for pregnant and nursing mothers, as well as children. While you should always pay attention to your body’s individual responses after introducing a new food or fruit, all signs point to Garcinia indica being a safe choice!
