Karonda (Carissa Karandas) top Health Benefits

With the hectic lifestyle we lead nowadays, we often overlook the seemingly insignificant foods that can have a significant impact on our health.

Karonda is a true gem; it often proves to be an underrated fruit. Growing in India and Southeast Asia, the Karonda goodness fruit contains amazing nutrients that are good for the whole body. 

Though it is not the most popular fruit, its benefits are difficult to overlook. It might be beneficial, whether it comes to stimulating the immune response or facilitating heart health and digestion.

Karonda might be a game changer in your diet. What is the most fantastic thing, though?

It is simply an addition to our daily diets, providing the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs. 

It contains very little sugar, a lot of fibre, and is also rich in antioxidants. Being part of a healthy lifestyle is wonderful.

This fruit is a must-try for individuals seeking a natural health boost and improved well-being. Continue reading this blog and know why this fruit ought to be included in your daily routine.

About Karonda  (Carissa Karandas)

Scientifically termed Carissa Carandas, Karonda is a resilient, evergreen bush in the Apocynaceae family.

It is cultivated in the Indian Subcontinent and flourishes in warm, tropical, and subtropical regions, particularly in areas such as Maharashtra, Goa, and the Western Ghats. 

The shrub typically grows 2 to 4 meters tall, features spiny branches, and has shiny, green leaves. Its fruit is small and oval, varying in length from 1 to 3 centimetres. 

This fruit is first green and then changes to a glossy red-pink, extremely bright colour (almost as well as to a purple-black colour). Karonda flavours vary with its ripeness; in the unripe case, it is sour and astringent, and ripened ones are sub-acidic to sweet with a distinctive aroma. 

You can use it in various cooking activities, such as making pickles, jams, and jellies, and it is precious because it contains several vitamins, including vitamin C and iron. It also has promising medicinal effects.

Different Names of Karonda in India

Being a multipurpose regional fruit, Karonda has different names in different parts of India. Some of the most widespread names are the following:

• Karonda – Widely used across Hindi-speaking regions
• Karamda – Gujarat, Rajasthan
• Koromcha – West Bengal, Odisha
• Kottamba – Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
• Panika – Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh

These regional variations highlight the widespread popularity of Karonda in India, both culturally and in culinary terms.

Nutrient profile of Karonda (Carissa Karandas) :

The nutrient-rich fruit Karonda has numerous health benefits. Its nutrient composition per 100g is given below ^[1].

Health Benefits of Karonda (Carissa Karandas)

Karonda is nutritional dynamite, boasting numerous health advantages. It contains a high amount of vitamin C, which enhances immunity, and it contains antioxidants that help promote overall body well-being.

The following are the significant health benefits of this miracle fruit that make it a great addition to the diet.

#1 Immunity Boost

Karonda, or Carissa carandas, has an inbuilt ability to stimulate the immune system. This is due to its high content of vitamin C, which is crucial in the development of a healthy immune system that fights off diseases and infections.

Karonda also contains high amounts of antioxidants that may neutralise the detrimental free radicals in the body.

Such antioxidants help manage oxidative stress, which otherwise weakens the immune system. Moreover, the level of vitamin C in Karonda is considerable, providing a boost to white blood cell growth and function, which is essential for combating infections. ^[2]

Thus, by including Karonda in your diet, you are not only supplementing your body with an immune system boost that ensures it is well-equipped, but also providing your immune system with a shield that prevents your body from infections and diseases.

Rich in nutrients, Karonda is a fruit that truly enhances your internal immunity and overall health.

#2 Digestive Health

Karonda may aid digestion as it is an excellent source of fibre.^[3] Fibre is required for the proper functioning of the digestive system as it helps in maintaining a normal bowel movement and prevents constipation.

Notably, this fruit is also an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fibre, which aids in adding bulk to the stool and thereby easing its passage. ^[4]

The fibre also encourages the growth of good gut bacteria in the intestine to maintain a healthy microbiome.

It is crucial to the proper absorption of nutrients and the entire health of the gut. Moreover, the usual digestive qualities of this fruit can facilitate the elimination of such typical digestive challenges as bloating, indigestion, and gas.^[5]

Incorporating it into your daily menu can help enable digestion, ensure regular bowel movements, and manage constipation, all while preserving the proper functioning of your entire digestive system. It’s a simple way to ensure your stomach stays happy and healthy.

Aashirvaad Atta, along with a team of expert dietitians, has created the Digestion Quotient, which analyses your digestive health and assigns you a digestive power score between 1 and 100. Get your Digestive Quotient with this 2-minute test.

#3 Antioxidant Power

Antioxidants such as flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and vitamin C are also present in karonda, helping the body combat unwanted free radicals.^[6] These antioxidants are helpful in neutralising free radicals, thereby preventing damage to cells and reducing the occurrence of various diseases.

It is also anti-oxidative, thus contributing to an improved condition of the skin and hair, giving your body the protection it needs against external factors. Additionally, the fruit would be beneficial in providing the cardiovascular system with a fighting chance against oxidative stress-induced cardiovascular damage.

Thus, this fruit is rich in antioxidants, which is a natural method to increase health benefits and improve one’s lifestyle.

#4 Skin Health

Karonda is an excellent fruit that may improve skin health due to its high content of vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory substances. The strength of vitamin C in Karonda supports the development of collagen, which, in a real sense, can improve the elasticity of the skin.

 Its antioxidants preserve the quality of the skin as they counteract the free radicals and UV rays, managing premature ageing of the skin and other skin conditions. ^[7]

Additionally, Vitamin A found in Karonda may help rejuvenate skin cells, allowing them to regenerate and result in luminous facial skin. This magic fruit is also antifungal and antimicrobial, which may help treat skin conditions and promote skin care.

Having stated that, along with the fruit, a balanced diet should be the reason for maintaining youthful, radiant skin.

Bottom Line

Karonda is a nutrition-packed fruit that offers numerous health benefits, including boosting the immune system, supporting the digestive system, and being beneficial to the skin. It is also advantageous to consume it, as it contains a high amount of vitamins, antioxidants, and fibre, which will have a positive effect on your daily health.

However, it is essential to keep in mind that, although Karonda can be beneficial to your health, a balanced diet remains crucial for overall sound health. Eating a mixture of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins ensures that the body receives all the necessary nutrients.

It is always advised to consult medical personnel before making any significant changes in your diet, especially when you have underlying health issues. Holistic nutrition will help you feel your best and maintain your health in the long run.

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