Lately, a magical fruit called Kudampuli in Tamil (Garcinia Cambogia and Malabar Tamarind in English) is getting very popular as a weight loss remedy after it was mentioned in a popular T. V show that it aids in quick weight loss. The principal constituent of kudampuli is HCA (Hydroxycitric Acid). HCA is popularly believed to have loads of heath benefits which includes preventing fat accumulation, suppressing appetite, increasing muscle mass, reducing LDL cholesterol and also improving overall health!
What was once sold as a black, unattractive looking dried fruit for adding in certain curries (especially fish curries) is now sold as a supplement in attractive bottles all over the world. I was first introduced to kudampuli by a friend from Kerala, in Kerala they use kudampuli instead of regular tamarind in some recipes, especially fish curries.
What is Kudampuli (Garcinia Cambogia)?
Garcinia Cambogia is a fruit of a tree. Usually the fruits are dried and then used in cooking, when dried they look almost black like in the picture above. The fresh fruit looks like a small beautiful pumpkin and the color of the fruits vary considerably from light green to yellow or red depending on the ripeness.
The fruits fall off the tree once ripe and the fruit once opened has seeds covered with flesh, though the flesh can be eaten, it is usually not as it is too sour. The fresh fruits are rich in vitamin C but it is almost unpalatable due to it’s sharp sour taste. Many confuse kokum (Garcinia Indica) with kudampuli, though they belong to the same genus, they are different.
How Is Kudampuli Dried?
The thick outer rind is sun dried to bring the moisture level down and then smoked till it turns black spread under coconut husk. Then the fruits are rubbed with salt and oil and then stored in earthen pots. Like our regular tamarind, kudumpuli also lasts longer at room temperature but since it is smoked, always make sure to wash it well to remove any dirt before using.
Kudampuli (Garcinia Cambogia) Tree:
Kudampuli (Garcinia Cambogia) Tree:Garcinia cambogia trees are commonly found in the evergreen forests in the western ghats. The botanical name of kudampuli is Garcinia Cambogia (old name), the new name is Garcinia Gummi Gutta. The trees grow to a height of 20 meters, they have soft branches, dark green leaves and ovoid shaped fruits.
This fruit has been in use for thousands of years but not many know of it. Actually in olden days, only kudampuli was used instead of regular tamarind for imparting sour taste to certain dishes. Though both tamarind and kudampuli are sour, kudampuli has a unique sharp sour taste.
Since kudampuli has health benefits, it is considered best to use than normal tamarind and in Kerala they still continue to use kudampuli following the old traditions. Apart from India, few other countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia also use kudampuli in their cuisine. Kudampuli is also used in Ayurvedic medicine to promote digestion and also as a remedy for arthritis and ulcers.
Garcinia Cambogia Chemical Constituents:
The main chemical constituents found in garcinia cambogia are xanthones, benzophenones, organic acids and amino acids. Out of these, HCA which stands for hydroxy citric acid is reported to be present only in Garcinia and Hibsicus species and it is significant. It is said to be the ingredient that is responsible for inhibiting adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase which plays a key role in cholesterol and fat accumulation.
Garcinia Cambogia Common Names:
Kudampuli Health Benefits:
1. Anti Inflammatory Properties:
2. Kudampuli Benefits For Gastric Ulcer:
3. Anthelmintic & Anti Bacterial Properties:
4. Anti Diabetic Properties:
5. Kudampuli Benefits For Weight Loss:
It has been popularly believed to reduce body fat by inhibiting an enzyme called citric acid lyase. Though this claim was found to be true in the clinical research done in rats, it failed to produce the same results in humans. You can read the research that proves it here.
Many companies sell pure garcinia cambogia extract for weight loss and it is generally advised to be taken before meals for suppressing appetite. I would kindly suggest researching well before taking garcinia cambogia extract as a weight loss supplement.
Where To Buy Garcinia Cambogia?
Kudampuli (Garcinia Cambogia) Side Effects:
Kudampuli (Garcinia Cambogia) Dosage:
How To Make Garcinia Cambogia (Kudampuli Drink) At Home?
How To Make Garcinia Cambogia (Kudampuli Drink) At Home?METHOD:
1. Wash kudampuli well in water to remove any dirt.
2. Soak it in water for an hour or two, the color of the water would have changed.
3. Dried kudampuli which is hard also will turn soft.
4. Boil jaggery in water till it is dissolved and then strain to remove any dirt. Add the required amount of soaked kudampuli water to it and boil for a few seconds.
5. Pound cardamom and dried ginger in a mortar and pestle coarsely. You can also grate in nutmeg if you like, I usually don’t add nutmeg.
5. Add the pounded mixture along with a pinch of salt and switch off.
6. Strain and enjoy your drink.
NOTES:
- Kudampuli is very sour, don’t add too much of the soaked water, you won’t be able to drink it.
- Diabetic patients should monitor their blood sugar levels if consuming this drink.
- Try to incorporate kudampuli in regular day to day cooking to avail it’s health benefits.
- I have not given any exact measurements as the amount of sourness and sweetness to be added will vary greatly from person to person. Try with very little amount of kudampuli soaked water, you can always add it later if the sourness is not enough.
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Hello Ramya,Very useful information. Thanks.I am from Maharashtra where Kudampuli is not easily available.Does Kokum (Garcinia Indica) has same medicinal properties as Kudampuli? Kokum is easily available and is regualrly used in Maharashtrian cooking.Regards,Suwarna
Both kudampuli and kokum have different medicinal values and can't be used interchangeably…
Just in case you are still looking to buy kudmpuli.. We at The South Indian Store sell authentic and 100% pure dried kudampuli online and we deliver across India.You can order it here – http://southindianstore.com/product/kudampuli-buy-online/
This is really very informative Article for those who are suffering from Overweight. This is a Natural way for weight Loss.Thanks for this useful Knowledge.
i am really willing to visit forming place of this fruit for research purpose. can you please support me by collecting information from your friend, specific location where this will be grown. it really help our research on this product. you can reply me here or on my number is 8050763541 thank you,
Garcinia cambogia is not commonly found in Tamil Nadu but if you visit Kerala, you will very easily find it…..
Now the season is over. But it is plenty available in Kerala during June to August season
Hi,Please lemme know if a person who have weight proportionate to height and have belly fat . My concern is if consume kudampuli will he/ she go underweight.
Hi, kudampuli will only assist weight loss if it is accompanied by calorie controlled healthy diet and exercise. Eating kudampuli alone without calorie reduction will not lead to underweight…
Hi Ramya, could you please tell me when can I take the drink, which means empty stomach or anytime, and how long … (For weight loss)Thanks in advance
I would suggest taking it in between meals when the stomach is almost empty. Take 1 cup of this kudampuli drink once till the desired goal is reached but please don't overdose on kudampuli…
Any way to buy kudampulli sutting in mumbai
You get kudampuli in health stores and some departmental stores stock it too…
Can I take it as powder?
You can take Garcinia Cambogia in powder form but I would suggest taking the proper dosage….
Mam, I found Garcinia Combogia pills in many sites for weight reduction, their results are all showing big shocking. Almost they are reducing 10kg in an month. .Is it really works. .Pls guide us
I would suggest you research well into it as I am not able to find any study that proves garcinia cambogia (kudampuli) aids weight loss. Also 10 kg in 1 month is extreme, no herb will be able to do that and you would have lost muscle mass and water not fat…
Hi one of my friend told me if we are taking Garcinia cambogia ,it will affect our sexul activity . Is it right?. how many days need to take this water. I am 95 kg hight 160 . Please replay me timeshlive@gmail.com
can diabetic patients take this concoction? what will be the effect ?
Garcinia cambogia (kudampuli) reduces blood sugar levels so it is good for diabetic patients but take it without the sugar…
Hi akka, Can we use this to make sambar, rasam etc? nanri
Yes, you can use kudampuli for making rasam and sambar…
It is highly appreciable for educating the people about the good effects of this type of herbs or the plants gifted by the nature to the mankind. I pray for the blessings of the almighty to you for the yeoman service.
Will it help to cure ulcer… How to take it… Pls adviceam
Garcinia cambogia has anti ulcer properties and you can use it instead of regular tamarind but manathakalli is even more effective for treating ulcers and I would suggest using it. You can read about it fully here (copy and paste the link): http://www.wildturmeric.net/2014/…/manathakkali-keerai-health-benefits-medicinal-uses.html
Soacked water or boiled water which is good. If it is boiled there is any chance of the medicinal value minimized.
Author
When we boil kudampuli, vitamin C might be lost but other medicinal uses like weight loss, anti ulcer and anti diabetic properties will remain the same…
Hi madam,This is Viswanathan from Coimbatore, Tamil nadu. May I know where I can get kudampuli. What is price per kg.
Author
We get kudampuli in almost all the departmental stroes in Tamil Nadu. A kilo of kudampuli cost around 900 to 1000 rupees….
Hi Mam,The information shared here is very useful and thank you for such a wonderful article.I have question about what remains after filtering the water.After I have boiled and filtered the remains of kudampuli to get the water, can we use the remain for any other purpose ? Or is it like i missed something and there should not be any remains.
Author
After boiling kudampuli, you can use the remains to clean brass vessels just like our regular tamarind……
Akka intha drink epo kudikanum? Between meals ah illa one hour before meals ah? How many times kudikalam Akka? Plz time iruntha video podunga Akka apdiyae naa kaeta pitha vedippu tips..
Author
Hi Malini, read this for pitha vedipu: Cracked Heels and you can drink it once in between meals. Start with twice a week and slowly increase the frequency…
I read that kudampuli may cause serious damage to liver, brain etc. This needs attention and caution.
Author
Hi Sir, the usage of kudampuli dates back centuries and in my humble opinion, it will no cause any problems if had in moderation. Only if we have the isolated extract, it is harmful
Akka is it we cannot take kodumpuli alone? We must add jaggery, salt, etc.?