Kakadu Plums are highly nutritious, contains antioxidants, fights cancer, good for skincare, cures pimples, used for men’s skincare, treats skin infections, improves digestion, nourishes hair, used in food products and aids weight loss.
Did you know about the numerous health benefits of Kakadu plums? This Australian bush fruit has more Vitamin C than even kiwi fruit, orange and chili pepper and has high fiber and antioxidants. Besides being traditionally used as an antiseptic to treat several diseases, it’s used in various skin care products too. So check out below the multiple amazing Kakadu plum benefits!
In This Article:
- What Is It?
- 11 Amazing Health Benefits of Kakadu Plums
- Side Effects of Kakadu Plums
- Kakadu Plums Simple Recipes
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is It?
Terminalia ferdinandiana, i.e. the Kakadu plum (also called Billygoat plum, Gubinge, Marunga or Gurumal) is a small fruit found across northern Australia in the Eucalypt open woodlands. This pale green fruit having a stone in its center is about 0.2 ounces heavy and 1.5-2cm long. It tastes tart and bitter and is fibrous.
These plums were traditionally used for treating headaches, colds, and the flu. They were even used as a soothing balm for our limbs or an antiseptic. Today, they are recognized for their rich nutritional content.
11 Amazing Health Benefits of Kakadu Plums
Highly Nutritious
The fruit is low in calories and high in nutrients being a rich source of vitamins (mainly Vitamin C), fiber and minerals. This makes it useful for human health in multiple ways. 100g (3.5 ounces) of the edible part of Kakadu plum contains:
- 59 calories
- 8g protein
- 2g carbohydrates
- 1g dietary fiber
- 5g fat
- 13mg sodium
- 3230% of the DV (Daily Value) of Vitamin C
- 100% of the DV of copper
- 3% of the DV of iron
Contains Antioxidants
Abundant in Vitamin C, Kakadu plums are highly used in several skincare products. Vitamin C remarkably slows down skin aging. It helps in producing proline, an amino acid that makes collagen.
Fights Cancer
Kakadu plums contain phytochemicals such as ellagic and gallic acids to fight cancer. Gallic acid has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-bronchodilatory, anti-mutagenic and anti-tumor properties. Ellagic acid maintains healthy human tissues with its anti-carcinogenic properties.
Skincare Benefits
Kakadu plums are used in various nourishing facial masks and crèmes. It helps the skin to naturally glow and shine and, also treats the aging of your skin.
Cures Pimples
Kakadu plum is an essential source of Vitamin C. This vitamin helps in clearing pimple-causing bacteria. You can mix it with clay to treat the skin by flushing off the impurities to get an even tone.
Men’s Skincare
Skincare products contain antioxidants to cure skin damage caused by aging or the sun. This Australian fruit helps in stimulating collagen production to get rid of scars or fine lines. It also contains gallic acid that functions as an astringent and an antimicrobial agent. Hence, Kakadu plums are used in toners, exfoliators, masks, serums, cleansers, moisturizers and creams of men too.
Treats Skin Infections
The inner bark of this tree can heal several skin infections and problems. It can also cure sores, boils, and wounds and help treat psoriasis. It can also help check bacterial and fungal infections.
Improves Digestion
The fruit is rich in soluble carbohydrates and fiber. It helps preserve the essential Vitamin C which enables healthy absorption and digestion in your gut.
Used in Food Products
The plum is added to many food products also. You can eat it raw or as a whole fruit juice, puree or Kakadu plum extract. The fruit is used in products like relishes, sauces, juices, ice creams, desserts, jams, and preserves.
Aids Weight-Loss
Consuming Kakadu plum can help you lose weight. Its antioxidants are potential enough to prevent weight gain by fighting against fat cells. It also helps treat MetS (metabolic syndrome) which causes hypertension, obesity and disturbs your insulin and glucose metabolism. It can further cause cardiovascular disorder and diabetes.
Nourishes Hair
Kakadu plum can moisturize and hydrate your hair. By maintaining elastin and collagen levels, it helps to maintain lustrous and healthy hair. This also hydrates and detangles the hair instantly. It’s even used in shampoos to make your hair glossy and moisturized.
Side Effects of Kakadu Plums
Kakadu plums have plenty of Vitamin C and oxalates. Though usually, people can eliminate their excess, high intake in sensitive people can cause kidney stones to form. Risk factors are inflammatory and kidney diseases and genetics. Sensitive individuals must consume up to 40-50mg of dietary oxalate and 90mg of Vitamin C per day.
Kakadu Plums Simple Recipes
Kakadu Plum and Ginger Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 220g or 11-12 Medjool dates (1 packed cup)
- 200g of raw, unsalted cashews (1½ cup)
- ½ cup quinoa flakes
- 2tbsp cacao powder
- 5tsp Kakadu plum powder
- 2-3tsp ground ginger (as per taste)
- ½ cup sesame seeds or ¾ cup desiccated coconut or a mixture to coat the balls
Procedure
- Add the Medjool dates (after removing their pits) and cashews to a food processor. Process until you get a rough sticky crumb.
- Add the Kakadu plum powder, cacao powder, quinoa flakes, and ginger. Keep processing until it becomes a sticky dough (probably like a big ball).
- Scoop out the mixture in heaped teaspoons. Roll into a ball. Roll and coat it on sesame or coconut seeds. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
- Store the balls in your fridge to firm them up a bit such that they last for a few weeks. Enjoy!
Kakadu Plum and Blueberry Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 2 frozen ripe bananas
- 1 cup frozen blueberries
- ¼ cup chilled coconut milk
- 1tsp Kakadu plum powder
- 1tsp fresh vanilla or vanilla extract (without alcohol)
- Pistachios and mint leaves (to decorate)
Procedure
- Combine the frozen blueberries, bananas, coconut milk, vanilla and Kakadu plum powder in a food processor until creamy. If required, add more coconut milk to have a smooth consistency.
- Serve chilled in bowls. Decorate with pistachios and mint leaves. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can it be Eaten During Pregnancy?
Yes, you can eat the fruit or its products during pregnancy but limit your consumption of Vitamin C to 2000mg.
Can we Give it to Kids (at what age)?
Yes, you can give Kakadu plum powder to kids above 4 years.
Conclusion
Now that you know about the incredible health and skincare benefits of Kakadu plums, add them to your diet right away!
Sources:
- https://www.healwithfood.org/health-benefits/kakadu-plum-juice.php
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3358965/
