7 Health Benefits of Kakadu Plum
Written by Elise Mandl, BSc, APD
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/kakadu-plum-benefits
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The Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana), also known as gubinge or billygoat plum, is a small fruit found in the Eucalypt open woodlands across Northern Australia.
It’s pale green with a stone in the center, over half an inch (1.5–2 cm) long, and weighs 0.1–0.2 ounces (2–5 grams). It’s fibrous and has a tart, bitter taste.
In traditional medicine, Kakadu plums were used to treat colds, the flu, and headaches. They were also utilized as an antiseptic or soothing balm for the limbs.
More recently, they have been recognized for their high nutritional value.
Here are 7 health benefits of Kakadu plums.
1. Highly nutritious
2. Richest food source of vitamin C
3. Good source of ellagic acid
4. Great source of antioxidants
5. May have cancer-fighting properties
6. May protect against inflammatory diseases
7. May offer natural antibacterial properties
How to add Kakadu plum to your diet
Kakadu plum can be eaten fresh, but because they’re very fibrous and sour, they’re more commonly used in jams, preserves, sauces, and juices. To maintain their size and quality, Kakadu plums are typically frozen directly after harvesting. Specialty retailers may sell the fruits frozen whole or puréed.
Additionally, the fruits are often freeze-dried and turned into a powder.
The powder can be sprinkled over breakfast cereal and added to smoothies, juices, protein balls, salad dressings, and desserts.
Some companies also use the powder in their supplement formulations. Yet, there is little research on the health benefits of Kakadu plum in this form.
The bottom line
Kakadu plums are a native Australian fruit that boasts the highest level of vitamin C of any food in the world.
The fruits are also low in calories yet high in fiber, copper, iron, and various antioxidants.
Though research on their health benefits is limited, their anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties show promise for managing or preventing a range of health conditions.