In the hot, red and arid vastness of our rugged Top End, a miraculous green-yellow berry thrives.
The Kakadu Plum (also known as Gubinge, Billygoat Plum, Gurumal and Murunga) is native to Australia and Indigenous tribes in the Northern Territory have used the plum for healing and health for thousands of years.
Now, the Kakadu plum is starting to gain traction globally and is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after ingredients in skincare and pharmacology.
But what makes the Kakadu plum so special?
Let us take you through five key health benefits of this infamous bush berry, to show you why it hasn’t just captured our heart: it’s captured the attention of health and beauty enthusiasts all over the world.
It contains the highest recorded level of natural Vitamin C of any plant in the entire world.
In fact, a single plum contains more than 100 times the Vitamin C of an orange. What is Vitamin C good for, you may ask? Well, there have been an overwhelming number of studies in the last decade confirming that Vitamin C is arguably the most important antioxidant when it comes to slowing down the ageing process.
This is due to the fact that Vitamin C (also known as L-ascorbic acid) encourages the skin to form proline: an amino acid that makes collagen and keeps skin firm and youthful.
It is also the only collagen booster that is also an antioxidant. Who wouldn’t want the highest dosage?
Vitamin C also plays a significant role in supporting our immune systems, preventing bruises, in the growth, development and repair of tissues, as well as in enhancing iron absorption and supporting the adrenal system. More reasons to love this super-vitamin!
It is rich in phytonutrients, thought to be cancer-fighting and helpful in the treatment of heart disease and inflammation.
In addition to a large hit of Vitamin C, our beloved Kakadu plum is also packed full of phytonutrients and antioxidants. In comparison to the blueberry, the Kakadu plum contains at least five times more antioxidants and ‘goodness’.
Since these antioxidants help to neutralise free-radicals, they may play a role in protecting the body’s cells from damage and therefore guarding against chronic illness, such as cancer, heart disease and inflammatory illnesses and conditions.
That means a longer, happier, healthier life, and that’s another pretty good reason to love these extraordinary plums.
It contains two antioxidants that actively reduce wrinkles, soothe skin and slow down the ageing process.
The Kakadu plum has become a hero of many natural skincare products for a reason. Along with the high doses of antioxidants and phytonutrients, these wonder-plums are also comprised of two antioxidants that are miracles for our skin: gallic and ellagic acid.
The true properties of ellagic acid are only beginning to be realised, however it has already been shown to be incredibly effective in reducing wrinkles by improving skin elasticity (whaaat!).
Gallic acid on the other hand, naturally soothes the skin and reduces any redness and irritation, due to its astringent, antimicrobial, antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Together, they fight premature ageing, naturally. Through the power of the plum.
The bark of the tree is also medicinal by nature and naturally antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral.
The bark of the Kakadu plum tree is valuable as well, and has been used by Indigenous tribes for centuries to treat bacterial, fungal and viral conditions. A tea is also sometimes made from the bark to cure colds and flus.
Is there anything that this plant can’t do?
It is a natural digestive aid and can help with weight loss.
Lastly, the plum is abundant in carbohydrates and fibre, which allows the antioxidants and medicinal qualities of the fruit to be preserved during digestion and absorbed through the gut. Does it get any better?
Yes it does, because the high level of antioxidants in the plum are also believed to attack fat cells and normalise glucose and insulin abnormalities. This makes it a great addition to the diet of anyone struggling with their weight, or burdened by diseases that affect metabolism and insulin or glucose control.
With such an array of diverse health benefits, it’s no wonder that the Kakadu plum is making a name for itself as being a big nutrient punch, in a very small package.
As you can probably tell, we’re big fans. You can further explore the powers of the Kakadu plum today, by browsing our natural Kakadu plum skincare range. We’ve harnessed the power of this perfect plum to brighten, renew, lift, firm and protect your precious skin.
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