5 kakadu plum benefits

We’re all used to hearing about new skincare ingredients and superfoods with funky names, and we’re here to update you with another one called the Kakadu plum.

Not sure what it is and why it’s created a buzz? From the lowdown on its origin to the various Kakadu plum skin benefits, find out all you need to know in this guide.

In this article, we’ll explore

• What the Kakadu plum is
• If the Kakadu plum is high in vitamin C
• Kakadu plum vitamin C contents
• 5 Kakadu plum benefits
• If Kakadu plums are toxic
• Potential side effects  

What is the Kakadu plum?

Also known as Billy goat plum, the Kakadu plum is a pale green fruit with a wooden stone in the middle. Primarily found in Australia, this fruit has been used by indigenous people for many years, but became commercially available in the late 1990’s.¹

Is Kakadu plum high in vitamin C?

Yes! In fact, the Kakadu plum is said to have the highest amount of naturally occurring vitamin C of any food in the world. Offering more than 3,000% of your daily vitamin C needs in 100 grams, it’s safe to say it’s a pretty impressive fruit.²

How much vitamin C do Kakadu plums have?

We know that Kakadu plums are a great source of vitamin C, but just how much does it contain? A 100-gram serving of dry Kakadu plum contains a whopping 7,000mg – pretty impressive!³

What is Kakadu plum good for?

So just how good for you is this Australian superfood? We’ve listed five of the top benefits of Kakadu plums below.

1. May support skin health

Arguably the most well-known benefit of Kakadu plums is how it interacts with your skin health. Indigenous people have used the sap and bark of this fruit for many years on skin.⁴

Why is Kakadu plum good for skin?

Kakadu plums are rich in something called ellagic acid, which is a naturally occurring polyphenol compound.⁵  

2. It’s chock full of nutrients

When you learn the nutritional profile of Kakadu plums, you won’t be surprised that they’re hailed as a superfood.

So, what’s all the fuss about? Let’s take a look at what they offer in terms of nutrition (per 100g):⁶

As you can see, it is a great source of minerals like copper – which is crucial for supporting your immune system.⁷

3. It’s an amazing source of vitamin C

We’ve already highlighted just how much vitamin C is in Kakadu plums, but why is this a good thing?

Multiple studies have shown just how beneficial this vitamin can be for us. One reason why it’s so great is that it can enhance the absorption of iron.⁸

Scientific research has also found vitamin C to be brightening and good at boosting collagen production.^9,10

4. It contains lots of antioxidants

Another benefit of the Kakadu plum is their impressive antioxidant capabilities.

Studies have shown that Kakadu plum extract offers significantly more antioxidants than the humble blueberry, with the main sources being phenolic acids called benzoic and cinnamic, as well as flavonoids like anthocyanins and flavanones.¹¹

Not sure why antioxidants are a good thing? This is basically what helps to keep your body safe from damage inflicted by a type of reactive molecule called free radicals.¹²

5. It May have antibacterial effects

And last up in our list of Kakadu plum benefits is its antibacterial properties.

Modern studies have shown that Kakadu plum powder possesses strong antimicrobial activity against a range of bacteria, which validates the Aboriginal use of the plum for this purpose.^13,14

Is Kakadu plum toxic?

Generally speaking, no Kakadu plums aren’t toxic. However, their seeds do contain some toxins, so it’s best to limit your consumption of the seeds.¹⁵

How to use Kakadu plum

There are various ways you can use Kakadu plums, but thanks to their tart taste, they make a great base for jams, sauces and juices.

Ground Kakadu plums can also be incorporated into drinks and baking.¹⁶

You can also use Kakadu plums on your skin!

For example, if you mix pureed Kakadu plums with bentonite clay, you’ll end up with a purifying mask for your skin – simply leave on for 20 minutes and put your feet up.¹⁷ But be sure to do a patch test before applying to see how your skin reacts.

Potential side effects of Kakadu plum

As we’ve mentioned previously, avoid eating too many Kakadu plum seeds as this could lead to illness.

Also, if you’re sensitive to foods high in vitamin C and oxalates, you may want to avoid including Kakadu plums in your diet as it can affect how your body absorbs calcium, which may lead to kidney stones.¹⁸

The final say

Kakadu plums are a pretty remarkable fruit, right? Whether you’re planning on adding them to your diet or using it in your skincare, if you have any queries, please do speak to a medical professional first.

Last updated: 13 May 2022