How to make Kokum juice at home and its health benefits

When it comes to summer drinks, we often talk about fruit shakes and fresh juices of watermelon, oranges and more. But there is one Indian berry that is often neglected and that is Kokum. Kokum is a purple coloured berry which is indigenous to western coast of India and is commonly used in Gujarat and Maharashtra. This sweet-and-sour summer fruit is rich in medicinal properties and is effective in preventing dehydration and sunstroke. It is also rich in Garcinol, an antioxidant that helps boost immunity. While Ayurveda considers it as an effective means to delay menstruation, advanced medical science considers it as an effective supplement for weight loss as it is anorectic. Today we will tell you how to make fresh juice of this seasonal fruit at home and what are its other benefits. (Image: istock)

Take 1/2 cup kokum in a non-stick pan, add 3 cups of water and 1 cup sugar and mix well. Cover and cook for 15 minutes until kokum turns tender. Cool it down and grind with enough water to make a smooth paste. Now add 1 tsp cumin powder, and 1 tsp black salt, mix well. Your kokum concentrate is ready. Add 3 tbsp of kokum concentrate in a glass, add ice cubes and chilled water, stir well and serve. (Image: istock)

Rich in anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties, they are good for the skin. According to experts, drinking kokum juice daily in the summer season makes skin soft, smooth and reduces the chances of any breakouts. (Image: istock)

Drinking a glass of kokum juice daily in summer reduces the levels of heat in the body and slows down the oxidative degeneration and thus protects the liver from any damage. (Image: istock)

Kokum is rich in hydroxyl-citric acids that can help in reducing the levels of anxiety and stress and thus keeps you calm and joyful. It is suggested that those with stressful jobs should drink 2 glasses daily for effective results. (Image: istock)

Kokum juice is known for reducing the rate of oxidation and it also improves the metabolism of the body and regulates blood sugar and thus keeps diabetes under control. Avoid adding sugar in your juice if you are a diabetic. (Image: istock)

Kokum is rich in anti-inflammatory properties that keep the body safe from the risk of diseases associated with the heart and it is also effective in dealing with cancer and arthritis. (Image: istock)

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