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Come summer and all we want to do is reach for that chilled Coke. But not many of us
realise that there are other healthier and more refreshing options available. One such drink is made of the fruit, kokum.

It is not just the fruit, but the bark of the roots as well as the oil, which finds extensive use in medicine. Kokum, or Garcinia Cambogia is a spice found in India and is used all over the country. As for its nutritive properties, kokum contains nutrients such as citric acid, ascorbic acid and acetic acid. It also contains polyphenols — which are plant chemicals, carbohydrates and hydroxycitric acid (HCA). The seeds also contain a
yellow coloured oil which becomes butter-like when frozen, known as kokum butter.

Benefits:
- The fruits could be soaked in water sweetened by jaggery to make amrutkokum. This healthy, refreshing drink is an apt cure for sunstroke.
- It is a blessing in disguise for diabetics.
- It is traditionally used for treating flatulence.
- The HCA lowers cholesterol on the blood and acts as an anti-obesity agent.
- The fruit as well as its rind have powerful anti-cancer and anti-ulcer properties.

Kokum powder, or its natural concentrate with water have the following benefits:
- Prevention of dehydration and loss of
nutrients.
- Perked-up digestion and appetite.
- Decreased constipation.
- Better functioning of the liver.
- Regulation of cardiovascular system.
- Purification of blood.
- Boosting immunity (it is an anti-oxidant).

Ways to have your kokum:
Have this like any other fruit — eat it, or make its juice, which is extremely cooling and thus apt for the hot summer months. The dried rind of kokum could be added to dals or curries as a spice to give them a tangy flavour.