Sip, Chill, Repeat: Kokum Sangria Is Summer’s Cooling Companion
Refreshing kokum drink helps beat heat and stay hydrated.
As summer temperatures continue to soar across many parts of India, health experts are encouraging people to focus on hydration and cooling foods to combat fatigue, dehydration, and digestive discomfort. Among the traditional remedies gaining attention is kokum, a tangy fruit long used along the Konkan coast for its refreshing and cooling properties.
Clinical nutritionist Palak Nagpal has highlighted kokum as an effective summer ingredient that can help the body cope with extreme heat. According to her, kokum is not only refreshing but also contains beneficial compounds such as hydroxycitric acid and anthocyanins, which possess antioxidant properties that help protect the body’s cells from oxidative stress.
Nagpal noted that kokum may help ease common summer-related complaints, including acidity, bloating, and digestive discomfort. She also pointed out that the fruit can contribute to maintaining hydration levels and may support better blood sugar management when incorporated into a balanced diet. These qualities have made kokum a popular traditional beverage ingredient in coastal regions for generations.
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One of the nutritionist’s preferred summer recipes is a refreshing Kokum Sangria. The preparation begins by soaking dried kokum in water overnight. The next morning, the mixture is strained to create kokum-infused water, which serves as the base of the drink and delivers its characteristic tangy flavour.
To enhance both nutrition and texture, Nagpal adds one tablespoon of soaked gond katira and one teaspoon of soaked sabja (basil) seeds to a glass. Finely chopped apples are then mixed in, although pears can be used as an alternative for natural sweetness. The chilled kokum-infused water is poured over the ingredients and garnished with fresh mint leaves, while crushed ice can be added for an extra cooling effect.
Health experts emphasize that while traditional beverages such as Kokum Sangria can help people stay refreshed during hot weather, they should complement an overall hydration strategy that includes adequate water intake and a balanced diet. With its blend of hydration, flavour, and nutritional benefits, kokum continues to be a popular seasonal choice for those looking to beat the summer heat naturally.
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