Are you someone who has been working out or following fad diets to stay in shape and reduce weight? Then we have got your back with an age-old home remedy that may help in losing weight naturally. Well, you must have come across several fad drinks made with seeds, spices, herbs and what not! But do you know there are certain sherbets that have been a part of Indian cuisine and are loaded with nutrients that can help in effective weight management and also help in improving overall health. Here’s all you need to know about this wonder fruit and its water that may help in healing gut and metabolic health. Read on to find out…

What exactly is Kokum?
Kokum (Garcinia indica) is basically a small, round fruit that varies from green to deep purple to red colour, and the taste of this fruit also depends on its colour and is mostly tangy, slightly sweet flavor and is widely used in Indian cuisine as a natural souring agent, often as a substitute for tamarind. But is it great for health? Well, kokum is a potent fruit, which is rich in bioactive compounds such as hydroxycitric acid (HCA), garcinol, and antioxidants, giving it potent medicinal properties.
Traditionally, kokum has been extensively used to boost digestion, reduce inflammation, and support metabolic health. In fact, its dried rinds are often soaked to prepare kokum water or kokum sharbat, which is a refreshing drink, which is known for its digestive and weight management benefits. Here’s all you need to know about Kokum water?



What is kokum water?
Soak kokum water overnight, and this drink is a naturally hydrating beverage that is low in calories and sugar-free, making it a smart alternative to sugary drinks. But what makes kokum water particularly effective for reducing water weight? Well, it is majorly because of its rich hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which is basically a compound linked to suppressing appetite and blocking fat synthesis. Moreover, HCA helps inhibit citrate lyase, an enzyme responsible for converting excess carbohydrates into fat, which supports reducing fat accumulation and belly fat. Kokum also contains garcinol, which is a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties that further aid in detoxification and metabolic balance. Lastly, minerals such as potassium found in kokum help flush out excess sodium and water from the body, reducing bloating and swelling.

What study says
According to a study published in The Pharma Innovation Journal highlights “kokum’s nutritional composition, emphasizing its bioactive compounds like HCA and antioxidants, which contribute to weight loss and improved metabolism. The study shows that consuming kokum water can help curb cravings, enhance digestion, and support healthy fat metabolism, all of which contribute to reducing excess body water and fat over time.”



How to make Kokum water at home
To prepare kokum water at home, soak 4-5 dried kokum petals in warm water for about 30 minutes. Add a pinch of black salt and roasted cumin powder to enhance flavor and digestion. Drinking this drink regularly, especially before meals, can support appetite control and promote a healthier body composition by naturally reducing water retention and fat buildup.This water is a potent, natural drink that helps reduce water weight through appetite suppression, improved fat metabolism, anti-inflammatory effects, and electrolyte balance. Its nutritional profile and traditional use make it an ideal addition to a weight-conscious lifestyle.



Here is a concise kokum water
Ingredients:
- 4-5 dried kokum petals (about 20 grams)
- 2 cups warm water (500 ml)
- 1/4 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
- Ice cubes (optional)


Method
Rinse the dried kokum petals thoroughly.
Soak the kokum petals in 2 cups of warm water for 30 minutes until the water turns deep purple and the flavors are extracted.
After soaking, strain the kokum water to remove the petals.
Add roasted cumin powder and black salt to the kokum water and stir well.
Optionally, add lemon juice for extra tanginess and some ice cubes for a refreshing drink.
Serve chilled.