Try sol kadhi for its numerous health benefits

Sol kadhi is a popular and healthy drink which is usually consumed after meals. Belonging to the Konkan region, it uses coconut milk, cumin seeds and green chillies, which gives it a lovely taste. Sol kadhi is known not just for its taste but also for the several health benefits it can impart. It is idyllic for hot summer months and can be consumed, preferably after lunch or dinner.

Sol kadhi is made out of kokum, which is a dried fruit mostly found in Goa and Maharashtra. Kokam is deep pink in colour and the texture is fleshy. Sol kadhi contains healing properties, antioxidants and anthocyanins.

Here s how sol kadhi benefits your body.

Acts as a cooling agent

The first benefit of sol kadhi is its ability to act as a cooling agent, especially during the hot summer months. The thickness of the drink and the refreshing taste adds to the flavour and makes you feel light. Sol kadhi should be taken once a day at least, preferably during lunch. It will undoubtedly make you feel fresh and relaxed.

Aids in improving digestion

Sol kadhi can improve digestion too. It relieves all kinds of digestive problems and cleanses your system entirely. Sol kadhi helps in regulating absorption of food; prevent your body from heartburn, indigestion, gas, cramps, constipation, diarrhea and abdominal pain. It also allows perfect bowel movement over time. (Read: 9 home remedies for better digestion)

Protects from diabetes, cancer and heart diseases

Sol kadhi is rich in antioxidants that impart several health benefits. It protects your heart from diseases, heart attacks and lowers the level of cholesterol. It improves the immune system, protects your DNA and lowers the chances of developing cancer. It protects your body from diabetes and defends against dementia too. Sol kadhi can also prove to be great for your eyes because of the high level of antioxidants contained in it.

Prevents cold, helps lose weight

Sol kadhi nourishes and detoxifies your body effectively. It prevents cold, flu, migraines, nausea, constipation and other health conditions such as diarrhea. It also helps you shed unwanted weight and ensures your metabolism is accelerated. (Read: Lose weight with this Indian diet plan)

Helps fight rashes

Sol kadhi is great for your skin. Consuming it will not only improve the texture and quality of your skin but also fights rashes. Drinking sol kadhi will help in reducing the appearance of rash and its symptoms over time. (Read: Tips to deal with itchy skin rash)

Now that you are aware of the numerous benefits of sol kadhi, here s how you can prepare it.

Sol kadhi is easy to prepare and does not take much time at all. Here is a list of things you need to get hold in order to make this drink at home.

Ingredients

• 1 litre of water
• 10 to 12 pieces of kokum
• Chopped garlic of not more than two teaspoons
• Chopped red onions
• Chopped coriander leaves
• Chopped green chillies of not more than half a tea spoon (flavour for the drink)
• Half a coconut (should be grated)
• Rock salt for taste
• Pink salt for taste

Instructions

• Begin by soaking the kokum in a bowl full of water for an hour. The colour will begin to release slowly and the water will turn red after you have stirred it for some time.
• You could soak the kokum in the fridge too.
• Now add chopped garlic, red onions and green chillies to the kokum. This will add taste to the drink.
• Once the flavours have seeped in, you can add salt.
• It is wise to keep the drink inside your fridge, since it tastes great when chilled.
• Refilling with fresh water once is also permissible.

Photo source: Getty images

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