What Is Sapota?

With its fleshy brown skin and grainy sweetness on the inside, the heady sweet aroma of sapota is unmistakable. It’s easy to either love or despise the sapota. But we’re not sure about taking the middle road. We can thank the Spaniards for something. The chickoo, chikoo, or sapota may never have arrived in India if it hadn’t been for them. With its origins in Mexico, Easter Guatemala, and Belize on the eastern coast of Central America, the Colonizers brought it to the Philippines, from where it spread to the rest of Asia, only arriving in India in the late nineteenth century.

Sapota is a delicious tropical fruit that belongs to the Sapotaceae family and is scientifically known as Manilkara zapota. It originated in the rain forests of Central America, specifically Mexico and Belize, but it is now available in India as well. Karnataka is the largest sapodilla producer in India, followed by Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal.

Sapota, also known as chikoo, is an oval or round fruit with brown skin. Because of its high latex content, the unripe fruit has a hard surface and white pulp. As the fruit ripens, the latex content decreases and the flesh turns brown. In the center of the flesh are black, shiny bean-like seeds.

Nutritional Value of Sapota

Sapota is a high-calorie fruit that contains 83 calories per 100 gram and is high in fiber and vitamins. It is high in vitamins A and C, which aid in the development of immunity and the health of the skin. This fruit is a polyphenol compound tannin powerhouse with astringent, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, antibacterial, and anti-parasitic properties. Among other essential nutrients, it contains potassium, sodium, copper, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus.

12 Health Benefits of Sapota

We know little about the benefits of the fruits we eat. The same is true for sapota; many of us are unaware of its health benefits. Here are some of the best health benefits of sapota that you should be aware of.

Boosts the Immune System

Sapota is high in vitamin C and antioxidants which help boost the immune system. Polyphenols found in sapota may help to combat harmful toxins and lower the risk of diseases. It also has antibacterial and antiviral properties that protect the system from potentially harmful microbes.

Helps Maintain a Normal Blood Pressure

Magnesium and potassium, two minerals important for maintaining healthy, normal blood pressure, are found in sapota. Magnesium is involved in both the physical and chemical aspects of your circulatory system; it is required to widen or dilate blood vessels, which allows blood to move more easily. Potassium aids in the removal of sodium from the body; the more potassium you have, the more sodium your body can excrete through urine. High blood pressure is strongly linked to sodium. In fact, because salt contains sodium, it is frequently used to treat hypertension. You can influence your blood pressure and bring it down to a manageable level by consuming potassium and magnesium-rich foods like chikoo.

Boosts Energy Levels

Sapota is high in glucose and calories, making it a great source of energy. It is also a quick source of energy. As a result, we can consume it while working out. It particularly provides the body with an immediate source of natural energy. Furthermore, sapota is the best fruit choice for children and pregnant women to meet their increasing energy demand while also improving overall health.

Contains Anti-Cancer Properties

Chikoo contains a high concentration of antioxidants and reduces the risk of various types of cancer. It contains a healthy amount of vitamins A and B which aid in the maintenance of the body’s various mucus linings. This, in turn, may help to lower the risk of lung and oral cancers. Furthermore, sapota is high in dietary fibre, which aids in the regulation of healthy bowel movements. This is critical in preventing the development of colon cancer.

Promotes Hair Health

As we all know, sapota contains essential nutrients that are necessary for the health of our hair. But did you know that sapota seed oil is more beneficial to your hair’s health than its flesh?

The oil extracted from sapota seeds moisturizes and softens your hair. It works best if you have unmanageable curly hair. This oil also helps to relieve itchy skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis and promotes healthy hair growth.

For the best results, grind the sapota seeds into a paste and combine with the castor oil. This mixture should be applied to the scalp and then washed off the following day.

Keeps the Bones Healthy

This delectable fruit is high in calcium, phosphorus, and iron, which help to keep your bones strong. If you eat sapota on a regular basis, you may not need supplements later in life. Essential minerals found in sapota can help with a variety of body functions, including proper bone growth.

Contains Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Chikoo and its plant compounds are also anti-inflammatory, providing a plethora of health benefits. Apart from reducing digestive inflammation, it also aids in the prevention of digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, and enteritis. Anti-inflammatory foods can also help with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, joint pain, and swelling. Inflammation is also strongly linked to medical conditions such as cancer, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Including chikoo and other anti-inflammatory foods in your regular diet will improve your overall health.

Promotes Skin Health

Sapota is a great fruit for healthy and glowing skin because it contains a variety of vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and dietary fibers.

This fruit’s vitamin E moisturizes your skin, giving you healthy, glowing skin. It is also high in antioxidants, which act as an anti-aging compound by removing free radicals from the body, thereby speeding up the aging process. Sapota seeds contain kernel oil, which aids in the reduction of skin inflammation and painful skin conditions. This oil can be used as a poultice on painful skin conditions.

Promotes Gut Health

Sapota is high in dietary fibers and tannins, a compound that reduces acid secretion in the gut. As a result, it is useful in treating hyperacidity symptoms. It is also an excellent laxative, relieving constipation and reducing intestine infections.

 Great for Weight Management

If you’re on a diet, a sapota may help you get rid of water retention. It regulates your metabolism, which is beneficial if you’re trying to lose weight.

Good for the Eyes

Consuming one chikoo per day could keep you out of the eye doctor’s office for years. It contains vitamin A, which can help keep our eyes healthy. It also aids in the formation of visual sensory cells, which aid in the improvement of eyesight at a young age. In addition, by consuming it at an older age, one can get rid of long-term eye problems.

Beneficial During Pregnancy

Sapota is beneficial during pregnancy because it is an excellent source of carbohydrates and essential nutrients. It aids in the reduction of fatigue and other pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and dizziness.

Side Effects of Sapota

Sapota has a small number of side effects. Overconsumption, on the other hand, may result in intestinal problems. Tannin is an astringent that can cause itchy tongue sensations, especially if one consumes raw chikoo. Chikoos also have a high glycemic index, making them problematic for diabetics.

If one consumes sapota excessively, it can cause throat inflammation and irritation, which can lead to breathing problems, especially in children. Furthermore, chikoo seeds are firm and hooked, and if eaten, they can cause stomach aches and vomiting.

Now that you Know…

Chikoo is a healthy fruit that you can add to milkshakes, smoothies, cakes, preserves, and desserts. You can also add raw chikoo to a fruit salad after removing the seeds. To reap the benefits, consume it in moderation.