Sapodilla or Sapota also called “Chikoo” is a most
delicious tropical fruit in line with mango and kiwi. Sapota has joined in the
list of fruits that have been proven anticancer properties. Sapota helps in prevention of certain
cancers, because it has vitamins A and B which helps in maintaining the health
of the mucus lining of the body and the texture of the skin. The antioxidants,
dietary fiber and nutrients found in Sapota support protection against cancer
and tightly bind the carcinogens to defend the mucus membrane of the colon.
Vitamin A provides protection from lung and oral cavity cancers.
Mostly Sapota is originated in the central American
rain forests, most likely in Mexico and Belize, nowadays it has spread all over
the tropical belt and is being grown as a main commercial crop in India, Sri
Lanka, Malaysia and Indonesia. Sapota tree is rapidly growing tree, with have
wind and drought resistant, and suitable for dry arid regions receiving scanty
rains. Sapota fruit color is brown with sandy (just like kiwifruit) outer
surface but without the fuzziness. Internally, Sapota pulp in unripe fruits is
white with sticky latex often called as “Saponin”. Latex content steadily
disappears as the fruit ripens, and its flesh turns brown. The ripe fruit is very
sweet with smooth or grainy texture, and has light musky flavor. It contains
about 3-10 black, smooth, shiny “biconvex-bean” shaped, inedible seeds situated
at its center.
Sapodilla is rich in calories; 100 g make available 83
calories (almost identical as that of calories in sweet potato, and banana).
Moreover it is a very imperative source of dietary fiber (5.6 g/100g), which
makes it an exceptional bulk laxative. Chikoo fiber content really helps in to
relieve constipation episodes and aid protects the mucous membrane of the colon
from cancer-causing toxins by firmly binding to them. Sapota is great fruit for
health rich in delicious taste, and wide array of nutrients contained in this
fruit. Sapota is a fruit which can be easily digestible and replenishes our
body by providing rich energy due to its high content of glucose.
Sapota is just like sugary taste and widely used in
shakes. Moreover this fruit is
rich in vitamins, minerals and tannins. Due its sugary taste, it is widely used
in shakes. Sapota is good for your eyes, contains high amount of vitamin A,
which is important for improving vision even in old age. If you want to
maintain good vision, you must try this fruit. Moreover; Sapota is extremely
rich in glucose, which provides instant energy to the body, if you’re Athletes,
then you need loads of instant energy and hence it is highly recommended to eat
Sapota fruit. Sapota is anti-inflammatory agent, and it helps in improving the
condition of the digestive tract through prevention of diseases like
esophagitis, enteritis, irritable bowel syndrome and gastritis. It also
decreases inflammation by reducing any swelling and pain. Sapota has additional
amounts of calcium, phosphorus and iron, which is really helpful in strengthen
the bones to increase their endurance. So those people, who have bones
deficiency, must try Sapota to overcome their weakness.
The Sapota herb is well famous for its haemostatic properties i.e.
stopping blood loss; hence its herb is beneficial in decreasing bleeding in
case of piles and injuries. The ground seeds can be applied as a paste for
alleviating stings and insect bites. The Sapota fruit contains rich fiber
content which provides relief from constipation. It helps the colons membrane
and makes it resistant to infections. Therefore, it is regarded as an excellent
bulk laxative. Sapota is having a high dose of carbohydrates and essential
nutrients, which is tremendously beneficial for pregnant and lactating mothers.
It support in dropping weakness and other symptoms of pregnancy such as nausea
and dizziness. Sapota has many anti-viral, anti-parasitic and anti-bacterial
properties which prevent bacteria from entering into the human body. Vitamin C
abolishes the harmful free radicals while potassium, iron and folate, niacin
and pantothenic acid facilitate proper functioning of the digestive system. And
also Sapota is regarded as an anti-diarrheal due to its purgative properties. A
decoction made by boiling this fruit in water can cure diarrhea. It also helps
in the alleviation of piles and dysentery.
Sapota is also very helpful in
maintaining mental health, because of potent sedative and it support in to calm
the nerves and alleviate stress. Therefore, it is highly advisable for folks
suffering from insomnia, anxiety and depression. Sapota fruit is effective in
keeping congestion and chronic coughs at bay by removing the phlegm and mucus
from the nasal passage and respiratory tract. Thus, it helps in the alleviation
of cold and coughs. Sapota crushed seeds of this fruit act as a diuretic,
therefore serving to expel bladder and kidney stones and offers protection
against kidney diseases as well. It is also very helpful in weight loss, and
prevent from obesity by regulating the secretion of gastric enzymes, thereby
regulating metabolism. Sapota acts as a diuretic and aids in removing waste
materials from the body through frequent urination. It prevents edemas or water
retention by maintaining the water concentration within the body. Moreover also
latex content of Sapota fruit can be used as a crude filling for tooth
cavities. Sapota also contained Magnesium which is beneficial for blood and
blood vessels, and potassium helps in regulating blood pressure and increase
healthy circulation.
Sapota helps in strengthening the intestines and in improving their
performance. In short, eating Sapota or Chikoo fruit helps in developing body
resistance against many infectious diseases. For best results you must eat ripe
Sapota, but you can also choose to have the Sapota juice as well. But make sure
Raw Sapota is extremely bitter due to rich content of tannin and latex and can
cause mouth ulcers, itching sensation in the throat and problems in breathing.
Well, oil extracted from Sapota seeds helps in moisturizing and softening your
hair, thus making it more manageable. It imparts sheen and is considered
excellent for curly hair. It gets absorbed easily without leaving a greasy
residue.
The Sapota seed oil feeds the scalp by easing irritated skin
conditions and promotes healthy hair growth. This oil is considered to be
effective in treating hair-fall caused by seborrheic dermatitis. The wide array
of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants found in the Sapota fruit makes it an
amazing choice for healthy and glowing skin. Thus, this article will be
incomplete without talking about the skin benefits of this tasty fruit. Sapota
fruit helps to make your skin glowing, thus dipping your requirement of skin
care products to improve your natural skin texture and complexion. The Vitamin
E in this fruit moisturizes your skin, thus giving you healthy and lovely skin.
Therefore, eating Sapota fruit is good for the skin. Sapota fruit is rich in
antioxidants. Therefore, it acts as an anti-ageing agent by get rid of free
radicals in the body which are responsible for enhancing the ageing process. It
is also very effective in falling wrinkles. Because the seed kernel oil of
Sapota can be used as a skin ointment. However the residue of this seed, after
the extraction of oil, can be applied as a poultice on agonizing skin
afflictions.