Sapodila Health Benefits and Nutrition

Sapodilla or sapota (chikoo) is a popular tropical winter fruit relished for its sweet flavour and indispensable medicinal properties and therapeutic benefits. It has a pulp that is soft and easy to digest and is made of natural sugars that are similar to those in mango, banana, and jackfruit. The sweet aroma of sapota with succulent brown skin and grainy texture is irresistibly enjoyable to have. Tracing its roots in Mexico, Easter Guatemala and Central America, the colonisers took it to the Philippines from where it reached to rest of Asia, then making its way into India in the late 19 century. In India, Karnataka is the largest producer of sapodilla, followed by Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. There are various varieties of sapota cultivated in India that are known by hilarious names -- Kali Patli, cricket ball, Baramati, Pili Patli, Dwarapudi, and Chhatri. Known as Chikoo or Chiki in Hindi, Sapota in Telugu, Chikku in Marathi, cappota in Tamil and Sapeta in Bengali. This delicious fruit is also known as nose berry, sapodilla plum, chikoo, and sapote, among other common names. Amezing Benefits of Sapodila: It is grown in huge quantities in India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Cambodia and Indonesia for its delicious fruit, while in other parts of the world it is chiefly grown for a chuckle- the gutta-percha which is used as a base material for making chewing gum and other industrial purposes. Loaded with calories and high sugar content owing to the presence of simple sugars like fructose and sucrose, sapota delivers an instant source of energy and rejuvenate the body. Perhaps due to its extremely dominating flavours, sapodilla can be mixed with milk or yoghurt to make a yummy smoothie. While it can also be churned into a few interesting dishes such as chickoo halwa, kheer to name a few. Truly, the best way to enjoy this luscious fruit is, by itself, so as to reap its umpteen health benefits. Sapodila Plant: Sapodilla is a slow-growing evergreen tree belonging to the Sapotaceae family that goes with a scientific name Manilkara zapota. The tree usually grows to a height of more than 30m and prefers warm and moist weathers. It starts producing fruits between the third and fourth year after planting and is a wind-resistant plant. The bark of the plant is rich in a white, gummy latex called chicle and leaves are alternate, elliptic to ovate, long green and glossy, bearing white blossoms that are bell-like with a six-lobed corolla. An unripe fruit has a firm skin and when plucked releases white chicle from its stem, whereas ripened fruit has saggy skin and does not release chicle when picked. Sapodilla is a large round berry with fleshy pulp inside that ranges from a pale yellow to an earthy colour with a sweet smell and pleasant flavour. The plant can thrive only in warm and tropical climates. The sapodilla tree yields fruit twice a year, though it flowers all through the year. Sapodilla Ayurvedic Uses In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, sapodilla, or chikoo, is frequently used to treat a variety of ailments. Antioxidants from this fruit are widely used to treat skin and hair conditions. The seed oil is used as a base for skin ointments and creams, while the milk spa extract of sapodilla tree exhibits medicinal values and it is an effective home remedy for treating skin warts. Since times immemorial sapota seeds have been used as a natural remedy for treating dandruff and other scalp issues. After being washed, the seeds are sun-dried, ground into a fine powder, applied to the scalp, and a shower cap is used to cover it for one to two hours. washed thoroughly to get rid of head lice and dandruff. The concoction of sapodilla stem possesses potent antimicrobial properties that are also used to eliminate dandruff. Jamun: Medicinal Uses, Therapeutic Benefits For Skin,Diabetes and Supplements: The leaves of chickoo plant are imbued with vital nutrients and plant compounds, which has proven effects in healing mouth ulcers. Sapodilla fruit balances vata and pitta doshas, while it increases kapha dosha. The light, cold and vipaka traits of sapodilla is useful for treating gastritis and other stomach woes. Information on Sapodilla's Nutrition Sapodilla is a high-calorie fruit offering 83 calories per 100 gram. It is an abundant source of dietary fibre that acts as natural laxative adding bulk to the stool, promotes bowel movement and support to safeguard the mucosal lining of the colon from cancer-causing toxins. This fruit is a powerhouse of polyphenol compound tannin which possesses astringent, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-parasitic characteristics that are well-known to treat haemorrhoids and gastrointestinal problems. Sapota immensely rich in vitamins A, C supports to boost healthy vision, combats infectious agent, bolsters immunity and keep you disease-free. Furthermore, it also contains noteworthy amounts of other essential nutrients like potassium, copper, iron and vitamins such as folate, B1 and B5 which are essential for maintaining normal metabolic processes in the body and enhances overall well-being. Sapodilla Nutritive Value Per 100 gram ServingNutrients   Energy        83 kcal       Protein       0.44 g Total Fat    1.10 g Carbohydrate      19.9g Dietary Fiber 10.9 g                                                     Vitamins    Folate 14Mcg Niacin 0.2 mg                                               Pantothenic acid 0.252 mg Pyridoxine 0.037 mg Riboflavin 0.020mg Thiamin 0.058mg Vitamin A 60IU Vitamin C 14.7mg Minerals Sodium 12mg Potassium 193 mg Calcium 21 mg Copper 0.086mg Iron 0.80mg Magnesium 12 mg Phosphorus 12 mg Selenium 0.6mcg Zinc 0.10mg  *Source As Per The USDA

Incredible Health Benefits of SapodillaProvides Ample Energy: Sapodilla is a calorie-dense fruit made up of simple digestible sugars like fructose and sucrose. Sapota is a great option for a snack during intense sports or exercise activities because it is a natural source of sugar. Consuming sapota can immediately replenish energy levels and is a great source of sugar. Furthermore, sapodilla is the best choice of fruit for children and pregnant women to meet their increasing demand for energy and uplifts overall health. Promotes Digestion: The presence of natural plant compound tannins in sapota helps to neutralize acid secretion in the intestinal tract. While the high volume of dietary fibres adds bulk to the stool, regularize bowel movement, treats constipation and cures all other digestive problems. Apart from this, potent antiparasitic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial characteristics of sapodilla can calm the irritated gastrointestinal tract and treat gastritis. Improves Immune Function Bestowed with vast reserves of vitamins A, C, polyphenol and antioxidant compounds sapota holds a remarkable role in building a robust immune system, combat detrimental toxins and lowers the risk of diseases. Moreover, adding sapodilla as a part of healthy diet safeguards the system from harmful microbes and treats seasonal cold and cough. 5 Splended Immune Boosting Foods That Infographic to Strengthen Your Resistance: Combats stress Stress has become one of the common issues that take a toll on your health. Consuming healthy foods could significantly reduce this. Sapodilla is one such food heaped with essential nutrients particularly vitamin C that uplifts weakened immune system and enhances total well-being. Furthermore, being a natural sedative it soothes the nervous system and uplift mood. Strengthens Bones If you are above 30 and already dealing with joint problems, then add chickoo on to your diet regimen. An immense quantity of minerals like calcium, phosphorus, copper, selenium, magnesium and iron present in sapodilla aid to strengthen the bone, prevents joint pains and also averts the risk of osteoporosis. Deficiency of copper can increase the risk of osteoporosis, the richness of copper in chickoo is important for maintaining healthy bones, connective tissue and muscles. Prevents Cancer: Sapodilla blessed antioxidants savageness free radicals, combats oxidative stress, prevent the formation of tumour cells and lowers the risk of several forms of cancer. Being intrinsically rich in vitamins A and B helps in keeping the mucus lining healthy and averts the risk of lung and oral cancers. Aside from these benefits, a natural source of dietary fiber keeps the gut healthy and protects the body from colon cancer. Treats Anaemia Anaemia is a common health condition in women in their reproductive age caused due to the deficiency of iron. Red blood cells carry oxygen and nutrients to all cells when the body is unable to make haemoglobin. Sapota loaded with iron and copper help to improve iron levels and treats anaemia. Sapodilla Side-Effects: Sapodilla is safe for consumption for most people in moderate amounts. However, excess intake may lead to gastrointestinal problems. Raw sapodilla contains tannin an astringent that may cause an itchy sensation in the mouth if consumed. Consuming raw fruit may also lead to irritation and inflammation of the throat that may cause breathing problems in children. Furthermore, the seeds of chicku are hard and hooked and ingesting them may cause abdominal pain and vomiting. Conclusion:Sapodilla is a wholesome fruit that abounds with all essential nutrients, including dietary fibres, iron, calcium, antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and B complex. When taken in moderation, it improves immunity, energy, and brain health. This fruit is best relished as such or can be made into desserts, smoothies, milkshakes, to obtain the tremendous benefits it delivers for uplifting both physical and mental health. Add this humble, sweet and delectable fruit in your diet regimen to reap its incredible wellness incentives.