Chikoo/Sapota/Sapodilla – 500 grams

Sapodilla or sapota (chikoo) is another popular tropical fruit in line with mango, banana, jackfruit, etc. Sapota composes of soft, easily digestible pulp made of simple sugars like fructose and sucrose.

1. Sapodilla is one of the high-calorie fruits like bananas. 100 g provides 83 calories (almost the same as that of sweet potato).
2. The fruit is rich in antioxidant polyphenolic compound tannin. Tannins are a composite family of naturally occurring polyphenols.
3. Studies suggest that the tannins possess astringent properties and shown to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-parasitic effects. Hence, these compounds may found useful applications in traditional medicines as antidiarrheal, hemostatic (stops bleeding), and as a remedy for hemorrhoids.
4. Also, the anti-inflammatory effect of tannins may found useful in conditions like erosive gastritis, reflux esophagitis, enteritis, and irritating bowel disorders. Some other fruits that also rich in tannins include pomegranate, persimmon, and grapes.
5. Sapote contains a good amount of antioxidant vitamins like vitamin-C (24.5% of recommended daily intake per 100 g of fruit), and vitamin A. Vitamin-A is essential for vision. It is also required for maintaining healthy mucosa and skin. Consumption of natural fruits rich in vitamin-A is known to offer protection against lung and oral cavity cancers.
6. Further, consumption of fruits that are naturally rich in vitamin-C helps to boost immunity and to scavenge harmful free radicals from the human body.
7. Fresh ripe sapodilla is a good source of minerals like potassium, copper, iron, and vitamins like folate, niacin, and pantothenic acid. These compounds are essential for optimal health as they take part in various metabolic processes in the body as cofactors for enzymes.