10 Nutrition Health Benefits of Sapodilla

Sapodilla Overview

Sapodilla also known as sapota (chikoo) is a brown in color fruit. It has a kiwi fruit-like texture but the outer surface is without any fuzziness. The pulp of the fruit is unripe with sticky latex called saponin. As Sapodilla ripens later on, the white latex gradually disappears. Sapodilla contains three to five black, smooth, shiny, bean-shaped inedible seeds located at the center of the fruit.

There are different types of sapodilla

Brown Sugar: This version is granular, fairly sweet, lusciousand very aromatic. Its structure is quite tiny. The length ofthis fruit is up to 2-2.5 inches. Its skin is mild and brown.The texture is slightly granular. However, its quality is excellent.

Prolific: This Sapodilla is spherical, conical in shape and has brown skin. The internal part has a pinkish color. It has quite an aromatic fragrance and is fairly sweet to taste. The length of this fruit is 2.5-3.5 inches and the width too is similar. Its skin is scruffy brown, but becomes smooth at the stage of maturation. The quality of this Sapodilla is rated as good.

Russel: It is a big spherical fruit. The length of thisSapodilla is three to five inches. It has a similar aromatic fragrance like its other family members. The texture of this fruit is granular and it is rich in taste. The fruit is big and circular – about three to five inches in diameter and in length as well. The skin of this fruit is scruffy brown along with gray spots. The internal part is pink in color. The texture is fairly granular. It is rich in flavor too.

Tikal: This particular variety of sapodilla is oval in form. Itscolor is light brown. It is very small in size compared to itsfellow family members. This variety ripens earlier than theothers but still maintains its great taste.

Nutrition Value of Sapodilla

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 involve in various metabolic processes in the body as cofactors for the enzymes.

The fruit is rich in antioxidant polyphenolic compound tannin. Tannins are a composite family of naturally occurring polyphenols. Research studies suggest that tannins possess astringent properties, and shown to have potential anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-parasitic effects.

The anti-inflammatory effect of tannins helps limit conditions like erosive gastritis, reflux esophagitis, enteritis, and irritating bowel disorders.

Amount Per 100 grams

  • Calories 83
  • Total Fat 1.1 g – 1% RDA
  • Cholesterol 0 mg
  • Sodium 12 mg
  • Potassium 193 mg – 5% RDA
  • Total Carbohydrate 20 g – 6% RDA
  • Dietary fiber 5 g – 20% RDA
  • Protein 0.4 g
  • Vitamin A 1% RDA
  • Vitamin C 24% RDA
  • Calcium 2% RDA
  • Iron 4% RDA
  • Magnesium 3% RDA

10 Nutrition Health Benefits of Sapodilla

10 Nutrition Health Benefits of Sapodilla

1. Strengthens Bones

Sapodilla contains calcium which is essential to promote bonedensity. Consuming sapodilla can effectively ward off factorsthat contribute to bone diseases such as osteoporosis. Moreover,it can do wonders for the bones of growing children as well.

2. Eye Health

Sapodilla has vitamin A and C which is essential for eye health.Vitamin A nourishes eye to protect from retinal damage. Vitamin C is also highly beneficial for the eye. As Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant, it protects eye retinal damage from free radicals.

3. Boosts Immunity

Sapodilla contains vitamin C which is an antioxidant is effective to boost immunity.It also contains tannin that has antiviral and antibacterial property. This can help increase immunity to fight against cold and flu. It is also effective to protect from infections.

4. Reduces Cancer Risk

Sapodilla is rich in Powerful antioxidant Vitamin C and Vitamin A.It is highly beneficial to protect cell damage from free radicals. Free radicals actively destroy normal cell to change their functionality. But antioxidant neutralizes these free radicals to prevent further harm. Rich fiber and antioxidants protect from colon and oral cavity cancer. Also, it is highly beneficial to protect from other cancer.

5. Strengthens Bones

Sapodilla has calcium and phosphorous which are essential minerals for bone health. Calcium is required for proper development of bone and to increase bone mass. Potassium is also necessary for bone development and it aids in the absorption of calcium. Bones health degrades which can lead to illnesses like Arthritis or Osteoporosis. An optimum level of potassium prevent loss of blood from kidney and increase calcium density in bones.

6. Treats Anemia

Sapodilla is a good source of iron, phosphorous and folate. These nutrients prove beneficial in producing new blood cell.With the increase in production of new blood cell, you can stay protected from Anemia. Vitamin C also aids in the absorption of iron.

7. Aids in Digestion

Fiber is essential to improve the digestion. Insoluble fiber assists to pass the stool and bulk through the body which forbids the health conditions such as colon cancer, diverticulitis and inflammatory bowel.

8. Skin Care

Sapodilla contains vitamin E which helps moisturize the skin giving it a healthy glow while its antioxidant compounds can protect against signs of aging.

9. Aids in weight Loss

Fiber provides a satiety fill which helps reduce craving for food throughout the day. This is obviously helpful for people looking to cut their calorific intake in order to shed some unwanted weight. Fibrous foods also help keep your digestive system working at optimal levels and help to properly clean out the bowels.

10. Prevents Cold

Good amount of vitamin C is useful for preventing common viral illnesses like colds and influenza. There is also plenty of evidence to suggest that vitamin C reduces your risk of viral infections like pneumonia.

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