Sapota
Sapota (Chiku in Hindi) is a delicious fruit that grows in tropical conditions. The fruit resembles potatoes and kiwi fruits. It grows on evergreen trees, which grow to a height above 30 meters, have a thick trunk, a bark bearing latex, alternate and elliptic leaves and small white flowers. The fruit is ellipsoid berry and has a brown and rough skin. The flesh is pale yellow or brown, sweet when ripe, and has few shiny black inedible seeds.
Chemical composition: Sapota contain natural sugars, fibre, tannins, phytosterols, vitamins A, B, C and E, minerals calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, potassium and copper, and water.
Medical benefits: Sapota is consumed fresh, as milkshake, and juice. It is also added to desserts.
Sapota contains vitamin A and antioxidants and therefore improves immunity. It also delays ageing process, prevents age related diseases and cell degeneration. Finally, it improves vision, helps in eye problems such as cataract, and reduces the risk of oral cancer
Because of the presence of phosphorus and calcium, the fruit strengthens the bones, keeps them healthy, and help in treating the symptoms of arthritis and gout.
It also contains tannins, which are anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral, antidiarrheal and cure haemorrhoids.
Sapota contains high level of vitamin B, which helps the nervous system, prevents nerve damage, reduces stress and fatigue.
Sapota contains fibre, which helps reduces constipation, IBS and other gastric problems. It is also beneficial in diarrhoea, cholesterol and heart problems.
It is also beneficial in anemia since it contains iron.It is a source of energy and reduces fatigue and weakness due to presence of sugars. It is therefore recommended for pregnant women.
Vitamin E present in fruit is beneficial for skin and hair growth.
Latex from bark is used for dental filling.
Liquid made by boiling skin of fruit is used to treat fever.
Contraindications: Pregnant women should take the medical advice for dosage of fruit. It is contraindicated to diabetics. Consume ripe fruit only.
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