Sapota Fruit:

sapote (aka sapota, sapoti in portuguese) is a tasty amazon exotic fruit.
Sapote (aka sapota, sapoti in portuguese) is a tasty amazon exotic fruit.

 General Information

  • Scientific name: Manilkara zapota
  • Common names: Chikoo, Sapodilla, Naseberry
  • Origin: Native to Central America and Southern Mexico, now widely cultivated in India, Thailand, and the Philippines.
  • Appearance:
    • Round or oval shape
    • Brown, rough skin
    • Sweet, grainy brownish flesh
    • Contains 1–6 black, hard seeds inside

 Nutritional Value (per 100g) :

group of sapodilla fruit in the garden
Group of sapodilla fruit in the garden
  • Calories: ~98 kcal
  • Water content: ~80%
  • Carbohydrates: ~20 g (mostly natural sugars)
  • Fiber: ~5 g
  • Vitamin C: ~14 mg
  • Minerals: Iron, Calcium, Potassium, Copper

Health Benefits of Sapota:

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Sapodilla, Manikara Zapota, is a popular fruit in Mexico, South America, the Caribbean, and Middle Eastern countries like India and Pakistan. Also known as sapota, zapota, and chikoo. This image shows a sliced fuit in foreground with seeds in one side. A whole, uncut fruit is in the background, The fruit is on a yellow platter and surrounded by several sapodilla tree leaves. Fruit is very sweet when ripe and has a malty, caramel flavor.

100 grams of sapota provides:

  • 98 calories of energy
  • 80% water content

Cancer-Fighting Properties:

A study conducted by the University of Jammu in 2017 revealed that sapota contains 4-O-galloylchlorogenic acid (also referred to in the document as Clorazepic acid), a compound with significant anti-cancer properties. Here’s how it works:

  • Inhibits Cancer Cell Division: Cancer cells typically multiply rapidly (2, 4, 16, etc.), aiding the spread of the disease. The compound in sapota interrupts this process, effectively halting cancer cell proliferation.
  • Induces Apoptosis: It promotes apoptosis—a natural process where damaged or dysfunctional cells self-destruct—thus preventing further spread.
  • Supports Radiotherapy: Similar to how radiotherapy works, this compound helps eliminate cancer cells, but naturally.

Other Health-Promoting Compounds:

Sapota also contains:

  • Ellagic Acid
  • Gallic Acid
  • Saponins
  • Tannins
  • Flavonoids

These compounds:

  • Act as antioxidants
  • Support liver health
  • Help eliminate free radicals, protecting the body from oxidative stress and chronic diseases

Supports Digestion:

  • Good source of dietary fibre
  • Prevents constipation and promotes gut health

Boosts Immunity:

  • Vitamin C and polyphenols help strengthen immune function

Improves Skin and Hair

  • Antioxidants and minerals help promote healthy skin
  • Delays aging and reduces hair fall
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