Have you ever tasted sapota? Have you at least seen one? If you answered yes, then you are lucky. If not, don’t worry. You will learn everything you need to know about sapota in this article.
For starters, sapota is a tropical fruit with many other names, including sapodilla, lamoot, sapote and chico. Sure, it has many names, but that’s nothing compared to its myriad of health benefits, some of which are listed below. Read on to learn more!
What is Sapota?
Sapota come from various rainforests in Central America, more specifically Belize and Mexico. Sapota has an oval or round shape, measuring about 10 cm in diameter and weighing about 150 grams. In its centre are 2 to 5 black seeds, but an unripe fruit has a white pulp and an exterior hardened by a high latex content.
This latex content is reduced as soon as the fruit ripes, and the flesh turns brown. It has a grainy but smooth texture and a musky and sweet flavour probably attributed the the sucrose and fructose content. This helps replenish energy in the body.
The sapota tree grows quickly and can resist drought and wind, sometimes even flourishing in dry conditions. Botanically, a sapota fruit is a berry, producing a sticky white latex substance called saponin. This disappears when the fruit ripens.
Uses of Sapota
Aside from being a good treat, here are some other uses of sapota:
- Sapota can be beneficial as a treatment for various illnesses. It helps ease inflammation, promote a healthy digestive system and protect the body against conditions like irritable bowels, enteritis and gas.
- You may eat the fruit when it is ripe.
- You can blend it into a smoothie as a refreshment.
- Pregnant women may benefit from this fruit as it helps lactating mothers produce more milk.
- This fruit is essential in treating internal injuries.
Nutritional Facts of Sapota
100 grams, or 1 serving, of sapota may contain the following:
| Principle | Amount | % Daily Value |
| Energy | 83 Kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 19.9 grams | 15% |
| Protein | 0.44 grams | <1% |
| Total Fat | 1.10 grams | 3.5% |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.3 grams | 14% |
| Cholesterol | 0 milligrams | 0% |
| Vitamins | ||
| Folates | 14 µg | 3.5% |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.252 milligrams | 5% |
| Niacin | 0.200 milligrams | 1% |
| Pyridoxine | 0.037 milligrams | 3% |
| Riboflavin | 0.020 milligrams | 1.5% |
| Thiamin | 0.058 milligrams | 5% |
| Vitamin A | 60 IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 14.7 milligrams | 24.5% |
| Electrolytes | ||
| Sodium | 12 milligrams | 1% |
| Potassium | 193 milligrams | 4% |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 21 milligrams | 2% |
| Copper | 0.086 milligrams | 9% |
| Iron | 0.80 milligrams | 10% |
| Magnesium | 12 milligrams | 3% |
| Phosphorous | 12 milligrams | 2% |
| Selenium | 0.6 µg | 1% |
| Zinc | 0.10 milligrams | 1% |
Health Benefits of Sapota
Here are some of the most astounding health benefits of sapota:
- Acts as a cleansing agent: the fruit may act as a diuretic, making it beneficial in removing waste from the body by causing frequent urination. It also averts water retention, or edemas, by maintaining the concentration of water in the body.
- Helps with losing weight: indirectly, sapota helps prevent obesity by regulating the secretion of gastric enzymes.
- Essential for mental health: since it is a potent sedative, it can calm the nerves and alleviate stress. Therefore, it is good for those suffering from insomnia, anxiety and depression.
- Relieves constipation: the dietary fiber in the sapota bulks up the stool and provides additional relief from constipation.
- Promotes healthy bones: the large amounts of calcium, iron, and phosphorus in the fruit help strengthen bones.
- Prevents various types of cancer: the vitamin B and A content of sapota helps maintain the health of the body’s mucus lining and skin texture. Moreover, its antioxidant properties can help prevent cancer, one of the fruit’s best health benefits.
- Improves eye health: the huge amount of vitamin A in sapota helps improve vision, even in old age. So if you want to have clearer and healthier vision, eat sapota!
