Outstanding health benefits of cheeko ( sapota) fruit A series of Presentation By Mr Allah Dad Khan Former D.G. Agriculture & Visiting Professor the University of Agriculture Peshawar [email protected]

Outstanding health benefits of cheeko ( sapota) fruit A series of Presentation By Mr Allah Dad Khan Former D.G. Agriculture & Visiting Professor the University of Agriculture Peshawar [email protected]

1. Cheeko The name ‘ sapota ’ might not be familiar to most of us. Sapota is another name for the fruit better known as ‘ chikoo ’ or ‘ chiku ’  in Hindi, ‘ sapota ’  in Telugu, ‘ chikku ‘ in Marathi, ‘ cappotta ‘ in Tamil and ‘ sapeta ’  in Bengali. When we say sapota , we are basically referring to the tropical evergreen tree that bears this fruit. Sapota is a delicious calorie-rich fruit belonging to the category of fruits like mango, banana and jack fruit. Its other names are nose berry, sapodilla plum, chickoo sapote et

2. Cheeko The sapota fruit has its origin in the rain forests of Central America, particularly in Mexico and Belize but it is easily available in India. The fruit is a round or oval-shaped berry measuring around 10 centimeters in diameter and weighing 150 grams. It has 2-5 big, black, shiny bean-like seeds in the centre . The unripe fruit has a hard surface and white pulp due to its high content of latex. The latex content reduces as the fruit ripens and its flesh acquires a brown color. It has a smooth and grainy texture with a sweet and musky flavor. It is rich in calories and its sweet flavor can be attributed to the presence of simple sugars like fructose and sucrose that replenish energy and revitalize the body.

3. Sapota fruit helps to make your Skin glowing skin glowing, thus reducing your requirement of skin care products to enhance your natural skin texture and complexion. The Vitamin E in this fruit moisturizes your skin, thus giving you healthy and beautiful skin. Hence, eating sapota fruit is good for the skin.

4. Sapota fruit is rich in antioxidants Therefore, it acts as an anti-ageing agent by eradicating free radicals in the body which are responsible for enhancing the ageing process. It is also effective in reducing wrinkles.

5. Sapota oil for skin ointment The seed kernel oil of sapota is used as a skin ointment. The residue of this seed, after the extraction of oil, can be applied as a poultice on painful skin afflictions.

6.   Cheeko removes Warts The milky sap of the sapota plant can be used to remove warts and fungal growth on the skin.

7.    Cheeko for Skin Beautification The combination of Vitamin A and C beautifies the skin by imparting it with a healthy glow.

8.  Cheeko Softens Hairs Oil extracted from sapota seeds helps in moisturizing and softening your hair, thus making it more manageable. It imparts sheen and is considered excellent for curly hair. It gets absorbed easily without leaving a greasy residue.

9.  Cheeko Seed Nourishes Scalp The sapota seed oil nourishes the scalp by alleviating irritated skin conditions and promotes healthy hair growth. This oil is considered to be effective in treating hair-fall caused by seborrheic dermatitis.

10.  Cheeko makes Hair Smooth The seeds of sapota can be grounded to make a paste and mixed with castor oil. This mixture should be applied on scalp and washed off the next day. This makes your hair smooth and the problem of dandruff can also be controlled.

11.  Cheeko Good For The Eyes: Sapota contains a high amount of Vitamin A. According to research, Vitamin A helps in improving vision even during old age. Thus, in order to get or maintain good vision, you must try eating sapota fruit

12.  Cheeko rich Source of Energy Sapota is rich in glucose which provides instant energy to the body. Athletes require loads of energy and hence, are recommended to eat sapota fruit.

13.   Cheeko as Anti-Inflammatory Agent The high content of tannins makes sapota or chikoo an important anti-inflammatory agent. In other words, it helps in improving the condition of the digestive tract through prevention of diseases like esophagitis, enteritis, irritable bowel syndrome and gastritis. It also reduces inflammation by reducing any swelling and pain

14.    Cheeko Prevents Certain Cancers: The Vitamins A and B help in maintaining the health of the mucus lining of the body and the texture of the skin. The antioxidants, dietary fiber and nutrients found in sapota provide protection against cancer and tightly bind the carcinogens (toxins) to protect the mucus membrane of the colon. Vitamin A provides protection from lung and oral cavity cancers.

15.  Cheeko Improves Bone Health : Sapota juice is a very effective sedative which relaxes nerves and relieves stress. It has high concentrations of Vitamin B, which reduces stress and helps to overcome fatigue. It has an  abundant amount of calcium  which helps to strengthen and improve bone quality.

16.   Cheeko Relieves From Constipation Sapota fruit provides a high amount of dietary fiber (5.6/100g). Thus, it is regarded as an excellent bulk laxative. The fiber content provides relief from constipation. It supports the colons’ membrane and makes it resistant to infections.

17.    Cheeko for Benefits During Pregnancy: Having a high dose of carbohydrates and essential nutrients, sapota is extremely beneficial for pregnant and lactating mothers. It helps in reducing weakness and other symptoms of pregnancy such as nausea and dizziness.

18.   Cheeko has Anti-viral And Anti-bacterial Properties:   Due to the presence of polyphenolic antioxidants, sapota is found to have several anti-viral, anti-parasitic and anti-bacterial properties. The antioxidants prevent bacteria from entering into the human body. Vitamin C destroys the harmful free radicals whereas potassium, iron and folate, niacin and pantothenic acid facilitate proper functioning of the digestive system.

19.  Cheeko as Anti-Diarrheal : Sapota is regarded as an anti-diarrheal due to its purgative properties. A decoction made by boiling this fruit in water can cure diarrhea. It also helps in the alleviation of piles and dysentery.

20.   Cheeko Alleviate Mental Health Being a potent sedative, sapota fruit helps to calm the nerves and alleviate stress. Thus, it is advisable for individuals suffering from insomnia, anxiety and depression.

21.   Cheeko for Cold And Cough: Sapota fruit is effective in keeping congestion and chronic coughs at bay by removing the phlegm and mucus from the nasal passage and respiratory tract. Thus, it helps in the alleviation of cold and coughs.

22.  Cheeko controls Kidney Stones: The crushed seeds of this fruit act as a diuretic, thus helping to expel bladder and kidney stones. It provides protection against kidney diseases as well.

23.  Cheeko Aids In Weight Loss: Sapota fruit indirectly helps in weight loss and prevents obesity by regulating the secretion of gastric enzymes, thereby regulating metabolism

24.  Cheeko As a Detoxifying Agent: Sapota acts as a diuretic and thus helps in removing waste materials from the body through frequent urination. It prevents edemas or water retention by maintaining the water concentration within the body.

25.  Cheeko Fills Tooth Cavities: The high latex content of sapota fruit can be used as a crude filling for tooth cavities.

26.    Cheeko Treats Gastric & Bowel Disorders: Chikoo juice contains a special compound called tannins, a naturally occurring polyphenols that neutralize acids by precipitating proteins. Tannins also have anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory antiviral and antibacterial properties. The anti-inflammatory properties of Sapota juice prevent health problems like gastritis and bowel disorders. It also assists in removing waste from the belly.

27.  Cheeko Excellent Laxative: Sapota juice contains  high amounts of fiber , making it an excellent laxative. The juice not just helps to relieve constipation, but also protects the mucous membrane of the colon from cancer-causing toxins.