Sapodilla or Sapota or chikoo, a delicious tropical fruit is rich in vitamins, minerals and health benefiting anti-oxidant tannins. The fruit is soft, composed of easily digestible pulp made up with simple sugars like fructose and sucrose that when eaten replenishes energy and revitalizes the body instantly.
Sapota is a tropical evergreen fruit-bearing tree belongs to the family of sapotaceae of the genus: Manilkara. Scientific  name: Manilkara zapota.
Originated in the central American rain forests, probably in Mexico and Belize, it has now spread all over the tropical belt and is being grown as a major commercial crop in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Malaysia. The tree grows very fast and is wind and drought resistant suitable for dry arid regions with scanty rains. However, irrigation during summer season results in good fruit yield.
Each fruit is a berry, round or oval, measures about 10 cm in diameter, and weigh about 150 g. A tree bears as many as 2000 fruits/year.
Sapota fruit is brown in colour with sandy “potato like” outer surface. Internally, the pulp is white with sticky latex called as saponin in unripe fruits. Latex disappears once the fruit ripens and the pulp turns to brown colour. Pulp is deliciously sweet with smooth or grainy texture and contains 3-10 black coloured smooth, shiny “bean” shaped inedible seeds in the centre

Health benefits

Relieves stress: The study analysis shows that Vitamin C helps the weakened immune system which is caused due to stress. The stress has become the common health problems which could be relieved with the adequate intake of Vitamin C that improves the overall health. Vitamin C could be found in Sapodilla by 39.33%.

Prevents cold: The presence of Vitamin C enhances the immune system to counteract the colds and viruses. 1000 mg of Vitamin C helps to prevent the cold. The evidence shows that Sapodilla which is rich in Vitamin C helps to prevent the chances of lung infections and pneumonia.

Helps in digestion: Fibre 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.

Helps to lose weight: The fibre rich foods help to lessen the food cravings. It reduces the blood glucose spike that results in less carbohydrate cravings and less storage of fats. It assists to eliminate bowels that results in weight loss. One should add the high protein foods to the diet for losing weight.

Prevents anaemia: Anaemia is caused due to the deficiency in iron. The body won’t be able to produce haemoglobin and transport oxygen due to inadequate presence of iron. The patients of anaemia experiences the symptoms such as poor mental function, lack of energy and apathy. Anaemia is mostly seen in children and menopausal women so they should consume the foods rich in iron.

Proper function of brain: The brain requires oxygen for efficient function. The iron assists to deliver the oxygen to the brain and eliminates poor memory and apathy. The deficiency in iron results in restless, irritable and inattentive.

The study has shown that copper assist in galactose and dopamine which are the neurotransmitters essential to maintain energy, mood, outlook and focus.

Reduce arthritis: Copper possess anti-inflammatory properties which eliminates stiffness and pain related to arthritis. It helps to strengthen muscles, lower the joint pain and repairs the connective tissue. The arthritis patients wear copper bands or bracelets with a belief that the copper can reduce the painful symptoms.

Healthy skeletal structure: Copper is essential for the growth of bones, connective tissue and muscles. The deficiency of copper increases the chances of osteoporosis, muscle weakness, low strength, breakage, weak joints etc. The studies show that the intake of copper with manganese, zinc, calcium slows the loss of bone in older women.

Heals wound: The studies show that Vitamin B5 speeds up the healing process of cuts and wound and also treats the skin reactions from radiation therapy. It also slows down the aging process such as dark spots and wrinkles. The recent studies show that Vitamin B5 accelerates the healing process by improving the multiplication of cells.

Assist nervous system: Potassium is vital for the cellular function, nerve impulses and electrical signals that the function of brain depends on. Potassium deficiency leads to poor concentration, fatigue, trouble in remembering and learning and change in mood.