Chiku, is a sweet and delicious
tropical fruit with plenty of
nutritional benefits. Although a
native of American continent it is
grown largely in India and Mexico.
This fruit is soft and made of
easily digestible pulp giving a
crunchy and sweet flavor. The
sweetness of chiku can be related to
the simple sugars like fructose and
sucrose that make up the fruit and
which replenishes and revitalizes
our energy instantly. This
abundantly available fruit
surprisingly is a storehouseof many
nutrients, which contributeto our
overall health and wellness. Chiku
is very rich in dietary fibre, which
makes it a good laxative. Besides
that, it protects the outer membrane
of colon from carcinogenic toxins.
When it comes to antioxidants
although it doesnot belongto the
popular categories of berries but
nevertheless it is known for its anti-
oxidative properties due tothe
presence of Tanin. Tanins are
naturally occurring polyphenols,
which help in neutralizing acids.
Studies have found that tannins
have antiviral, anti-bacterial,
antiinflammator y and anti-parasitic
effects. Therefore, these compounds
are useful in antidiarrheal, prevents
bleeding and as a remedy for
haemorrhoids. Antioxidant vitamins
in sapota may be linked to the
presence of vitamin C (24.5% of
recommended daily intake per 100 g
of fruit), and vitamin A.
Consumption of foods rich in
vitamin C helps body develop
resistance against infection,and
prevents large formation ofharmful
free radicals.
Vitamin A is known for its
promotion of good vision. Besides it
is also known to protect from lung
and oral cavity cancers as well as
keeping healthy mucus membranes.
Ripened sapotas are a good source
of minerals like potassium, copper,
iron and vitamins like folate, niacin
and pantothenic acid. These
compounds are essential nutrients,
which promote optimal health, and
they involve in various metabolic
processes in the body acting as
cofactors for the enzymes. In order
to enjoy eating this healthyand
nutritious fruit, the following ways
of preparation and serving will
make this fruit diet more delicious
and attractive. Fresh ripe chiku can
be cut into four parts and can be
consumed directly after removing
the seeds and the outer covering.
Moreover, it can be added to fruit
salads and smothies. Chiku skin can
also be consumed. So next time you
come across a chiku or sapota you
will not fail to notice its wonderful
benefits as a fruit
--
:->
'' Our Lord ! grant us good in this world and good in the hereafter and save us from the torment of the Fire '' [Ameen]
-
{in Arab} :->
Rabbanaa aatinaa fid-dunyaa hasanatan wafil aakhirati hasanatan waqinaa 'athaaban-naar/-
(Surah Al-Baqarah ,verse 201)
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