Studies on Nutritional, Pharmacological and Health Importance of ?Chikoo? (Manilkara Zapota L.)

Zapota, Sapota, Chico, Naseberry or sapodilla generally known as chikoo (Manilkara zapota). It has denominating a popular tropical evergreen fruit which native to Central America and the Caribbean islands. Today, sapotas major commercial crop spread and grown all over in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Malaysia. Sapodilla appears dull, grey or brown, sandy and similar to kiwi -like fruit. It is a sweet taste and high calorie fruit same as that of calories in sweet potato and banana. Sapotas fruit content with potent antiviral, antibacterial as well as anti-inflammatory properties. Chikoo fruits can helps to boost our immunity as content good vitamin C and iron as well as a rich source of antioxidants called tannins. And also excellent source of dietary fiber. Sapodilla fruit is a good source of minerals like-potassium, copper, iron and vitamins such as folate, niacin and pantothenic acid. Its regular consumption is also believed to protect our body from harmful free radical which damage and reduce oxidative stress. Due to content of saponins, it may cause a dry mouth sensation. So that sapodilla (chikoo) has several wonderful health benefits for the digestive, cardiovascular and immune system.