Sapota juice originated from Sapota, a tropical fruit that belongs to the Sapotaceae family. Its scientific name is Manilkara zapota, and it is abundant in South America, particularly in tropical countries such as the Caribbean, Mexico, and other parts of Central America. Sapota is also known for other names such as sapodilla, noseberry, naseberry, sapoti, chicku, chikoo, and lamoot.
This fruit contains soft, easily edible pulp full of simple sugars such as sucrose and fructose. Its light musky fruit juice is also enjoyed by many people as well! There are so many health benefits found in sapota juice, and endless recipes that you can make out of it. If you want to know more, make sure to read further!
Facts about Sapota
Sapota fruits are abundant in the rainforests of the tropical countries in South America. Due to the rising demand for these fruits, its cultivation has spread all across the tropical belt in the world, and has grown into a major commercial fruit in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, India, and Malaysia. Sapota trees are flourishing and drought and wind resistant, growing well in dry, arid areas.
Sapota is a grayish-brown, sandy, kiwi-like fruit but excluding the fuzziness. Unripe sapota fruits have white, inedible pulp that secretes sticky latex that contains saponin. Back in the day, the milky latex was used as chewing gum. But once the milky latex ripens, it becomes a soft, sweet-tasting pulp with slight musky taste.
The health benefits of sapota juice
Not only the fruit itself, but its juice is full of health benefits! Read further to know how sapota juice can level up your health:
1. A rich source of essential nutrients
Sapota juice is packed with vitamin A, B, and C. It also contains minerals such as niacin, iron, calcium, copper, and phosphorus, all of which are essential for several bodily functions.
2. Boosts bone health
Adults would usually need a lot of supplements to maintain bone health, but if you take sapota juice regularly, you are lessening the risk of osteoporosis and other bone problems.
3. Acts as a sedative
Feeling stressed? Maybe a cup of sapota juice can help! This miracle juice is a great source of natural sedative that helps relax nerves and relieves stress.
4. Great source of fiber
With its large amounts of fiber, sapota juice makes an excellent natural laxative. It alleviates constipation and other stomach problems and protects the colon’s mucous membrane from cancer-causing microbes.
5. Boosts energy and vision
If you ever need to kickstart your day, maybe you can switch your cup of coffee with a cup of sapota juice! It contains fructose and sucrose, which immediately revitalizes your body. Consequently, its high vitamin A content can help improve vision, as well as maintain health skin, lungs, and cervix.
6. Promotes healthy and beautiful hair and skin
If you regularly take sapota juice, you can get essential nutrients required to achieve healthy hair and skin! The vitamin C content of sapota juice helps get rid of bacteria, including dandruff. Also, it helps in collagen synthesis, which promotes younger-looking skin.
7. Protects skin from harsh UV rays
Ever heard of a natural sunscreen? Bet you never heard of it until now! Sapota juice contains nutrients that can mitigate the harsh effects of long sun exposure. You can apply sapota juice topically to prevent skin discoloration, freckles, and other skin problems.
8. Reduces the risk of illnesses
Did you know that sapota juice can speed up your weight loss game? Likewise, it also lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases! Therefore, make sure to stock up some fresh sapota in your pantry!
Sapota milkshake
Add a twist to your sapota juice by creating a tasty shake out of it. A little side note though, it may be too sweet, hence not be ideal for diabetic patients.
To make a sapota shake, you will need 10 to 12 ripe sapota fruits, 2 glasses of boiled and chilled milk, 3 to 4 tbsp of sugar (adjust according to your liking), and 4 to 5 ice cubes. Add the ingredients in the blender then blend them altogether for a minute or two.
Take a clean glass and pour your milkshake. Garnish your drink with sapota pieces, ice cream, dry fruits, marshmallows, and the like. Serve chilled and enjoy your drink!