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Benefits of Sapota



Healthy diet for seniors forms a vital part of blissful aging. Hence, seniors are advised to consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables along with whole-grain foods and proteins. Older people need more nourishment because their immune systems are compromised and the body cells need to be repaired and replenished continuously.  

Fruits and vegetables are abundant in vitamins and minerals and act as magical foods for elderly. Additionally, they contain lower calories compared to carbohydrates and fats thereby helping in maintaining fitness and activity levels. A variety of these healthy foods must be consumed daily for reaping the maximum benefits. 
 All forms of elderly including Assisted Living (AL) and Senior Living Communities pay special attention to the diet of the residents to ensure their well-being. The dining options at AL facilities particularly offer interesting platters with a host of choices and even customized menu plans. So seniors may devour healthy foods prepared with lots of vegetables and fruits without compromising on the taste buds. 
 Let us now look at the benefits of eating Sapota, an interesting winter fruit that is also known as Chikoo. It is largely grown in Mexico, Caribbean lands, Central America and southern India (Karnataka).Sapota is tasty, easily available and affordable too making it one of the best fruits for senior citizens! 

Sapota Health Benefits 

  • High fibre content - Owing to its high dietary fibre content, Sapota aids in digestion and also acts as an excellent laxative and eases bowel movements. The high content of fibre also prevents constipation in seniors and protects the colon membrane thereby making it strongly resistant to infections. 
  • Good anti-inflammatory properties - Sapota is enriched with tannins making it a good anti-inflammatory agent. These tannins also have high anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-parasitic properties. This helps in improving the lining of the digestive tract and in scavenging harmful free radicals. Thus eating sapota avoids diseases like irritable bowel syndrome, enteritis, gastritis and oesophagitis. It also reduces pain and swelling due to its anti-inflammatory properties and is anti-cancerous too. 
  • Curative property - The chemical content of this fruit helps in evading chronic cough and congestion as it removes the phlegm and mucus from the nasal passages and respiratory tract. 
  • Mineral powerhouse - This fruit is endowed with a high content of minerals like calcium, phosphorus and iron which are essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones. It also has copper which is needed for muscles, connective tissues and promoting bone growth. This makes sapota a highly preferred natural remedy for preventing osteoporosis and in overcoming general weakness, low stamina and fragile joints in elders. 
  • Anti-oxidant potential - Being rich in Vitamins A, C and E make sapota a good agent for improving skin health due to its moisturizing properties. The fruit also has several antioxidants including flavonoids, ascorbic acid and polyphenols that nourishes the skin and have anti-aging properties. Thus seniors who eat this fruit can improve their complexion and look younger. Apart from these advantages, the seed oil of sapota is also useful for moisturizing the scalp and softening the hair texture. This oil is also an herbal remedy in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis as it helps in combating hair fall. 
  • Effective Sedative - The juice of sapota promotes good sleep as it relaxes the nerves and relieves stress. The high content of Vitamin B also helps in overcoming fatigue. 
  • Energy Booster - As sapota is rich in fructose and sucrose, it replenishes the body instantly and replenishes energy. It can, therefore, be a good energy booster for seniors with low blood sugar levels and also act as an excellent post-workout meal after exercising. (Caution-Diabetic patients must not consume this fruit excessively as it elevates blood sugar levels.)  
  • Recovery Promoter - The high collagen content of sapota helps in firming and toning the skin. Besides, it also promotes elasticity and repairs damaged ligaments expediting the recovery process in case of injuries and falls. 

Seniors can thus eat this tropical fruit for accruing multiple health benefits while aging gracefully! 

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