A chickoo a day...

Technically called sapodillas (sapota) and commonly called mud apples, chickoos actually originated in Central America, not India. Usually thought of as a poor man's fruit, the chickoo is actually loaded with nutrients and goodness.

Deliciously sweet, this tropical fruit is easy to digest and comes packed with vitamins, minerals and many health benefiting anti-oxidants which protects you from all kinds of diseases and cancers. And contrary to popular belief chickoo is not fattening. In fact the fruit is fat free and its rich sweetness is an excellent way to curb sweet cravings.

Moreover, chickoos help keep your skin glowing and your hair shiny due to its abundance in the powerful anti-oxidant tannin. Tannins have antiviral, antibacterial and anti-parasitic effects, automatically boosting your immunity.

Chickoos also pack in a healthy dose of vitamin C and vitamin A. C is for immunity, skin, hair, teeth, cartilage and anemia while A is essential for vision, skin and bones. It is also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin. Eating chickoos regularly can also help prevent oral cancers and help build strong teeth.

Fresh ripe chickoos are also good sources of minerals like potassium, copper, iron and vitamins like folate, niacin and pantothenic acid. These compounds are essential for optimal health as they help keep our metabolism functioning smoothly.

What's more, a chickoo is an instant pick me up providing plenty of natural sugars to keep you going. Plus it's high in fiber so helps keep you regular,
preventing constipation, colon and other stomach infections.

At about a hundred calories for two medium-sized fruits, you get a wonderfully satisfying snack or dessert. You can even add chickoos to your yoghurt and smoothies. You could pulp them and chill in the freezer and get a mock ice-cream. I like to enjoy these tiny wonders simply as they are but if you want to
experiment, go right ahead! 

So the next time you want something sweet, healthy, energizing and satisfying garb a couple of ripe chickoos. They are easily available year round, are cheap and easy to carry.