Chikoo (Sapota) Smoothie

This is an extremely filling and nutritious smoothie that is prepared using sweet and creamy sapota (Chikoo, Sapodilla), yogurt, dates, and almonds.

Sapota is packed with vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and antioxidants that support and improve overall health. Yogurt not only adds a rich and creamy texture to the smoothie but also provides a wholesome amount of protein. Dates add a mellow sweet taste to the smoothie along with an abundant amount of dietary fiber. Almonds add a nice nutty flavor and texture to the smoothie along with a generous amount of vitamin E, healthy fats, and fiber.

This is an extremely satiating and sweet tasting smoothie that helps to curb your sweet tooth and prevents unhealthy snacking which in turn aids weight loss. The high dietary fiber content in this smoothie also aids digestion and helps to relieve constipation or piles and diarrhea.

Sapota, also known as Sapodilla or Chikoo is an extremely nutritious fruit that is low in cholesterol and saturated fat and rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, folate, niacin, vitamin B6, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, iron, copper and antioxidants such as tannins.

Vitamin A in sapota protects the eyes and helps to maintain good vision and prevents the development of cataract and age-related macular degeneration. An abundance of tannins in sapota reduces inflammation and relieves inflammatory conditions such as gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, etc.

Yogurt is a rich source of protein and calcium. Protein helps to improve body composition by boosting the growth of lean muscle mass and burning fat. Calcium and boosts fat breakdown and aids weight loss. Calcium and vitamin D present in yogurt helps to strengthen the bones and teeth and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Probiotics (live microorganisms) present in yogurt improve digestive health and helps to treat diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, etc.

Dates not only add a nice sweet taste to the smooth but also provide a significant amount of dietary fiber and other nutrients to the smoothie. Soluble fiber known as pectin present in dates help to maintain the level of cholesterol in the blood and reduces the risk of diabetes, obesity, stroke and hypertension.

Minerals potassium and magnesium present in dates help to maintain blood pressure, support energy metabolism, strengthen the bones and teeth, etc.

Almonds are the healthiest of tree nuts that contain a high level of dietary fiber, protein, vitamin E, manganese, magnesium, copper, riboflavin, and calcium. The healthy fats present in almonds help to lower the level of harmful LDL cholesterol in the blood and reduce the risk of coronary healthy disease.

Antioxidants such as flavonoids, flavonols, catechins and vitamin E present in almonds help to reduce inflammation and prevent the oxidation of harmful LDL cholesterol. Minerals calcium, magnesium and phosphorus present in almonds support healthy and strong bones.

Here is the recipe…

Ingredients:

• Sapodilla (Peeled and deseeded) – 1 cup
• Yogurt – ½ cup
• Dates – 3 (ripped)
• Almonds – 4
• Water – 1 cup

Procedure:

• Pour sapodilla, dates, and yogurt in the blender.
• Then toss almonds along with water in this blender.
• Blend all these ingredients at high speed and pour this smoothie into your serving bowl.
• Drink this smoothie regularly to shed your excess weight and thereby to cleanse your system.

This is a healthy and well-rounded smoothie containing all essential nutrients which makes it capable of making up for any nutritional deficiencies while following a low calorie or restrictive diet.