2 years ago

Also known by its scientific name, Pouteria sapota, mamey sapote is a type of tree found throughout Mexico and Central America.

6 Unique Health Benefits of Mamey Fruit

Rich in nutrients.
May support digestive health.
Helps keep skin healthy.
Protects against anemia.
May enhance heart health.
Improves immunity.

5 Impressive Benefits of Mamey Sapote

by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) last updated - July 23, 2021

Mamey sapote may not be a fruit that you come across very often, but you shouldn’t ignore its health benefits, which may include its potential ability to improve heart health, aid in weight loss efforts, and strengthen the immune system, among others.
What is Mamey Sapote?

If you have ever traveled to Mexico or Central America, and seen large ornamental evergreen trees with long, brown “berries”, then you have probably seen a mamey sapote tree. With the scientific name Pouteria sapota, these trees are cultivated in Mexico and other neighboring islands, and the fruits have become staples in many Latin American diets. You can find these fruits in various parts of the United States as well, primarily in the south. These berries can be up to 10 inches long and 4-5 inches wide, and the interior fruit is orange or pink, with a creamy consistency. The taste and texture are unique, something like a cross between a pumpkin, peach, sweet potato, and cantaloupe. This fruit, which is technically a berry, can be eaten in many forms, either raw, or mixed into milkshakes, and can also be used to produce ice cream or jelly. [1]

While this fruit isn’t widely available in many parts of the world, if you happen to be traveling in these areas, or are close to an exotic import store/Latin American grocer, then you should certainly give mamey sapote a try. The incredible blend of nutrients within this fruit makes it very important and beneficial for human health. The profile of mamey sapote includes vitamins B, C, and E, as well as potassium, manganese, and dietary fiber, among other antioxidants and trace minerals that serve our bodies in many ways. [2]

A close up shot of mamey sapote fruits, sliced and wholeMamey sapote is a tasty tropical fruit, available at local markets in Mexico. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Nutrition Facts
Sapote, mamey, raw
Serving Size :
Nutrient Value
Water [g] 64.87
Energy 124
Energy [kJ] 520
Protein [g] 1.45
Total lipid (fat) [g] 0.46
Ash [g] 1.12
Carbohydrate, by difference [g] 32.1
Fiber, total dietary [g] 5.4
Sugars, total including NLEA [g] 20.14
Sucrose [g] 4.09
Glucose (dextrose) [g] 8.01
Fructose [g] 7.66
Maltose [g] 0.38
Starch [g] 6.33
Calcium, Ca [mg] 18
Iron, Fe [mg] 0.78
Magnesium, Mg [mg] 11
Phosphorus, P [mg] 26
Potassium, K [mg] 454
Sodium, Na [mg] 7
Zinc, Zn [mg] 0.19
Copper, Cu [mg] 0.21
Manganese, Mn [mg] 0.2
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid [mg] 23
Thiamin [mg] 0.01
Riboflavin [mg] 0.12
Niacin [mg] 1.43
Pantothenic acid [mg] 0.4
Vitamin B-6 [mg] 0.72
Folate, total [µg] 7
Folate, food [µg] 7
Vitamin A, RAE [µg] 7
Carotene, beta [µg] 82
Cryptoxanthin, beta [µg] 7
Vitamin A, IU [IU] 143
Lycopene [µg] 199
Lutein + zeaxanthin [µg] 204
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) [mg] 2.11
Tocotrienol, alpha [mg] 0.36
Fatty acids, total saturated [g] 0.17
10:0 [g] 0.02
12:0 [g] 0.01
14:0 [g] 0.01
15:0 [g] 0
16:0 [g] 0.1
17:0 [g] 0
18:0 [g] 0.02
20:0 [g] 0
Fatty acids, total monounsaturated [g] 0.1
14:1 [g] 0
16:1 [g] 0
16:1 c [g] 0
18:1 [g] 0.1
18:1 c [g] 0.1
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated [g] 0.1
18:2 [g] 0.01
18:2 n-6 c,c [g] 0.01
18:3 [g] 0.08
18:3 n-3 c,c,c (ALA) [g] 0.08
20:4 [g] 0
Tryptophan [g] 0.05
Threonine [g] 0.09
Isoleucine [g] 0.06
Leucine [g] 0.07
Lysine [g] 0.07
Methionine [g] 0.02
Cystine [g] 0.01
Phenylalanine [g] 0.06
Tyrosine [g] 0.05
Valine [g] 0.07
Arginine [g] 0.05
Histidine [g] 0.05
Alanine [g] 0.07
Aspartic acid [g] 0.15
Glutamic acid [g] 0.15
Glycine [g] 0.07
Proline [g] 0.09
Serine [g] 0.2
Sources include: USDA [3]
Health Benefits of Mamey Sapote

Let’s take a closer look at some of these impressive health benefits.
May Improve Heart Health

There are many reasons why mamey sapote is widely considered a heart-healthy food. To begin with, this fruit has a high concentration of potassium, which may act as a vasodilator and can effectively lower blood pressure. This may reduce strain on the heart and can prevent heart attacks, stroke, and atherosclerosis. Secondly, the fruit’s high fiber content can reduce the levels of overall cholesterol in the body, further lessening the risk of cardiovascular complications. The vitamin E and C found in the fruit can also protect the heart from oxidative stress and weakened blood vessels, respectively. All in all, everything about mamey sapote can protect our hearts in some way, so it is highly recommended for those at high risk of cardiovascular disease. [4]

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