Contents
Uses of mamey sapote
Internal use medicinal properties of mamey sapote
The Library of the Universidad A. de México (UNAM), in its bibliographic search on this fruit throughout history, reports that the first written record of the mamey sapote is in the Florentine Codex (16th century).
In this, it is cited as edible fruit, which indicates that the fruit has been part of the diet of the American people for centuries.
Still, there is very little literature on traditional remedies with mamey sapote, and few published studies on its composition and properties:
Medicinal properties of mamey sapote
- Skin care: The rough appearance of this fruit seems to give a clue about its components to treat skin related conditions. Mamey sapote is rich in beta-carotenes, vitamin C, lutein and tannins. These components make it very suitable for the care of the skin and mucous membranes of the body, on the inside and on the outside.
- On the one hand, vitamin C collaborates in the synthesis of collagen and thus helps prevent skin wrinkles. Beta-carotenes are located in the dermis, protecting the skin from solar radiation and giving it a beautiful orange color. Beta-carotenes are also called provitamin A, because the body is able to transform them into vitamin A, which improves vision and protects against night blindness.
- Lutein abounds in the human retina and gives it a yellowish color. It is a healthy component for the eyes. People with presbyopia should eat a lot of foods with beta carotene and lutein.
- Tannins are astringent and bactericidal, protecting the skin and digestive mucosa from infection.
- Gastritis: The pulp is sweet, very aromatic, smooth and not at all acidic. It is well tolerated for the stomach and, due to its high beta-carotene content, protects the digestive mucosa and helps to treat gastritis, heartburn and stomach ulcer.
- Diarrhea: Due to its astringent action, it contracts the tissues and dries up secretions. These are properties that are effective in stopping diarrhea and gastroenteritis, helping the body to make stools drier.
- Antioxidants: Mamey sapote is a fruit with antioxidant properties due to its vitamin C, beta-carotene and tannin content. These components have the ability to counteract free radicals in the body, preventing the appearance of numerous diseases and delaying aging.
- Bronchitis: Its seeds, previously roasted and ground, are used to treat bronchial congestion and persistent cough (Triterpenes mediate inflammation of the bronchi). Seeds can cause abortion. Its use is not recommended without the control of a specialist.
External use remedies with mamey sapote
- Hair loss: The powder of the seeds is used against alopecia, being one of the most widespread uses of the plant. It is also useful in the treatment of dandruff.
- Wound healing: The tannins present in the leaves perform a healing function given their hemostatic properties (to stop bleeding) that accelerate wound healing. Scarring occurs due to the formation of crusts, which by joining the blood proteins with tannins, create a dry medium that inhibits the growth of bacteria.
- Masks for the skin: It is a fruit with sugar, vitamin C, with beta-carotenes and tannins. For these components, the pulp is used in the cosmetic industry and at home. Masks can be made to care for, refresh, soften and brighten the skin. (Mix mamey sapote pulp with honey and oil).
In professional cosmetics, there are mamey sapote shampoos and creams. Popularly, it is said that it can thicken eyelashes and help hair grow faster.
More information on mamey sapote and other natural foods
This article was endorsed by Elisenda Carballido - Dietitian nutritionist. Postgraduate in Phytotherapy and master in Nutrition and Metabolism.
