Black Sapote's Role In Maintaining Radiant Skin

Introduction

Mamey sapote, a tropical fruit rich in keto-carotenoids like sapotexanthin and cryptocapsin, holds promise for skin health. Despite their potential provitamin A activity, understanding their absorption and impact on human skin health has yet to be clarified.¹

In a recent study comparing fresh sapote with a "matrix-free" carotenoid formulation, researchers explored the bioavailability of sapotexanthin and cryptocapsin. Results showed that sapotexanthin was more bioavailable in the modified formulation, hinting at its potential skin-related benefits. However, cryptocapsin absorption was limited, and retinyl esters appeared consistently, indicating vitamin A presence.¹

Despite challenges in carotenoid absorption, mamey sapote stands out as a valuable source of vitamin A, with implications for skin health. This research invites further exploration into optimising formulations and understanding the broader health benefits of this tropical fruit.¹

Anthocyanins and anti-ageing effects

Anthocyanins from various sources, including sapote, have demonstrated anti-ageing effects on the skin. The improved skin permeation observed in aged individuals emphasises anthocyanins' potential to influence skin health positively. Given the anthocyanin content in mamey sapote, these fruits may also promote skin vitality and combat ageing-related changes.^2,3

Discovering the goodness of keto-carotenoids in mamey sapote

Mamey sapote is packed with keto-carotenoids named sapotexanthin and cryptocapsin. The structure of these compounds suggests they could become vitamin A in our bodies. Although we know this potential, we're yet to see how well our bodies absorb and convert them into vitamin A.¹

Sapotexanthin and cryptocapsin are nutrients that could become vitamin A in our bodies. A study checked how much of these nutrients our bodies absorb after eating fresh sapote or a "matrix-free" version (a form without specific barriers) to understand this. The results showed that everyone absorbed sapotexanthin, and surprisingly, even more from the "matrix-free" version. This suggests how the fruit is structured affects how well our bodies can use these nutrients.¹

Even though not everyone absorbed cryptocapsin, the study confirmed that our bodies still got a good vitamin A dose. So, despite some challenges in how our bodies take in these nutrients from sapote, the fruit still stands out as a great source of vitamin A.¹

In simpler terms, munching on mamey sapote can be like giving your body a boost of vitamin A. The bioavailable form of vitamin A, known as retinol, has garnered attention for its remarkable skin benefits. Reports suggest that retinol can effectively reduce skin discolouration, stimulate collagen production, diminish wrinkles, and improve conditions like acne and uneven skin texture, showcasing its potent anti-skin-ageing properties. Recent studies have expanded our understanding of how retinol combat skin ageing by influencing glycan metabolism, enhancing protein synthesis and folding, and contributing to cytoskeletal rearrangement.⁴

Considering non-retinol's anti-ageing potential, we can explore how sapote, rich in keto-carotenoids like sapotexanthin and cryptocapsin, may support skin health. Since keto-carotenoids have provitamin A activity, they can contribute to the body's production of retinol.

Consuming sapote could be a natural way to introduce these beneficial keto-carotenoids, which may be converted into retinol—a key player in the fight against skin ageing. The presence of these compounds in sapote might offer a holistic approach to skincare, addressing not only external factors but also internal processes that influence skin health. While more research is needed to establish the specific impact of sapote on skin ageing, the provitamin A activity of its keto-carotenoids suggests a promising avenue for exploring the fruit's potential benefits in promoting youthful and vibrant skin.

Vitamins and sapote

Sapote is a beneficial addition to your diet, offering a rich supply of essential vitamins, particularly vitamins B and C. These vitamins support normal cellular functions, promote growth, and aid overall development. Our bodies cannot produce most vitamins independently, so getting them from our diet is essential. Vitamins are broadly categorised into two types: water-soluble (like B vitamins and vitamin C) and fat-soluble (including vitamins A, D, E, and K).

Previous studies have highlighted the diverse biological effects of vitamins, ranging from antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to anti-ageing and even potential anti-cancer benefits. Specifically, water-soluble vitamins, like those found in sapote, can contribute to combating signs of ageing, supporting skin health, and fostering overall well-being. So, indulging in sapote may delight your taste buds and offer a natural boost to your skin's resilience and vitality.^4,5

Vitamin E and sapote 

Discover a natural source of skin-loving vitamin E in the delightful mamey sapote. With around 2.1 milligrams of vitamin E per 100 grams, this tropical fruit offers a tasty way to support your skin health. Vitamin E, found in mamey sapote, holds promise in addressing issues like yellow nail syndrome and complications from medications like dapsone.

While it may not be a cure-all, this vitamin contributes to soothing conditions like atopic dermatitis, managing specific skin concerns, and aiding in wound healing. Consider incorporating mamey sapote into your diet as a flavourful addition that could contribute to keeping your skin happy and healthy.^5,6

The multifaceted approach to skincare 

Sapote is a versatile ally for promoting skin health and vitality by embracing a holistic approach to skincare. Packed with a treasure trove of keto-carotenoids, such as sapotexanthin and cryptocapsin, sapote's potential to enhance the production of vitamin A offers a natural solution to combat signs of ageing. These keto-carotenoids, when consumed, may contribute to the body's synthesis of retinol—a renowned player in reducing skin discolouration, stimulating collagen production, and addressing various skin concerns.

The recent study comparing fresh sapote with a "matrix-free" carotenoid formulation underscores the fruit's potential in optimising bioavailability and maximising its skin-related benefits. Moreover, sapote goes beyond keto-carotenoids, boasting a rich supply of essential vitamins, including B and C. These water-soluble vitamins, known for their antioxidant and anti-ageing properties, provide a multi-faceted approach to skincare.

Mamey salmon delight

Ingredients

• Four salmon belly filets
• 2 Mamey sapote fruits
• 12 grape tomatoes
• 6 Tbsp pork fat
• 7 guajillo chilies, seeds removed.
• One small, sweet onion
• Three cloves garlic
• Six allspice berries
• Three large thyme sprigs
• 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 Tbsp dark brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon xanthum gum (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Purée

• Peel and seed the Mamey sapote. Cut out 12 discs using a small cookie cutter
• Chop the remaining fruit and sauté with half the pork fat, onion, garlic, thyme, and allspice berries
• Toast guajillo chillies in a dry skillet until softened and fragrant. Add to the pot
• Cover with water and cook over medium-high heat for 20 minutes until soft. Blend with vinegar, brown sugar, and xanthum gum
• Strain the mixture and set aside

Tomatoes

• Grill or char tomatoes in a hot skillet until they develop a smoky, charred flavour

Salmon

• Season salmon with salt and pepper. Fry in a hot skillet with pork fat until crispy
• Add Mamey discs to the skillet and fry. Drain on a wire rack

To plate

• Swipe Mamey purée on a plate
• Arrange salmon with three mamey discs and three tomatoes
• Garnish with fresh micro herbs

Enjoy your delightful Mamey Salmon creation!

Critical benefits of sapote on skin health

• Abundant in keto-carotenoids like sapotexanthin and cryptocapsin, sapote offers a natural solution to combat signs of ageing
• Keto-carotenoids contribute to synthesising vitamin A, which may reduce skin discolouration and stimulate collagen production
• The recent study comparing fresh sapote with a "matrix-free" carotenoid formulation highlights the fruit's potential in optimising bioavailability for enhanced skin-related benefits
• Beyond keto-carotenoids, sapote provides essential water-soluble vitamins, particularly B and C, recognised for their antioxidant and anti-ageing properties
• Sapote's holistic approach to skincare makes it a versatile ally for promoting overall skin health and vitality

Summary

Mamey sapote, a tropical fruit rich in keto-carotenoids like sapotexanthin and cryptocapsin, offers significant potential for skin health. These compounds may be converted into vitamin A, aiding in collagen production, reducing skin discolouration, and combating ageing.

Recent studies highlight the improved bioavailability of sapotexanthin in modified formulations, suggesting enhanced skin-related benefits. Additionally, sapote is packed with vitamins B, C, and E, providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that support overall skin vitality. With its multifaceted benefits, mamey sapote presents a natural, holistic approach to skincare.