Introduction

Canistel, also known as Pouteria Campechian,a is a tropical fruit member of the Sapotaceae family.¹ It is a fruit from Central America, mainly the Bahamas and southern Mexico. This fruit is grown in well-drained and shallow soil and needs a subtropical climate for maximal yield. The canistel tree's height is between 8 and 30 m from the ground and its trunk's width is 1m, it has a furrowed bark and its trunk contains latex which is used to make rubber. The Sapotaceae family contains almost 1250 species of fruits worldwide, including maximal health properties, flavors and delightful assortment. A fruit which resembles Canistel is the sapota fruit from the Sapotaceae family. This fruit is ovoid with 1-12 shiny brown or black seeds covered by a brownish skin.² This fruit has a short shelf life as it ripes very fast, (approximately a week or 10 days) of harvesting. Spotas pulp is sweet and juicy. Its nutritional contents include carbohydrates, dietary fiber and tannins. When we compare sapota fruit with canistel, it quite resembles its nutritional content and canistel also has some more nutritional components working mainly as an immunity booster.

Nutritional profile of canistel

Canistel fruit pulp contains high levels of carbohydrates, amino acids, carotenoids, polyphenols, carotenoids, flavonoids, vitamin B, Vitamin C and minerals.³ Not only the fruits have nutritional values but their leaves and bark are also useful in many ways the bark has antipyretic values and is also used to treat blisters and soreness in Mexico. The leaves exhibit anti-inflammatory activity. Recent pharmacological investigations have shown that canistel also contains antimicrobial and anti-obesity activities.⁴

Talking about the increase in immunity of canistel, it has:

• Vitamin C: it has high vitamin C content which acts as an antioxidant which is proven by its bright yellow colour. These antioxidants protect the body from harmful radicals
• Vitamin A: High Vitamin A levels in canistel help in maintaining a healthy immune system in the body.
• Minerals: It contains iron which helps in the production of hemoglobin which carries oxygen in blood throughout the system supporting the overall immune function.
• Beta-carotene: It is also a form of antioxidant which prevents the body from developing cancerous cells and decreases oxidative stress
• Fiber: Fiber mainly helps the body with digestion and studies show that overall body health and immunity are connected with gut health, hence, canistel source of fibre helps to maintain a strong immune system

By adding canistel to your diet, you can boost your immunity and increase your body's defence mechanism against fighting various diseases and can lead a healthy life.

Other health benefits of canistel fruit

We read about canistel's effect of immunity function. Below are some more health benefits of canistel:⁵

• Good for heart health: Patients suffering from high blood pressure can take canistel as it has many minerals mainly potassium which can help with sodium in your body which can eventually be good for your heart health
• Lowers the risk of diabetes: Canisten is packed with niacin which helps to prevent diabetes, study shows that niacinamide helps in improving the effect of oral drugs that are used in the treatment of diabetes.⁵ Also, the amount if fiber content in canistel helps with decreasing blood sugar level
• Reduces the risk of Alzheimers: Canistel helps to prevent the risk of neuronal disorders and improves the flow of oxygenated blood to the brain because it contains high amounts of iron
• Promotes healthier bones: Caniatel is packed with minerals such as iron, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium, as calcium and phosphorus play an important role in maintaining bone health and development canistel fruit is recommended to be included in your diet
• Prevents anaemia: As discussed above, canistel is packed with iron which is essential for anaemic patients as anaemia is an iron-deficiency disorder.
• Prevents cancer: The abundant presence of vitamin C, Vitamin A and beta-carotene are antioxidants known to be effective in preventing the development of cancerous cells. Studies also show that canistel contains Vitamin B complex which is said to be effective in fighting cancer

FAQs

Is canistel gluten-free?

Yes, it is gluten-free.

What are the main benefits of eating canistel?

• Improves immunity
• Aids weight loss
• Lowers the risk of diabetes
• Helps with neurological disorders
• Helps with improving bone health
• Prevents cancer

Can pregnant or breastfeeding women consume canistel?

Yes, it is normal for a pregnant or breastfeeding woman to consume canistel as it is packed with antioxidants, fiber, and minerals, however, it is better to seek a doctor's advice as their physician may know if the person has any special medical conditions where few food or fruits should not be taken?

Are there any side effects of consuming canistel?

As of now, there are no side effects of consuming canistel.

How can canistel be consumed?

It can be consumed on its own as its fruit, nowadays, many deserts like custards, cookies, and pastries are available in the markets which contain canistel fruit.

Summary

Canistel, also known as Pouteria campechiana, is a tropical fruit from the Sapotaceae family that offers a wide range of health benefits, particularly in boosting immunity. This Central American native fruit, grown in well-drained, shallow soils in subtropical climates, is packed with an impressive array of nutrients that contribute to its health-promoting properties.

The nutritional profile of canistel is remarkable, containing high levels of carbohydrates, amino acids, carotenoids, polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins B and C, and essential minerals. This diverse nutrient composition makes canistel a powerful ally in supporting overall health and well-being.

One of the most significant benefits of canistel is its potential to enhance the immune system. The fruit's high vitamin C content acts as a potent antioxidant, protecting the body from harmful free radicals. Its bright yellow color is indicative of its rich vitamin C levels. Additionally, the high vitamin A content in canistels plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy immune system. The fruit's mineral content, particularly iron, supports the production of haemoglobin, which is essential for oxygen transport throughout the body and overall immune function.

Beta-carotene, another antioxidant found in canistel, helps prevent the development of cancerous cells and reduces oxidative stress. The fruit's fiber content contributes to digestive health, which is closely linked to overall immunity. By incorporating canistel into one's diet, individuals can potentially boost their body's natural defence mechanisms against various diseases and infections.

Beyond its immune-boosting properties, canistel offers a range of other health benefits. It supports heart health by helping regulate blood pressure, thanks to its potassium content. The fruit may also help lower the risk of diabetes due to its niacin content, which improves the effectiveness of oral diabetes medications. Canistel's high iron content may reduce the risk of neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease by improving oxygenated blood flow to the brain.

The fruit's mineral composition, including calcium and phosphorus, promotes bone health, making it beneficial for children, the elderly, and those with bone and joint ailments. Its iron content also makes it an excellent food for preventing anemia. Furthermore, the combination of vitamins C, A, and beta-carotene in canistel may help prevent the development of cancerous cells.

It's worth noting that canistel's benefits extend beyond its fruit. The tree's bark has been used traditionally for its antipyretic properties and to treat blisters and soreness, while its leaves exhibit anti-inflammatory activity. Recent pharmacological investigations have also revealed antimicrobial and anti-obesity properties of canistel.

References

1. Awang-Kanak F, Abu Bakar MF. Canistel—Pouteria campechiana (Kunth) Baehni. In: Rodrigues S, de Oliveira Silva E, de Brito ES, editors. Exotic Fruits [Internet]. Academic Press; 2018 [cited 2024 Aug 1]. p. 107–11. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128031384000150.
2. Panda SK, Sahu UC, Behera SK, Ray RC. Fermentation of sapota (Achras sapota Linn.) fruits to functional wine. Nutrafoods [Internet]. 2014 Dec [cited 2024 Aug 1];13(4):179–86. Available from: http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s13749-014-0034-1.
3. Do TVT, Suhartini W, Phan CU, Zhang Z, Goksen G, Lorenzo JM. Nutritional value, phytochemistry, health benefits, and potential food applications of Pouteria campechiana (Kunth) Baehni: A comprehensive review. Journal of Functional Foods [Internet]. 2023 Apr 1 [cited 2024 Aug 1];103:105481. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464623000816.
4. Chan-Zapata I, Canul-Canche J, Fernández-Martín K, Martín-Quintal Z, Torres-Romero JC, Lara-Riegos JC, et al. Immunomodulatory effects of the methanolic extract from Pouteria campechiana leaves in macrophage functions. Food and Agricultural Immunology [Internet]. 2018 Jan 1 [cited 2024 Aug 1];29(1):386–99. Available from: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09540105.2017.1386163.
5. LLC TT. Top Tropicals. [cited 2024 Aug 1]. Pouteria campechiana - Canistel, the curious heart-shaped Egg Super-Fruit. Available from: https://toptropicals.com/html/toptropicals/articles/fruit/Pouteria-campechiana-canistel.htm.