Introduction

Brief overview of mamey sapote

The Mamey sapote is one of the nutritious fruits known to us for its sweetness and smooth texture, but it also has numerous health benefits that should be considered. It is a tropical plant from the Sapotacae family. It has been cultivated and grown in Florida (US), Mexico, Central America, northern South America, and the West Indies for many Centuries. This fruit is a large berry with an oval shape and a calyx that remains at the base. Typically range in size from 10 to 20 cm in length. The skin has a dense and hard texture with a rough russet brown surface. The ripe fruit pulp comes in reddish-brown colors to deep orange skin, with a soft, smooth, or finely granular texture, typically with a low fiber content. The pulp possesses a distinct flavor that tends to make one think of sweet almonds. Normally, the fruit has one large, elliptical seed but can also have as many as four. The seed displays a shiny, hard, dark brown exterior with a light brown mark (hilum) on the underside. The seeds have the potential to crack and germinate within fruits that are too ripe. The fruit weighs between 250 and 900 grams.

Importance of natural remedies in skincare and haircare

Natural remedies are the homemade DIY method that helps to maintain a healthy body using natural ingredients which are obtained from natural sources such as plants, animals, minerals, etc. They are packed with nutrients that help enhance health in the long term. These natural remedies are used mostly for beautifying the skin and hair. One can get them by consuming or applying them on the skin, They are harmless with zero side effects. Every part and extract of the plant can be beneficial and can be used in numerous ways to live a healthy life. They are free from harsh chemicals and are suitable for sensitive skin and those with specific skin conditions. Many natural remedies have been used for centuries in traditional medicine. There is no presence of cancer-causing additives or artificial fragrances that cause irritation and are allergic to skin. Most natural remedies can be achieved from everyday kitchen ingredients. They are low-cost and indirectly help to reduce pollution and sustain a better environment. 

Nowadays, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and other nutrients are widely used in the cosmeceutical industry globally. All these Vitamins and nutrients are fully packed in natural sources giving enormous benefits for health.

Nutritional profile of mamey sapote

Here is a general nutrition profile for a 100-gram serving of mamey sapote:

• Calories: Approximately 124
• Water Content: 63.8%
• Carbohydrates: 32 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 5.4 grams
•  Sugars: 20 grams
• Protein: 2.1 grams
• Fat: 0.5 grams
• Vitamin C: 38%
• Vitamin A: 1%
• Vitamin B6: 35%
• Vitamin B9: 4%
• Vitamin E: 
• Calcium: 2%
• Iron: 4%
• Potassium: 13%

Mamey Sapote also contains various polyphenols, which act as antioxidants along with anti-inflammatory properties. The main polyphenols are:-

• Flavonoids
  • Quercetin     
  • Kaempferol
  • Myricetin
• Phenolic Acid
  • Chlorogenic Acid
  • Gallic Acid
  • Caffeic Acid

• Tannins like Proanthocyanidins

Studies identify that the mamey sapote seed oil contains three saturated fatty acids, i.e., Palmitic acid, Stearic acid, and Arachidic acid. One monounsaturated fatty acid was oleic acid, and the polyunsaturated fatty acid was linoleic acid.

The exact nutritional content can vary based on the size and ripeness of the fruit.

Benefits for skin health

Skin regeneration and recovery

Mamey sapote is a good source of Vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining healthy vision, skin, and immune systems. The orange-red color of the flesh of the mamey sapote indicates the presence of beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A.  About 98% of the carotenoids are beta-carotene, and the remaining 2% are other carotenoids such as sapote xanthin, cryptocapsin, beta-cryptoxanthin, nand eoxanthin, as well as lutein, which has also been identified in some studies. Although carrots are the main source of carotenoids, there is no significant difference seen in the antioxidant capacities of the extracts. These Carotenoids, Vitamin C, and polyphenols have antioxidant properties that can absorb UV radiation and neutralize the free radicals generated by UV exposure, decreasing the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. These carotenoids also help to beautify the skin tone and color, giving it a healthy glow and radiant skin. It also contributes to wound healing and reduces the appearance of scars and blemishes.

Anti-aging properties

Vitamin C contributes to the production of collagen, which is a protein that helps to tighten the skin and prevent wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging of the skin. It is also used to treat hyperpigmentation and dark spots and can achieve an evenskin tone.

Hydration and moisturizing effects

The essential fatty acids present in the seeds of Mamey Sapote, such as oleic acid and linoleic acids, help strengthen the skin by forming a cohesive structure that acts as an effective barrier from the external environment. This prevents loss of moisture and protects against environmental harm, providing deep hydration, which is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and promoting cell regeneration.

Anti-inflammatory properties

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals, which cause oxidative damage and inflammation in the skin. By reducing oxidative damage, Vitamin C helps lower the overall inflammatory response. Vitamin C can also regulate the production of cytokines, a signaling protein that helps control inflammation in our body. Vitamin C also reduces redness in the skin, making it beneficial for conditions like acne and rosacea.

Benefits for hair health

Promoting hair growth

Vitamin A plays an essential function in cell growth, including hair cells. It also helps in the production of sebum to keep the scalp moisturized and promote hair growth. The mamey sapote also contains iron which is essential for the production and circulation of blood, which ensures that fair follicles get adequate oxygen and nutrients, promoting healthy hair growth.

Improve scalp health

The essential oils and fatty acids in mamey sapote help keep the scalp moisturised, preventing dryness and flakiness. The anti-inflammatory properties of vitamins also soothe an irritated scalp, reducing dandruff and itching.

Hair strength and conditioning

Vitamin C plays a vital role in collagen production, which is necessary for maintaining the strength and integrity of hair strands and preventing breakage. The polyphenols containing the antioxidant properties protect hair from oxidative stress and environmental damage, which results in maintaining strength and preventing premature aging of hair. Potassium helps to maintain proper hydration levels in the hair and scalp by regulating fluid balance in the cells.

Overall hair appearance

• Shiny and Glossy hair

The natural oils and vitamins provide sufficient moisture and sebum to improve the hair's shine and enhance its natural gloss.

• Improved texture

Regular use or consumption of Mamey Sapote helps to reduce frizz and maintain hair porosity.

• Enhanced volume

The hair growth with decreased hair loss leads to an increase in hair volume and bounce.

Methods of use

Dietary incorporation

There is no strict limit for consuming mamey sapote, though ½ to 1 cup can be consumed per day to maintain a proper nutritious diet. Incorporate it with other food to make it more delicious and nutritious, such as:

1. Smoothies: Blending other fruits with yogurt or milk to get a creamy, delicious smoothie.
2. Salads: Adding mamey sapote to fruit salad
3. Baking: Incorporating mamey sapote because of its sweetness, creamy texture, and moisture makes the cake more delicious
4. Desserts: Adding mamey sapote and other fruits in ice cream, milkshake or pudding can make it more delicious

Topical application

The oil extracted from the Mamey Sapote seed is widely used in the cosmetic industry to produce hair dyes, shampoos, soaps, and other products. The chemical composition of oil present in mamey sapote seed might be mixed with some other natural fats, such as cocoa butter or mango seed fat, to enhance the benefits for skin and hair:

1. Face Masks: Mash the pulp and apply it as a mask or gently rotate it in a circular motion with your fingers as it hydrates and moisturizes the skin. Its vitamins, antioxidants, and oils can help improve skin texture
2. Scrubs: Combine mamey sapote with a natural exfoliator like sugar, coffee, or honey to create a scrub, and rubbing your hand on the face gently will help to remove dead skin cells
3. Moisturizers: Use Mamey sapote extract or oil available in the market to moisturize the dry scalp
4. Hair Masks: Collect all the seeds and ensure they are clean and free from pulp. Let it dry in the sunlight for a few days. Once the seeds get dried, crack them open and remove the kernel inside. Grind the kernels properly into a fine paste. Take some flaxseed, mix it with this paste and boil with some water on a low flame to get a sticky consistency. The heat will help to extract the oil from the paste, apply it on the hair as a mask and keep it for 40-60 minutes before the shower. It will make your hair smooth and frizz-free

Summary

Mamey Sapote is a nutrient-dense fruit enriched with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and essential oils, which, along with its sweetness and deliciousness, can positively impact the individual’s health. One should learn to cultivate the intake of fruits and other natural ingredients in life for long-term benefits.  The function of these nutrients can greatly influence our health in many ways. Vitamins are not only important for the immune system but also for maintaining healthy skin and hair. The essential oil gives us a glowy, softer, and smoother skin. They hydrate the scalp, retain moisture, and promote hair growth. The antioxidant fights against UV radiation and protects the skin from acne, pigmentation, and many other skin conditions. Overall consuming Mamey sapote will always be beneficial and a loss for those who don’t.