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A social media post claims that eating chikoo can improve eyesight and lists several other benefits. We fact-checked this claim and found it to be false.
The Claim
An Instagram post suggests that regular consumption of chikoo (sapodilla) can improve eyesight, strengthen bones, and solve all digestive issues. It suggests that the fruit’s nutritional content, including vitamins and minerals, is responsible for these benefits.
Fact Check
Can eating chikoo improve eyesight?
No, eating chikoo alone cannot improve eyesight. Chikoo has vitamin A, which is important for eye health and helps prevent night blindness. However, just eating chikoo will not improve vision or fix eye problems.
Good eyesight depends on many things, including genetics, age, and lifestyle choices. A balanced diet with other vitamin A sources like carrots, spinach, and sweet potatoes is needed for healthy eyes. Nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids also support eye health. Regular eye check-ups, reducing screen time, and protecting the eyes from UV rays are more effective ways to maintain good vision.
We spoke with Dr Isha Agarwalla, Ophthalmologist, from Drishti Netralaya, Dibrugarh, Assam, to learn whether chikoo can improve eyesight. She says, “No, chikoo cannot improve eyesight. Although it has vitamin A, which supports overall eye health, it does not enhance vision or cure eye issues. Maintaining good eyesight requires a balanced diet with multiple nutrients, regular eye exams, and healthy lifestyle choices. It’s a myth that one food alone can significantly improve vision.”
Similarly, another post falsely claims that chikoo can cure Covid-19. Yet another post suggests that kiwi fruit can improve eyesight and cure all eye diseases, which is also untrue.
Does chikoo strengthen bones?
No, chikoo alone cannot significantly strengthen bones. It has some calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which are good for bone health, but the amounts are low compared to foods like dairy products, leafy greens, and nuts. Eating chikoo by itself won’t make a big difference in bone strength.
Strong bones need a mix of nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, while magnesium supports bone structure. Foods like milk, yoghurt, cheese, almonds, spinach, and kale are better for bone health. Regular exercise, especially weight-bearing activities like walking, running, and strength training, is also important. Relying only on chikoo for strong bones is unrealistic.
We reached out to Dr Swati Dave, PhD in Food and Nutrition, about whether chikoo can strengthen bones. She says, “No, chikoo alone is not enough to strengthen bones. While it has small amounts of calcium and other minerals, they are not present in sufficient quantities to make a significant impact. For strong bones, a balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients from sources like dairy, leafy greens, and nuts is essential.”
Can chikoo solve digestive problems?
No, chikoo does not solve all digestive problems. It is rich in dietary fibre, which helps prevent constipation and keeps bowel movements regular. It can also ease mild issues like bloating. However, claiming it cures all digestive problems is an exaggeration.
A 2020 study found that Manilkara zapota (sapodilla) may help with digestive issues. It showed anti-diarrhoeal, anti-spasmodic, anti-ulcer, and anti-motility effects in lab tests. This suggests that compounds in sapodilla might protect the stomach and relax the intestines. But more research is needed to confirm these benefits.
Fibre helps digestion by adding bulk to stool and promoting healthy gut bacteria. Yet, it is not a solution for all digestive disorders. Conditions like acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other gastrointestinal disorders need a more comprehensive diet and medical care. Too much fibre can even worsen symptoms, causing bloating or gas.
Good digestion depends on a balanced diet, enough water, and regular exercise. Probiotics from foods like yoghurt and fermented items also support gut health. Rarely, some people are allergic to sapodilla, which can cause serious reactions due to its allergy-triggering proteins.
We connected with Dr Sharad Malhotra, Senior Consultant and Head of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Therapeutic Endoscopy at Aakash Healthcare, New Delhi, for his expert take on chikoo and gut health. He says, “No, chikoo cannot solve all digestive problems. It is high in dietary fibre, which can help with constipation and support regular bowel movements. However, it is not a cure for serious digestive issues like acid reflux or irritable bowel syndrome. Proper diagnosis and a balanced diet are necessary for managing digestive health.”
So, while chikoo can support digestion, it is not a cure-all for digestive problems.
THIP Media Take
The claim that eating chikoo can improve eyesight is false. Eating chikoo alone does not improve eyesight. Although it contains vitamin A, which supports eye health, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that it enhances vision. The claims about strengthening bones and solving all digestive problems are also exaggerated.
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