Chakotas vanish from market, but demand grows
Grapefruit highly sought after by overweight Bengalureans due to perceived benefits; experts wary though
Malini GS is 28, weighs 78 kg and consumes juice from one grapefruit, or chakota as it is locally known, a day. But for Malini and hundreds of Bengalureans for whom the juice of grapefruit had become a miracle cure for reducing weight, there could not have been a darker scenario. In the last couple of weeks, though the demand continues to increase, the fruit has just vanished from the shelves as it has become ‘off-season’. For at least two months, the fruit will not be available in the city.
At Hopcoms near Lalbagh, the vendor is ruing its non-availability. “The demand is unbelievable. But there is no supply. There are enquiries from customers but it will be at least three months before local produce arrives in stores,” he says. Nayaz Pasha, a fruit vendor in Vijayanagar, knows the reason for the demand. He says, “For the last 3-4 months, there was a surprising increase in demand. People believe drinking its juice reduces weight. Those undergoing weight loss training in gyms are the main customers.”
However, no one clearly knows where the ‘miracle potential’ of chakota began to be advertised first. Sheela Krishnaswamy, a dietician and founder-managing partner of nutrition consulting firm NICHE, says there is no miracle food. “Whoever suggested that grapefruit juice will reduce weight is wrong. It is rich in Vitamin C. But to give it a miracle quotient is wrong. All foods should be eaten in right quantity and time.”
Malini GS is 28, weighs 78 kg and consumes juice from one grapefruit, or chakota as it is locally known, a day. But for Malini and hundreds of Bengalureans for whom the juice of grapefruit had become a miracle cure for reducing weight, there could not have been a darker scenario. In the last couple of weeks, though the demand continues to increase, the fruit has just vanished from the shelves as it has become ‘off-season’. For at least two months, the fruit will not be available in the city.
At Hopcoms near Lalbagh, the vendor is ruing its non-availability. “The demand is unbelievable. But there is no supply. There are enquiries from customers but it will be at least three months before local produce arrives in stores,” he says. Nayaz Pasha, a fruit vendor in Vijayanagar, knows the reason for the demand. He says, “For the last 3-4 months, there was a surprising increase in demand. People believe drinking its juice reduces weight. Those undergoing weight loss training in gyms are the main customers.”
However, no one clearly knows where the ‘miracle potential’ of chakota began to be advertised first. Sheela Krishnaswamy, a dietician and founder-managing partner of nutrition consulting firm NICHE, says there is no miracle food. “Whoever suggested that grapefruit juice will reduce weight is wrong. It is rich in Vitamin C. But to give it a miracle quotient is wrong. All foods should be eaten in right quantity and time.”
