14 Benefits of Custard Apple

Custard apple is commonly known as Sitafal, Shareefa, or Cherimoya in Hindi and Sugar-apple in English. It is native to South America and is grown in tropical areas with high altitudes. Sitafal has a conical shape and green color superficially with white flesh. The white part has a delightfully sweet, icy taste with a custard-like consistency, with large black seeds. Discover the amazing benefits of custard apple and how this delicious fruit can help you achieve your health goals.

Nutritional Values of Custard Apple

100 g of fresh Custard Apple contains the following:

• Calories – 101 kilocalories
• Proteins – 2.1 gms
• Dietary Fiber – 4.4 gms    
• Total Fat – 0.0 gms
• Carbohydrates – 23.6 gms

Benefits of Custard Apple

1. High in antioxidants

Custard apple contains a high concentration of antioxidants (flavonoids, phenolic compounds, kaurenoic acid, and vitamin C) that combat free radical linked to chronic illnesses, cancer, and heart disease.

2. Boost your mood

Sitafal contains Vitamin B6, which improves our mood and alleviates symptoms of despair or sadness. So, eat it whenever you’re feeling down to lift your spirits.

3. Good for your eyes

Custard apple contains antioxidants, vitamin C and riboflavin. Antioxidants like lutein and carotenoids shield our eyes from oxidative damage. It also reduces the incidence of age-related macular degeneration, vision loss, and cataracts.4

4. Helpful in preventing high blood pressure

Cherimoya is high in minerals such as sodium, potassium and magnesium, which help to lower blood pressure by dilating restricted blood vessels. High blood pressure, as we all know, raises the risk of heart disease and stroke.

5. Anti-cancerous

Custard apple contains certain flavonoids, including catechin, epicatechin, and epigallocatechin. These elements stop the growth of cancerous cells and reduce the risk of developing cancers like breast cancer, stomach and colon cancer. The fruit also includes alkaloids and acetogenin, which can lower the risk of renal failure and cancer.

6. Supports immunity

Sitafal is also rich in Vitamin C, which supports and enhances your immunity.

7. Good for your cardiovascular health

Custard apple contains magnesium in a well-balanced amount. This relaxes the heart muscle and reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

8. High in calories

One hundred grams of sugar apple contains 101 kilocalories. This helps fight fatigue and keeps you active in your day-to-day pursuits.

9. Lowers the risk of arthritis

As mentioned above, Custard apple contains reasonable amounts of magnesium. It also helps balance water content and remove acidic content from joints, which lowers the risk and symptoms of arthritis.

Custard apple also contains calcium, which maintains good bone and muscular health.

10. Good for your skin

Custard apple boosts the production of collagen. As we age, the production of collagen decreases which worsens the elasticity and plumpness of the skin. So, custard apple is very good for your youthful skin as well.

Also Read: Best Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

11 Prevents anaemia

Custard apple is also known as haematinic. It helps in the production of new red blood cells and prevents anaemia.

12. Helps in constipation

Custard apple is high in dietary fibres that help digestion and prevent constipation.

13. Anti-inflammatory

Cherimoya includes anti-inflammatory chemicals such as kaurenoic acid and flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and lower the risk of various chronic inflammatory disorders.

14. Reduces cholesterol

Custard apple contains niacin along with fibres. This reduces bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol. It also prevents free radicals from damaging lipids and aids in preventing cholesterol absorption in the stomach.

Precautions

1. Brain diseases

Custard apples belong to the Annona species. Fruit of this species contains annonacin, a toxin that can affect brain health and the nervous system.

Annonacin is most concentrated in the skin and seeds of custard apples.

2. Seeds

Custard apple seeds contain amygdalin, a cyanide-releasing chemical that reacts with human digestive enzymes. Amygdalin includes cyanide and sugar, which the body converts into hydrogen cyanide when consumed (HCN). This cyanide has the potential to make you sick.

Conclusion

Custard Apple is a very nutritious fruit that benefits health in multiple ways. It boosts immunity, brain, and heart health and balances water and cholesterol levels.

But it might have certain side effects, too, so it is recommended to consume it in moderation. Excess of anything is bad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Benefits of Custard Apple

• Can I eat custard apples daily?

Yes, consuming a custard apple daily has many health benefits. It boosts your heart, brain and skin health. If you have any allergic reaction, please avoid eating it.

• What does a custard apple tastes like?

Custard apple is an irresistible fruit that has a sweet, velvety taste. As the name suggests, it has a custard-like consistency and sweetness like an apple.

• Can a diabetic person consume custard apples?

Despite being sweet, the glycemic index of custard apples is very low. So, it is safe for diabetic patients to consume custard apples.

• Can I eat a custard apple in the cold?

Sitaphal has a cold potency and should be avoided if you are having a cough and cold.