Surprising Health Benefits of Custard Apple (Cherimoya)

What is a Custard Apple?

The custard apple is a tropical fruit native to Central and South America. Also known as the sugar apple, sweetsop, Sharifa or Sitaphal, it has creamy, sweet flesh resembling custard that is high in nutrients and low in calories. There are numerous benefits of custard apples; we will learn about them in our article.

The custard apple tree grows upto 30 feet tall and bears round or oval greenish-yellow fruits around 4–12 inches in size. Each fruit has a rough, hard exterior and contains many seeds embedded in its sweet, creamy pulp. Custard apples grow year-round in tropical climates and are available summer through fall in regions like India and Southeast Asia.

Nutritional Value Makeup

A medium-sized custard apple (190 g) contains only 60 calories but is rich in vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin. It also contains calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium and natural sugars.

Identifying a Ripe Fruit

Ripe custard apples will be heavy for their size, with a skin that changes from green to yellow or brown. The flesh will be soft enough to indent with gentle pressure. Unripe fruits will have a lighter weight and hard, green skin.

Nutritional Benefits of Custard Apple

The custard apple is packed with nutrients that provide important health benefits.

High in Fiber

One fruit contains over 4 grams of fiber, helping food move smoothly through your digestive tract and keeping you full. This makes custard apples great for weight control.

Antioxidant Power

Custard apples are loaded with vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin b6 and polyphenolic compounds that are potent antioxidants. These fight against cancer cell damage caused by oxidative stress or free radicals from age-related macular degeneration.

Manages Blood Sugar

The fiber content and natural sugars in custard apples help control blood sugar levels after eating. This makes it a diabetes-friendly fruit.

Boosts Heart Health

The potassium and antioxidants work to lower blood pressure and bad LDL cholesterol levels, and also reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Potassium also regulates fluid balance and muscle function.

Supports Immunity

Vitamin C is a natural immunity booster that helps the body fight infections. One fruit provides over 25% of your daily vitamin C needs.

Promotes Healthy Aging

The combined effect of antioxidants and fatty acids helps promote healthy aging. By protecting against oxidative damage and providing necessary nutrients, custard apples can help maintain youthful skin and overall vitality.

Read more: Growing Sugar Apple Tree

Culinary Uses of Custard Apple

The sweet, creamy flesh of custard apples makes them a versatile ingredient in many dishes.

Fresh Eating

Of course, custard apples are simply delicious, eaten fresh out of hand. Scoop out the pulp with a spoon and enjoy its mouthwatering, custard-like texture.

Smoothies and Juices

Blending custard apple flesh into smoothies is a tasty way to get a nutrition boost. It also works well mixed into fresh juices.

Desserts and Ice Creams

The pulp is often used to make chutneys, jams and jelly. It can also be the main filling in tarts, pies or crepes. Ice creams made with custard apple are a popular sweet treat.

Custard

With its creamy nature, custard apple is a natural base for homemade custards. Simply purée the flesh and cook it with milk and eggs for a healthy alternative.

Medicinal Uses of Custard Apple

Custard apples have been used in traditional medicine systems for centuries. Science is now confirming many health benefits.

Digestive Support

High fiber promotes regularity and relief from constipation. The pulp is sometimes dried and consumed to aid digestion.

Skin and Hair Care

Antioxidants in the fruit protect skin from environmental damage. Pulp, when mashed, forms face packs to naturally moisturize and rejuvenate skin. When applied to hair, it conditions and adds shine.

Anti-microbial Properties

Compounds in custard apple show effectiveness against harmful bacteria and fungi linked to infections. This suggests potential as a natural antibiotic.

Bone Health

Contains antioxidants like carotenes and vitamin C, which aid bone mineralization and strength. May help prevent osteoporosis.

Wound Healing

Applied topically, the pulp is believed to disinfect and quicken healing of wounds, burns and skin ulcers due to antibacterial activity.

FAQs About Benefits of Custard Apple

Is custard apple good for weight loss?

Yes, the high fiber content promotes fullness and prevents overeating. Fiber-rich diets aid weight control and management.

How many custard apples can I eat a day?

One medium-sized fruit (150–200 g) is a safe daily amount. Eating 2-3 provides antioxidant and nutritional benefits without any adverse effects.

Are there any side effects?

Generally very well tolerated. May cause mild diarrhea or flatulence in some if eaten in large excess.

How do I choose a ripe custard apple?

Opt for heavy fruits with deep yellow, soft skin that gives slightly when gently pressed. Ripe flesh will be creamy and soft throughout.

What parts of the plant are used?

Mainly, the fruit is consumed for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Tree bark and leaves are also used locally in some herbal remedies.

How long do custard apples last?

Properly ripened fruit will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 7–10 days. Ripe fruit does not store well at room temperature beyond 3–4 days.

Summary of Benefits of Custard Apple

To summarize some key advantages:

• High in fiber for digestive and heart health
• Loaded with antioxidants like vitamin C for immunity and disease prevention
• Help manage blood sugar levels naturally
• Promote bone and skin health with vitamins and antioxidants
• Versatile culinary uses enhance any meal or dessert
• Traditional medicine supports overall well-being
• Easy to grow in warm climates for a healthy homegrown fruit
• Delicious fresh flavor and texture in every bite

From nutrition and antioxidants, to medicinal properties and culinary versatility, the custard apple offers abundant rewards. Including just one or two in your diet each week provides optimum health advantages. Its sweet, creamy pulp makes for a satisfying snack that nourishes from the inside out.

With continued research, more benefits are sure to be discovered from this unique tropical superfruit. Though unavailable in many regions, custard apples are definitely worth seeking out for their exceptional health qualities and delicious tropical taste.