6 Surprising Health Benefits of Custard Apple (Cherimoya) You Need to Know

Do you like custard apple? If yes, then it is good because it has numerous health benefits.

In this article, we will discuss 6 surprising health benefits of custard apples.

What is Custard Apple, and Where Does it Come From?

Custard apple is a sweet and fragrant tropical fruit that is also renowned for its multitude of health benefits. Native to Central and South America, the custard apple tree is now cultivated in many regions, such as India, Southeast Asia, northern Australia, and parts of Africa and the Caribbean, due to its delicious flavor and nutritional profile.

Appearance and Flavors

The exterior of a custard apple ranges from green to yellow in color, covered with knobbly bumps. Upon cutting it open, the flesh inside is cream or deep pink colored, segmented, and has a creamy, sweet pudding-like texture. Flavors commonly described include subtle notes of banana, mango, or pistachio.

Growing Conditions

Custard apple trees thrive in tropical or subtropical climates with rich, well-draining soil. During harvesting season from late spring through summer, the ripe fruits gently detach from the branch when ready to eat. Proper care, including partial shade, irrigation, and nutrient-dense soil, allows the trees to produce crops for over 50 years.

Nutritional Profile: What Makes Custard Apple a Superfood?

Custard apple is packed with an assortment of vitamins, minerals, potassium, magnesium, antioxidants and other beneficial plant compounds known to promote optimum health and well-being.

Key Nutrients

A single medium-sized custard apple (148 grams) contains only 81 calories yet delivers vitamin C (27% DV), vitamin B6 (10% DV), copper (10% DV), fiber (5% DV) and manganese (5% DV). Significant levels of antioxidants are also present.

Health-Boosting Compounds

Research has identified compounds like annitoside, annonacin, squamocin and liriodenine that have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and neuroprotective properties. The bulbous seeds also contain high amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids, protein and minerals.

6 Surprising Health Benefits of Custard Apple

1. Boosting Immunity: Can Custard Apple Help Fight Diseases?

Custard apple shows promise for augmenting the immune system’s ability to fend off pathogens and reduce inflammation. Studies have found:

Antioxidant Arsenal

The fruit is rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, carotenoids and phenolic compounds that scavenge disease-causing free radicals. Their protection at a cellular level may discourage chronic conditions from developing.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Compounds in custard apple have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in lab and animal tests. Calming overactive inflammation is key to preventing a host of ailments, from arthritis to asthma to heart disease.

Illness Prevention

Test-tube research credits custard apple extracts with inhibiting bacterial and fungal growth. Regular consumption could fortify immunity and reduce incidence of frequent illnesses like cold, flu and digestive issues.

2. Heart Health: Is Custard Apple Good for Your Cardiovascular System?

Emerging research hints at custard apple’s potential for maintaining a healthy heart. Some ways it may benefit the cardiovascular system include:

Lowers Blood Pressure

The potassium content works to balance sodium levels and promote elasticity in blood vessel walls, thus lowering blood pressure readings over time.

Cholesterol Control

Fiber binds to and eliminates excess cholesterol from the circulatory system before it can accumulate in artery walls or trigger heart attack/stroke risks.

Antioxidant Protection

Oxidative stress plays a major role in atherosclerosis and heart disease development. Custard apple’s antioxidant profile may help to safeguard vascular health for decades to come.

3. Digestive Health: How Does Custard Apple Benefit Your Gut?

As a high-fiber food, custard apple supports digestive regularity and intestinal microbe balance.

Relief from Constipation

Each serving provides almost 5 grams of fiber to soften stool, prevent constipation and promote regular bowel movements.

Prebiotic Fiber

The soluble and insoluble fibers in custard apple feed beneficial gut bacteria. A healthy microbiome defends against infection and supports whole-body wellness.

Soothes the Stomach

Compounds like annonacin have anti-ulcer properties and may relieve abdominal discomfort or inflammation from irritable bowel disease.

4. Eye Health: Can Custard Apple Improve Your Vision?

Custard apple could sharpen eyesight and slow macular degeneration thanks to its antioxidant activity.

Blocks Free Radicals

The retina and macula are prone to oxidative stress from blue light exposure. Antioxidants in custard apple safeguard delicate eye tissues.

Reduces Macular Degeneration Risk

Animal research links custard apple intake to deterring macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness. More human trials are needed, however.

Vision Protection

Vitamin A, vitamin C and other protective nutrients in custard apple support clear vision and overall eye health as aging progresses.

5. Weight Management: Is Custard Apple a Good Addition to Your Diet?

Adding custard apple to a balanced diet supports maintaining a healthy weight.

Keeps You Feeling Full

With 4 grams of fiber per serving, custard apple fills you up to help prevent overeating. This effect may lead to gradual, sustainable weight loss.

Low-Calorie, Nutrient-Dense

At only 80 calories per fruit, custard apple provides vitamins, minerals and antioxidants with minimal impact on calorie intake goals.

Boosts Metabolism

Water and soluble fiber in custard apple require extra calories to digest, raising metabolic rate slightly and encouraging fat burn.

6. Skin Health: Can Custard Apple Give You Glowing Skin?

Both when consumed internally and applied topically, custard apple benefits skin with blemish-fighting nutrients.

Evens Skin Tone

Vitamin C brightens and reduces age spots, while polyphenols prevent hyperpigmentation for an even-toned, youthful complexion.

Protects from Sun Damage

Antioxidants shield against harmful free radicals caused by UV ray exposure that lead to premature skin aging.

Hydrating Moisture

The oil-soluble compounds in custard apple soothe dryness with lasting hydration and moisture retention without clogging pores.

Read more: Growing Sugar Apple Tree

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can eating custard apple improve heart health?

There is promising research that suggests custard apples can indeed support cardiovascular health in multiple ways. As a good source of potassium, its regular consumption helps balance sodium levels in the body, which is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure. Custard apple is also high in dietary fiber, which binds to and removes excess cholesterol from the circulatory system. 

What are the potential effects of custard apples on cancer prevention?

Certain compounds isolated from custard apples have demonstrated anti-cancer properties in lab and animal research. Extracts have been shown to suppress tumor growth and kill cancerous cells. They achieve this through inducing cell death, slowing proliferation, and inhibiting metastasis. While human evidence is still evolving, some studies link regular intake of antioxidant-rich fruits to a reduced risk of certain cancers developing, like those of the breast, prostate, lungs, and colon. 

How can custard apples benefit eye health?

As a powerhouse of antioxidants like vitamin C, carotenoids, and flavonoids, custard apple is nourishing for the delicate eye tissues. These compounds work to defend the retina and macula from oxidative stress caused by blue light exposure that can otherwise lead to permanent damage. 

Are there any precautions to consider when eating custard apples?

Generally, custard apple is well-tolerated when consumed in moderation as part of a varied diet. However, some precautions apply. People with allergies to other tropical fruits need to check for custard apple allergy symptoms. There is also a small possibility of food poisoning from underripe fruits. 

What are some creative ways to incorporate custard apples into my diet?

Beyond simply snacking on custard apple halves, there are many ways to enjoy this versatile fruit. Smoothies are a delicious way to boost nutritional intake, such as blending the flesh with yogurt, bananas, and spinach. Custard apple also adds natural sweetness and texture to oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, or ice cream. Dessert fans can find recipes online for custard apple pies, strudels, or crumbles using the fresh or canned fruit.