Custard apple known as “Seetaphal” or “Sharifa” in Hindi, is a subtropical fruit belonging to the Annonaceae family. The fruit grows on a small deciduous tree and is known by different names worldwide. The fruit is around 8 centimeters in diameter and has a sweet and delicious taste. The shape of the fruit may be lopsided, irregular, spherical, heart-shaped, or round. It has a creamy and granular textured flesh, surrounded by seeds. There are amazing custard apple benefits which we will discuss here.
The skin of the fruit is thin and tough, mostly black and green in color. The fruit is native to West Indies, Central America, Peru, and Mexico. The fruit can be consumed just by itself or in the form of shakes, smoothies, desserts and ice cream.
Moreover, this tasty fruit is an excellent alternative to dairy products, making it perfect for those who are allergic to dairy products as it provides the same nutrition.
Types of Custard Apple
Late Gold
Late Gold is a stunning golden bronze custard apple with soft skin. This variety of custard apple is quite rare and is mostly available in Northern Rivers.
Pinks Mammoth
Pinks mammoth is a huge custard apple with an outstanding taste. It is named after Mr. Pink, the man who introduced it to Australia. It’s sweet and melting flavor makes it the most popular variant across the world. It is quite huge and could produce fruit weighing as much as 3 kg.
Hilary White
Hilary White has a relatively smooth skin and is average in size. It tastes the same as the other varieties of custard apple.
Geffner
Geffner is an Israeli variety of the custard apple with an exceptionally amazing taste.
African Pride
African Pride is a ten feet tall tree, bearing small-sized custard apple. The tree bears heart-shaped fruit with a relatively thick skin. The fruit has more seeds than pinks mammoth and yields are quite high. It is an early maturing fruit that makes it the most commercially popular variety of custard apple.
Custard Apple benefits for health (Cherimoya)
Improves Brain Health
Custard apple is a good source of B complex vitamins, which controls the GABA neuron chemical levels in the brain. This helps to calm down stress, tension, irritability, and depression. It also protects from Parkinson’s disease.
Reduces Cholesterol
Custard apples contain high levels of niacin and dietary fiber, custard Apple benefits and help lower cholesterol levels effectively.
Improves Vision
Custard apple contains riboflavin and vitamin C, which helps to combat free radical destruction. Custard Apple benefits in maintaining good eyesight.
Excellent Source of Iron
Custard apple is a rich source of iron, which reduces the risk of the premature birth of the baby. It reduces the extent of labor pain in expectant women. It is also known to increase milk production in pregnant and lactating women.
Helps To Gain Weight
Custard apple is an ideal snack or dessert for those who wish to put on some weight. A calorie-laden fruit, the sugars present in it makes peps up the metabolic rate, thus, stimulating the appetite levels. The more your appetite is, the better the food intake will be which in turn custard Apple benefits in gaining weight.
Prevents Asthma
Custard apple is rich in vitamin B6, which helps reduce bronchial inflammation and helps prevent asthmatic attacks.
Natural Anti-cancerous Properties
The bark of custard apple contains astringent properties and tannins, which is utilized for making herbal supplements which help in the treatment of several types of cancer and tumors. The fruit contains compounds like acetogenin and alkaloids that reduce the risk of cancer and renal failure. Antioxidants such as asimicin and bullatacin are also found to have anti-cancer and anti-helminths properties. These antioxidants neutralize the effects of free radicals, custard Apple benefits help in preventing cancer.
Lower the Risk of Arthritis
The high amount of magnesium in custard apple equalizes the water balance in the body and removes acids from the joint, reducing the symptoms of rheumatism and arthritis. Regular consumption also helps to fight muscle weakness. Custard apple also contains a decent amount of calcium, which is vital for bone health.
Controls Blood Pressure
Custard apples are good sources of potassium and magnesium which help keep the blood pressure levels in control. For those with fluctuating blood pressure levels, a custard apple a day will help keep them in control.
Prevents Premature Labor
Custard apple is an excellent source of copper. It is a trace mineral that helps the body to form hemoglobin. Low levels of copper in the body can lead to premature birth in the child. Consuming custard apple during pregnancy is very healthy.
Boost Immune System
Custard apples are excellent sources of the natural antioxidant Vitamin C. This vitamin is also renowned for its innate anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. It scavenges harmful free radicals in the body, preventing the onset of various illnesses and diseases.
Skin Benefits of Custard Apple
Keeps Skin Cancer Away
The acetogenin compounds in custard apple benefit the eradication of pre-cancerous skin lesions, preventing skin cancer.
Good For Skin Rejuvenation
Custard apple is not only a delicious fruit but is excellent for the skin as well. It contains nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B, antioxidants, which are required for rejuvenating the skin’s health.
Treating Anemia
Custard apples serve as a stimulant, coolant, expectorant, and haematinic. Moreover, the rich iron source is also useful in treating anemia.
Good For Pimple-Prone Skin
Consumption of custard apple decreases sebum production, controlling acne and pimples. Mix custard apple paste with lemon juice and use it three times a week to control sebum production. The anti-inflammatory properties of custard apple fight acne and clear the pores to prevent further breakout.
Delays Ageing And Keeps Skin Youthful
Regular consumption of custard apple thickens and stimulates the collagen to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. It increases the deposition of collagen and slows its breakdown, improving the elasticity of the skin. It also improves hydration in and around the cells.
Hair Benefits of Custard Apple
Prevents Premature Greying
The high levels of copper in custard apple contribute to the formation of melanin, custard Apple benefits in preventing premature hair greying. It also maintains the natural color of the hair.
For Better Hair Growth
It inhibits scalp inflammation, preventing hair fall. It also facilitates the absorption of nutrients, providing nourishment to the hair. The high amount of iron in custard apple improves blood circulation in the scalp, stimulating the follicles to promote hair growth.
Helps To Eliminate Lice
Unripe custard apple fruit powder can help you to get rid of lice. Mix the powder with water or coconut oil and apply it on the scalp. Wash it off after 10 minutes to treat hair lice and nits.
Side Effects of Custard Apples
- Custard apple is very cold in nature, so do not consume it in excess amounts as it can make one sick.
- The seeds of custard apple fruit are poisonous. Do not consume it.
- Since these fleshy, creamy fruits are rich in sugar, diabetes patients are advised not to consume custard apple in high amounts.
