Custard apple is a delicious fruit commonly prominent for its creamy and sweet flesh. It is also known as Sitaphal and Cherimoya and varies in different shapes. People consume it raw or with salad and shakes.
It is a sub-tropical deciduous tree hailing from the Annonaceae family. It is beneficial for traditional medicines and numerous species which are commercially grown for edible fruits.
It is generally discovered in South East Asia and is primarily eaten with a spoon and served chilled like custard. The ripe custard apples produce when they are compressed. The hard custard apples should be kept at room temperature until they soften and then refrigerate.
One should avoid dark blemishes and pick the fruit that carries weight for its size. The skin and seeds of it should be removed when it comes to preparation. In the subtropical climates, it takes between 20 and 25 weeks to arrive at maturity where the days are not much warm and the nights are not too cool.
Custard Apple of 160 grams comprises 120 K Calories, 2.51 grams protein, 28.34 grams carbohydrate, 16 mg calcium, 0.43 mg iron, 27 mg Magnesium, 42mg Phosphorus, 459 mg Potassium and 0.26 mg Zinc.
Following are the health benefits of custard apple
- Reduces Oxidative stress: The plant Annona Squamosa contains bioactive parts in it. Many antioxidants are involved in the custard apple such as Vitamin C, flavonoids. These are helpful in lowering oxidative stress.
- Improves cardiovascular health: Custard apple contains potassium and sodium that helps in maintaining and preventing blood pressure fluctuations in the human body. The high magnesium content in custard apple eases the smooth heart muscles, and avoids stroke and heart attack. Fiber and niacin in the fruit assist in reducing bad cholesterol while raising good cholesterol in the body. It prevents the intake of cholesterol in the gut.
- Healthy for bones: Vitamin K has a significant role in bone metabolism. It can be consumed by having 100 gms of Custard apple. It safeguards against osteoporosis and includes Phosphorus which assists in maintaining healthy bones.
- Prevents inflammatory diseases: People who endure inflammatory diseases, namely gout and rheumatoid arthritis, intake custard apples. The antioxidants available in the fruit relieve pain related to auto-inflammatory diseases and conditions. Apart from the fruit, the leaves of custard apple have also been known to have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Improves digestion: To keep the body healthy, custard apples are rich in copper and dietary fibre. The presence of fibre helps in the digestion process by making stools softer and helping in flow of food. Magnesium which is present in custard apples also aids in resolving indigestion issues and preventing constipation.
- Helps in battling fatigue: Custard apple serves as a rapid source of energy besides helping fight tiredness and weakness. Since Custard apples include potassium, it removes muscle weakness and prevents body fatigue by enhancing blood supply.
