Custard apples, also known as chermoyas and atis, and are native to South America, West Indies and some parts of Asia. The flesh is white in color and has a creamy texture. The pulp coats black shiny seeds that are not consumed. Custard apple, with its high calories and natural sugars, are great as a dessert and as a nutritious snack.
The fruit can be consumed just by itself or as shakes, smoothies, deserts, parfaits, crumbles 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.
Custard Apple Nutritional Value
Custard apples are rich in anti-oxidants such as vitamin C, which helps get rid of free radicals from the body. The fruit is also rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin B6. It contains 35 grams of Vitamin V, amounting to 40% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C. It also contains minerals like potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, copper, and dietary fiber.
Benefits Of Custard Apple
There are many health benefits of custard apples. They help with:
1. Healthy Skin and Hair:
With high-levels of vitamin A, custard apples are great for healthy skin, healthy hair and better eyesight. It plays a role in moisturizing and anti-aging. The creamy flesh or pulp can be used as a balm to treat boils and ulcers. The outer skin of custard apple is helpful in combating against tooth decay and gum pain (1).
2. Healthy Weight:
Custard apples are good for those who need to gain weight. A mixture of honey and custard apple when consumed regularly will help add on the required weight and those much required calories. All in the healthy way (2)
Custard apples essentially help develop the brain, nervous system and immune system of a fetus. Regular consumption of custard apples also reduces the risk of miscarriage during pregnancy and minimizes the extent of labor pain during childbirth. The pregnancy-friendly fruit also helps the expectant mother to cope with morning sickness, nausea, numbness and mood swings. Regular consumption during pregnancy is excellent for production of breast milk. It also supports healthy weight gain and lowers the risk of constipation during pregnancy.
4. Prevents Asthma:
Custard apple is rich in vitamin B6, which help reduce the bronchial inflammation and help prevent asthmatic attacks.
5. Prevents Heart Attacks:
The magnesium content in custard apples helps defend the heart from cardiac attack and can help relax the muscles. Moreover, vitamin B6 in custard apples help prevent homocystein collection which also minimize the risk of heart diseases.
6. Aids Digestion:
Custard apple is rich in copper and dietary fibre, which helps assist digestion, help ease bowel movement and relives from constipation. Sun dried custard apple pulp can be crushed into powder and consumption of the powder with water will help heal diarrhea.
Having custard apple for diabetes is considered very effective. The abundance of dietary fiber in custard apple helps slow down the absorption of sugar and reduces the risk of developing type-2 diabetes.
8. 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, it has been suggested that a custard apple a day will help keep them in control.
9. Reduces Cholesterol:
Custard apples contain high levels of niacin and dietary fiber, which help lower cholesterol levels effectively.
Custard apples serve as a stimulant, coolant, expectorant and haematnic. This rich iron source is also useful in treating anemia.
Other Benefits Of Custard Apple:
- A decoction made of custard apple leaves promote healthy blood flow during menstruation.
- The decoction can also be used to relieve dysentery, cold and fever.
- The juice of unripe custard apple is useful for treating insect bites.
- A paste made of custard apple leaves applied is said to the wound helps in healing.
- A decoction of custard apple leaves in your bath water helps to alleviate rheumatic pains.
Side Effects Of Custard Apples:
- It may be a good idea to consume custard apples in moderation (if consumed 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 to not consume custard apple in high amounts.
Are you a custard apple fan?