Custard apple, also known as “sitaphal” in Hindi, is a delicious fruit that is popular for its creamy, sweet flesh. This soft and creamy fruit has a hard rind and is full of nutrients. The fruit contains antioxidants and is high in nutrients like magnesium and potassium, offering a plethora of health benefits. In this post, we have outlined some of the most amazing health benefits of custard apple along with its nutritional value, and an easy recipe to go with.
Table of Content
- Nutrition Value of Custard Apple
- 9 Health Benefits of Custard Apple
- Best Ways to Consume Custard Apple
- Summary
Nutrition Value of Custard Apple
Custard apples are a rich source of nutrients and minerals required by the body. Let’s take a look at the table below to understand the nutritional values of the fruit.
A fresh, 100-gram custard apple contains:
- Calories – 94
- Proteins – 2.1 gms
- Dietary Fiber – 4.4 gms
- Total Fat – 0.0 gms
- Carbohydrates – 23.6 gms
With that in mind, let’s discuss the potential health benefits of consuming custard apples.
Health Benefits of Custard Apple
There are several advantages to eating custard apples. Various research and studies have proven the potential health benefits of custard apples. Listed below are some of the known health benefits of consuming custard apples.
1. Better cardiovascular health
Custard apple is one of the few fruits that contain a well-balanced ratio of potassium and sodium that helps in regulating and controlling blood pressure fluctuations in the body. The high magnesium content in custard apple relaxes the smooth heart muscles, thus preventing stroke and heart attack. Moreover, fiber and niacin in the fruit help in lowering bad cholesterol while increasing good cholesterol in the body. Most importantly it helps in preventing the absorption of cholesterol in the gut and averts the free radicals from affecting lipid.
2. Helps fight fatigue
Fatigue can result from a number of factors, including daily lifestyle as well as diseases. A 100-gram serving of custard apple contains 101 kilo calories (Kcal), which is roughly around 5% of the recommended dietary allowance. The fruit will keep you going with your day to day activities without any hassle.
3. Boosts eyesight
Custard apple is a rich source of vitamin C and riboflavin, two most essential nutrients that are responsible for keeping the eyes healthy. They also help in fighting free radicals from damaging the cells. As we age, weak eyesight is a common problem. In this day and age where we are glued to the screens of our phone, TV, tablets, and laptops, it is important to take good care of your eyes. The essential nutrients in custard apple prevent your eyes from drying out allowing them to function properly.
4. Boasts natural anti-cancerous properties
Custard apples are rich in flavonoids which are helpful in treating numerous types of tumors and cancers. The fruit also contains elements like alkaloids and acetogenin that are known to reduce the risk of renal failure and cancer. The antioxidant properties of custard apple act against cancer-causing cells, without affecting the healthy cells. Bullatacin and asimicin are two antioxidant compounds that have anti-helminths and anti-cancer properties. They help in counteracting the effects of free radicals, thus avoiding cancer.
5. Lowers the risk of arthritis
Custard apples are a rich source of magnesium. When consumed, magnesium helps in equalizing the water balance in the body, therefore eradicating acids from the joints. This ultimately helps in reducing the symptoms of arthritis and rheumatism. According to experts, regular consumption of the fruit also helps in fighting muscle weakness. Custard apples also contain calcium which is essential for bone health.
6. Custard apple for better brain health
Custard apples contain B complex vitamins in abundance. B complex vitamins are known for controlling your brain’s GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) neuron chemical levels. This is what influences different emotions, including depression, irritability, tension, and stress. The B complex vitamins help the brain to calm down, especially when you are stressed about something or are depressed. According to experts, it is a great food to have to protect against Parkinson’s disease. 100 gms of custard apple contains 0.6 gms of Vitamin B6 which is 15-20% of the daily recommended value.
7. Remedy for inflammatory diseases
Custard apple is a highly recommended fruit for people suffering from inflammatory diseases like gout and rheumatoid arthritis. The antioxidants present in the fruit can help curb pain related to auto-inflammatory diseases and conditions. Not only the fruit, but the leaves of custard apple have also been known to possess anti-inflammatory properties.
8. Keeps skin youthful and delays aging
Eating custard apple has shown to stimulate and increase collagen production in the body. Collagen is a protein that gives the skin its elasticity, plumpness, and smoothness. As we age, collagen production becomes slow. This results in the formation of crease lines on the skin, sagginess of the skin, and wrinkly skin. Consuming custard apple thickens and stimulates the production of collagen, therefore reducing the fine lines and wrinkles. The compounds present in custard apple slow down the breakdown of collagen, improving the elasticity of the skin and keeping the skin hydrated. The presence of antioxidants in the fruit ensures that signs like blemishes and age spots are delayed. Last but not least, it is essential for the regeneration of the skin cells, which keeps the skin look youthful all the time.
9. Prevents anemia
Anemia occurs due to a disorder within the body. It leads to the body having less than regular amounts of hemoglobin or red blood cells in the body. The red blood cells use hemoglobin for transporting oxygen all around the body, allowing the body to perform numerous functions. Lower amounts of red blood cells or hemoglobin result in the blood lacking an adequate amount of oxygen. This makes the lungs and the heart work harder to produce more oxygen. Custard apple is known as a haematinic as well as an expectorant, which helps in dealing with conditions like anemia.
Best Ways to Consume Custard Apple
While custard apple is better served raw and fresh, it can be used as seasonings or dressings. You can mix the white creamy pulp with other fruits in salads or can use the pulp as a topping for your ice cream. Now, in this section, we are going to tell you how to make custard apple ice cream at home.
Ingredients:
- Custard apple – 3/4 cup (deseeded)
- Vanilla essence – 1 tablespoon
- 1 Frozen Banana
- Fresh cream – 100 grams
- Milk powder – 1 cup
- Milk – 2 cups
Directions:
- Add all ingredients in a blender along with 1/2 cup of custard apple and blend till smooth. Mix well until no sediments or lump are formed
- Fold the remaining custard apple into the blended mix till well incorporated.
- Take a shallow container, and pour the mixture
- Cover the container with foil paper and freeze it until it is set
- Your custard apple ice cream is ready. Serve and enjoy!
Summary
Custard apples are not only delicious but also boast several health benefits. From lowering the risks of arthritis to fighting cancer-causing cells, preventing inflammation, boosting brain health, and more. Custard apple is among the top foods that can help you lead a healthy life. It is filled with mineral, nutrients, and vitamins in the right amounts that make up for your daily recommended intake. You can have it raw or as dressing for salad and shakes.
