What is custard apple

7 Surprising Benefits of Custard Apple (Sugar-Apple)

by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) last updated — February 17, 2020 ✓ Evidence Based

For those who have never eaten a custard apple, this is a delightful exotic fruit with quite a few important nutrients, a unique taste, and various impressive health benefits.

What is a Custard Apple?

A custard apple is a tropical fruit that is native to Central America and parts of South America, scientifically known as Annona reticulata. Closely related to the soursop, sugar apple, and various citrus fruits, this unique fruit grows on a shrub of the same name and may be called sharifa or sitaphal (India) or bullock’s heart, depending on where in the world you happen to be. The fruit grows from different ovaries that coalesce into one fruit, which is slightly larger than a sugar apple and has a rough exterior. It is vaguely heart-shaped and has a variety of cultivars, meaning that it can be a number of different colors, including maroon, green, brown or yellow. [1]

The fruit of the custard apple is soft and mealy and is best eaten with a spoon, after removing the numerous black seeds. The consistency of the fruit is what gives it the name “custard”, and it has a tangy and sweet flavor. This fruit has been popular in tropical areas of the world for centuries but has only recently been spread to much of the western world.

Deseeding custard apple is time-consuming work but totally worth it. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Serving Size : Nutrient Value Water [g] 71.5 Energy 101 Energy [kJ] 423 Protein [g] 1.7 Total lipid (fat) [g] 0.6 Ash [g] 1 Carbohydrate, by difference [g] 25.2 Fiber, total dietary [g] 2.4 Calcium, Ca [mg] 30 Iron, Fe [mg] 0.71 Magnesium, Mg [mg] 18 Phosphorus, P [mg] 21 Potassium, K [mg] 382 Sodium, Na [mg] 4 Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid [mg] 19.2 Thiamin [mg] 0.08 Riboflavin [mg] 0.1 Niacin [mg] 0.5 Pantothenic acid [mg] 0.14 Vitamin B-6 [mg] 0.22 Vitamin A, RAE [µg] 2 Vitamin A, IU [IU] 33 Fatty acids, total saturated [g] 0.23 Tryptophan [g] 0.01 Lysine [g] 0.04 Methionine [g] 0 Sources include : USDA [2]

Custard Apple Nutrition

Custard apple possesses quite a few nutrients, including high levels of vitamin C and vitamin B6, as well as calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron. There are no fats or cholesterol found in the fruit, and most of its calories (101 calories per 100 grams) comes from carbohydrates. Finally, there are various polyphenolic compounds found in this fruit with serious antioxidant potential, furthering boosting the value of this fruit in your diet. [3]

Custard Apple Health Benefits

The essential health benefits of custard apple include its ability to improve the appearance of the skin, boost hair health, strengthen the immune system, protect the brain, and benefit pregnancy, among others.

Skin Care

There are a good number of polyphenolic antioxidants in custard apple, which makes it an ideal solution for people who want to protect themselves against free radical damage. This can help to eliminate the signs of aging, such as wrinkles and age spots, as well as increasing skin elasticity to reduce the signs of aging. [4]

Hair Care

By regularly consuming this mineral-rich fruit, you can boost the strength of your hair, while also enjoying the beneficial effects of vitamin C. Collagen is essential for every part of the body, and vitamin C is required for its production, so this fruit can definitely help your hair loss and dandruff issues. [5]

Anti-cancer Potential

While human studies are required to explore the full potential of the anti-cancer properties of custard apple, animal studies have shown that custard apple pulp can inhibit the proliferation of prostate cancer cells. A 2016 research study by Gagan Deep et al. published in Scientific Reports studied the effects of the pulp on laboratory mice and concluded that custard apple (graviola) pulp could be developed for chemo-prevention use in normal/high-risk individuals as well as for intervention in prostate cancer patients. [6]

Improves Vision

Beta-carotene is found in limited quantities in custard apple, but with the other nutrients and antioxidants present in this fruit, regular consumption can help boost vision. This includes lowering your risk of macular degeneration and slowing the advance of cataracts as you age. [7]

Treats Diabetes

There is a very high level of dietary fiber found in custard apple, which can significantly slow down the release of insulin into your body, in response to the intake of sugar. This regulation is perfect for diabetic patients, who need to be mindful of their balance between glucose and insulin at all times. [8]

Prevents Arthritis

Studies have found certain anti-inflammatory properties in this unique apple, meaning that it can help to soothe the pain of arthritis, while also cutting down on inflammation in the gut and cardiovascular system. [9]

Boosts Immunity

There is an impressive amount of vitamin C in custard apple, which is a major kickstart for the immune system. Vitamin C can help to stimulate the production of white blood cells, which are the first line of defense for the body’s immune system. [10]

How to Eat a Custard Apple?

The easiest way to eat a custard apple is to simply slice it in half, revealing the central area that is usually filled with seeds. Then, scoop out the creamy flesh with a spoon, if you want to eat the fruit raw, and discard the seeds. You can also prepare various desserts with custard apple, as well as include it in fruit smoothies and as a topping for tarts and pies.

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32 Amazing Benefits And Uses Of Custard Apples

Custard apple, also known as Seetaphal in India, is a subtropical fruit belonging to the Annonacea 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. The skin of the fruit is thin and tough, mostly black and green in colour. The fruit is native to West Indies, Central America, Peru and Mexico. Check out the article to know about the types of custard apples, their benefits, and the nutritional value in detail.

Types Of Custard Apples:

1. 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. Its 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. This variety of custard apple is renowned for possessing almost no seeds.

2. 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. The fruit weighs between 500 grams to 800 grams and is mostly utilized for preparing salads and other savories.

3. Late Gold:

Late Gold is a stunning golden bronze custard apple with a soft skin. This variety of custard apple is quite rare and is mostly available in Northern Rivers.

4. Geffner:

Geffner is an Israeli variety of the custard apple with an exceptionally amazing taste.

5. Hilary White:

Hilary White has a relatively smooth skin and is average in size. It tastes same like the other varieties of custard apple.

Benefits Of Custard Apple for Health:

1. Helps To Gain Weight:

Custard apple is an ideal snack and/or dessert for those who wish to put on some weight. A calorie-laden fruit, the sugars present in it make peps up the metabolic rate, thus, stimulating the appetite levels. The more your appetite is, the better the food intake will be. This, in turn, can help you gain weight.

2. For A Better 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. Include just one serving of this creamy fruit in your daily diet for a better resistance against infectious agents. It scavenges harmful free radicals in the body, preventing the onset of various illnesses and diseases.

3. Replenish Your Energy Levels:

Custard apple is an excellent source of energy. It helps to fight exhaustion and eliminates muscle weakness.

4. Natural Anti-cancerous Properties:

The bark of custard apple contains astringent properties and tannins, which is utilized for making herbal supplements. These supplements 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. It acts against cancer cells, without adversely affecting healthy cells. Antioxidants such as asimicin and bullatacin are also found to have anti-cancer and anti-helminthes properties. These antioxidants neutralize the effects of free radicals, preventing cancer. It also contains significant fiber, which protects the colon membrane by warding off toxic substance from the gut, reducing the risk of liver and colon risk. It also provides protection from breast cancer.

5. For Better 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. 100 grams of custard apple contain 0.6 grams of vitamin B6, amounting to about 20% of the daily recommended value.

6. For A Strong Dental System:

The skin of custard apple is helpful for fighting against tooth and gum pain.

7. Keep Anemia Away With Custard Apple:

The high levels of iron in custard apple are very beneficial for curing anemia. The fruit is excellent in treating vomiting, gout and vitamin B6 deficiency.

8. For A Better Vision:

Custard apple contains riboflavin and vitamin C, which helps to combat free radical destruction. This helps in maintaining good eyesight.

9. 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.

10. For Better Cardiovascular Health:

The well-balanced ratio of sodium and potassium in custard apple regulates and controls blood pressure fluctuations in the body. The high levels of magnesium in custard apple unwinds the smooth muscles of the heart and calms the jerks and cramps, thus preventing heart attack and stroke. Niacin and fiber in custard apple lowers bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol in the body. It also prevents the absorption of cholesterol in the gut. Custard apple also prevents the free radicals from attacking lipid, promoting heart health.

11. Thwarts Off Diabetes:

The fiber in custard apple slows down the absorption of sugar in the body, reducing the risk of Type two Diabetes.

12. For A Stronger Digestive System:

This delicious fruit is very effective for treating indigestion. It flushes out the toxins from the intestine, aiding in proper functioning of the bowels. It also prevents stomach related diseases like heartburn, ulcer, gastritis and acidity. Custard apple in its unripe form is further dried and crushed to treat diarrhea and dysentery. One medium sized custard apple contains 6 grams of dietary fiber, amounting to almost 90% of the recommended amount. Fiber adds bulk to the stools, relieving constipation.

13. Good For Fetal Skin And Hair:

Custard apple contains high amounts of vitamin A and C, which is very beneficial for maintaining the skin, eyes and hair of the fetus.

14. Prevents Premature Labor:

Custard apple is an excellent source of copper. It is a trace mineral which helps the body to form hemoglobin. Pregnant women need 1000 micrograms of copper each day for proper development of the fetus. Low levels of copper in the body can lead to premature birth in the child. Consuming custard apple during pregnancy is very healthy.

15. Good For Fetal Brain Development:

Regular consumption of custard apple is also good for the growth of the baby. It also helps in the development of the brain of the fetus.

16. Excellent Source Of Iron:

Custard apple is a rich source of iron, which reduces the risk of premature birth of the baby. It reduces the extent of labor pain in expectant women. It is also known to increase the milk production in pregnant and lactating women.

17. Keeps Infections At Bay:

Custard apple contains high amounts of antioxidants, which keeps infection at bay.

18. Natural Antidote For Morning Sickness:

It also cures morning sickness in pregnant women. It fights nausea, numbness, food cravings and mood swings during pregnancy.

Custard apple is believed to be a good alternative to milk. Therefore, it is a perfect choice for pregnant women who are allergic to dairy products.

Benefits of Custard Apple for Skin:

19. 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.

20. Naturally Heals The Skin Infections:

The paste of custard apple is used to treat ulcer, abscesses, and boils. Vitamin C in custard apple helps in the healing of wounds and forming cartilage, tendons and ligaments. Consuming custard apple juice on a regular basis stimulates the development of new cells in the layers of the skin. It also assists in healing of abrasion and cuts. The latex of custard apple tree when applied on the skin treats skin diseases like inflammation, eczema and psoriasis.

21. 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. Vitamin C in custard apple combats free radicals in the body, providing a healthy, flawless and glowing skin. It promotes a healthy cell membrane. The antioxidants in custard apple neutralize free radicals, hastening the process of regeneration. It helps to delay the signs of ageing like age spots and blemishes. The antioxidants fight the harsh rays of the sun, protecting from sun damage. Consumption of custard apple helps in the regeneration of skin cells and contributes in making the skin youthful.

22. Keeps Skin Cancer Away:

The acetogenin compounds in custard apple help in the eradication of pre-cancerous skin lesion, preventing skin cancer.

23. Lowers Pigmentation Problems:

Custard apple decreases the clustering of melanin granules, reducing brown spots and pigmentation. It also helps to reverse the pigmentation caused due to the free radicals.

24. Eases Rosacea Symptoms:

The high levels of iron in custard apple increase blood circulation, reducing the symptoms of rosacea.

25. 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.

26. Natural Detoxifying Agent:

Custard apple is loaded with soluble fiber and antioxidants, making it an excellent laxative. Regular consumption of custard apple helps to get rid of toxins and waste, giving you a healthy and glowing skin.

Drinking custard apple juice evens out the skin tone and makes it firm by rejuvenating its appearance.

Benefits ofВ Custard Apple for Hair:

Custard apple contains vital nutrients like iron, magnesium, vitamin A and phosphorus, which can benefit the hair in multiple ways.

27. 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.

28. For Better Collagen Levels:

Vitamin C in custard apple contributes to the development of collagen, a protein which makes up the major portion of our hair and scalp.

29. For A Luxurious, Moisturized Hair:

Custard apple seed oil is useful for taming wavy and coarse hair. It hydrates and moisturizes the scalp, making the hair lustrous, voluminous and shiny. The high levels of vitamin A in custard apple seed oil hydrate the hair without weighing it down.

30. Prevents Premature Graying:

The high levels of copper in custard apple contribute to the formation of melanin, preventing premature hair graying. It also maintains the natural color of the hair.

31. Natural Antidote For Scalp Infections:

The vitamin C and antioxidants in custard apple regulate the sebum production in the scalp, reducing dandruff and flaky skin.

32. 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.

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 to the wound not only helps in healing, but also destroys the worms infested around the wounds.
• Add the decoction of custard apple leaves to your bath water to alleviate rheumatic pains.
• Sniffing crushed leaves of the custard apple plant prevents fainting spells and dizziness. Add a few drops of the decoction in the nose can bring an unconscious person back to consciousness.

Custard Apple Nutritional Value

• Custard apple is a packed with several essential nutrients. The fruit is a storehouse of Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Vitamin B6. It contains 35 grams of Vitamin V, amounting to 40% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C. It contains minerals like potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, copper, and dietary fiber.

Nutrients	Amount
Basic Components
Protein	5.2 g
Water	183 g
Ash	1.9 g
Calories
Total Calories	235
Calories From Carbohydrate	213
Calories From Fat	6.1
Calories From Protein	17
Carbohydrates
Total Carbohydrates	59 g
Dietary Fiber	11 g
Fats & Fatty Acids
Total Fat	725 mg
Saturated Fat	120 mg
Monounsaturated Fat	285 mg
Polyunsaturated Fat	100 mg
Omega-6 Fatty Acids	100 mg
Vitamins
Vitamin A	15 IU
Vitamin C	91 mg
Thiamin	275 mcg
Riboflavin	283 mcg
Niacin	2.2 mg
Vitamin B6	500 mcg
Folate	35 mcg
Pantothenic Acid	565 mcg
Minerals
Calcium	60 mg
Iron	1.5 mg
Magnesium	53 mg
Phosphorus	80 mg
Potassium	618 mg
Sodium	23 mg
Zinc	250 mcg
Copper	215 mcg
Selenium	1.5 mcg

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 to not consume custard apple in high amounts.

Now it is time you start including custard apple in your diet and reap the benefits it renders your health, hair, and skin.

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