Cherimoya Fruit (Custard Apple): 10 Major Health Benefits

The Cherimoya fruit is generally known as Sitafal or Sugar Apple or Custard Apple and is considered to be a fruit which belongs to the species Annona Cherimola. It is also native to South and Central America.

In this guide, we will discuss what it is, how to eat it, and what are the possible health benefits of Cherimoya

What Is A Cherimoya Fruit?

Cherimoya is basically a delicious, juicy and creamy fruit which resembles custard apple with its green outer skin consisting of overlapping scales and custardy flesh with the presence of several black seeds in it.

The only difference is that it is much smoother on the outside. So, it has more flesh and also, it is somewhat sweeter in taste. In fact, it is considered to be a variety of custard apple.

The inner flesh of this particular fruit usually starts turning brown as it ripens and so, it cannot be stored for a longer period of time. Also, the sugar which is present in the flesh will begin to ferment.

But, both the skin and also the seeds are inedible as they are extremely toxic. This fruit also finds its place amongst the healthiest fruits with its high nutrition including antioxidants and Vitamin C.

How To Eat Cherimoya?

Due to the creamy consistency and also a blend of mango, banana, coconut, strawberry, pineapple and papaya flavors, cherimoya is popularly known as ‘the tree of ice cream’. This is the main reason; this fruit is commonly used in ice creams and smoothies and also added to fruit salads or even used as a pie or mousse filling.

Now, let’s have a look at 10 health benefits of Cherimoya fruit.

10 Cherimoya Health Benefits

Cherimoya fruit is basically a very important source of Vitamin C which provides around 1/5^th of the daily recommended value.

Additionally, it is a very good source of fiber, potassium, carbohydrates, several essential vitamins, and minerals. Along with that, it is low in sodium and it is free of saturated fat and cholesterol. Thus, there are several cherimoya health benefits which include:

1) Boosts Immunity

Cherimoya is considered to be very rich in Vitamin C which again plays a very important role in the improvement of the immune system function. This nutrient helps in the elimination of the harmful free radicals from the body as it is a powerful natural antioxidant.

It also helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents. Also, it provides immunity against common diseases such as cold and flu and prevents infections.

2) Cardiovascular Benefits

There is the presence of a well-balanced ratio of potassium and sodium in Cherimoya which helps in the regulation off heart rate and blood pressure levels.

Apart from that, the consumption of Cherimoya has also proven to reduce the LDL or bad cholesterol and increase HDL or good cholesterol level in the blood. So, it helps in the improvement of blood flow towards the heart and provides protection against stroke, heart attack, and hypertension.

3) Anti Inflammatory Properties

The presence of high content of Vitamin C in Cherimoya helps in the protection of the body from damage by the inflammatory free radicals.

4) Prevents Cancer

As Cherimoya is rich in antioxidant and so, it possesses several anti-cancer benefits. Cancer cells are mainly formed due to the free radicals which are produced by oxidative stress. These antioxidants also contribute to the neutralization of the effect of free radicals.

Also, there is the presence of significant amounts of dietary fiber in Cherimoya which prevents the absorption of cholesterol in the gut and prevents the mucous membrane of the colon from exposure to the toxic substances. So, it contributes to reducing the risk of liver, colon and breast cancer.

5) Protection From Osteoporosis

There is the presence of calcium in Cherimoya fruit which is considered to be vital for bone health. In this way, it helps to prevent osteoporosis.

6) Brain Health

Cherimoya fruit is considered to be a good source of B vitamins particularly Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine. This again controls the GABA neurochemical levels in your brain. Presence of adequate GABA levels helps to calm down depression, irritability and headache ailments.

Vitamin B6 is also proved to be much effective against Parkinson’s disease and relieves tension and stress. Around 0.527 mg or 20% of daily recommended levels of vitamin B6 is contained in 100 grams of Cherimoya fruit.

7) Cytoprotective Properties

People also get cytoprotective benefits to their body by the Cherimoya fruit. Also, the fruit extracts enhance the survival of cells in your system by decreasing the release of LDH or lactate dehydrogenase from your body. High levels of LDH indicate that the cell has been damaged by injury or disease.

8) Rich In Antioxidants

Cherimoya also contains several polyphenolic antioxidants which are most prominent being annonaceous acetogenins. The compounds of acetogenic are also many powerful cytotoxins possessing anti-malarial, anti-cancer and anti-helminths properties. It is rich in Vitamin C which acts as a natural antioxidant by protecting our body against free radicals.

9) Great Source Of Minerals

Cherimoya generally contains abundant amounts of potassium which is required for a normal heartbeat and blood pressure. Along with that, it also protects our body from stroke and hypertension. By getting enough fiber, it also supports your bowel movement and body metabolism. It also contains zinc, sodium, magnesium, and manganese.

10) Medicinal Properties

This fruit is considered to be rich in vitamins, nutrients, antioxidants, and minerals. Along with that, it helps to cure certain diseases like diabetes, decalcifications, constipation, stomach contractions, anemia, intestinal transit problems, stomach cramps, hypertension and also other related problems.

Conclusion

In this way, it is particularly evident from the above section that there are several important health benefits of the Cherimoya fruit. Not only that, but this fruit also is considered to be very effective in the proper maintenance of skin health.

It reduces the signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines and also pigmentation which are caused as a result of damage which is caused to your skin by the action of free radicals. It also promotes healthy hair and is effective in the treatment of lice.