Custard Apple

Custard apple is synonymous with the chilly weather in India, being extensively used in desserts, such as kheers, milkshakes and ice creams, for its intense sugary flavour. Moreover, this delightful winter fruit offers some fabulous wellness incentives such as renewing skin texture, boosting vitality and managing diabetes.Locally known as “Sitaphal” in Hindi and Telugu, “Sharifa” in Punjabi and “Seethapazham” in Malayalam, the custard apple is also called sugar apple, cherimoya or sweetsop. The scientific names for the different varieties of this tasty fruit are Annona squamosa, Annona cherimola and Annona reticulate.

The custard apple tree grows up to a height of 5 to 9 feet, carrying huge green leaves and yellow flowers shaped like a trumpet. The fruits are either green or brown in colour and oblong in shape. When completely ripened, the flesh of the custard apple fruit has many black seeds, with a fragrant and sweet-tasting pulp.

Custard apples supply carbs for instant vigour. They are low in unhealthy or saturated fats and packed with beneficial dietary fibers. In addition, this exotic fruit comprises umpteen valuable nutrients and antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, the B vitamins, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, carotenoids and flavonoids

Native to countries in South America and Asia, the custard apple tree holds the unique trait of being drought-resistant, sprouting even in extreme climates and rocky soils. This, coupled with its inherent nourishing components and innumerable advantages for well-being, make it a forerunner for tackling malnutrition and mineral deficiencies.

Read on, to discover the awesome wellness rewards of adding the luscious custard apple fruit to the diet.

Custard Apple Health Benefits:
Provides Ample Energy
With a high calorific value, custard apple provides the simple sugars glucose and fructose, for sustaining the body’s energy requirements. Also, being rich in iron, it eliminates lethargy and cures anaemia.

Treats Skin Infections
Custard apples are a treasure trove of skin-enriching elements, namely vitamin B5, vitamin C, vitamin A, zinc and copper. These work in synergy, to effectively heal acne, abscesses, allergies and other skin ailments.

Possesses Anti-Cancer Properties
Various scientific studies have proved that the acetogenin compounds in custard apple display cancer-reversing qualities. Including custard apples to the daily diet, thus, efficiently mends tumours and inflammation.

Controls Diabetes Symptoms
Apart from being a low glycemic index fruit, custard apples are bestowed with polyphenolic antioxidants. These vastly elevate insulin production and glucose absorption, thereby keeping diabetes in check.

Enhances Brain Activity
Custard apples are naturally endowed with vitamin B6, which stimulates the brain. It is hence useful for proper nerve signalling, increasing concentration, alleviating depression and uplifting moods