Custard apples originated in South America and the West Indies, and were an important part of the diet of indigenous peoples in those areas. Today, custard apples are cultivated in Asia, Australia, Spain, Israel, India, and other warm climates.
The name custard apple actually refers to both the fruit and the deciduous tree that grows it. While it holds the shape of a typical apple, a custard apple has green, leathery skin that is bumpy and heavily dimpled.
Inside, the pulp is white or yellowish, sweet, and very soft in texture. ทางเข้า https://ufabet999.app The inside of a custard apple has large black seeds that represent watermelon seeds.
7 Health Benefits of Custard Apples
So, is the custard apple a healthy fruit? Here’s what you need to know:
Just one cup of the pulp of a custard apple provides the following macronutrients:
- 59 grams of carbohydrates
- 5.2 grams of protein
- 11 grams of dietary fiber
- 0.7 grams of fat
The same serving size of a custard apple contains 235 calories and is a source of nutrients like iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus.
If the impressive vitamin and mineral content of this fruit hasn’t impressed you, here are a few more reasons why you may want to start snacking on custard apples.
1) Contain Beneficial Antioxidants
Custard apples are brimming with antioxidants called carotenoids. Their leaves contain phenols, flavonoids, and other bioactive compounds that may have anticancer, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Antioxidants help fight off free radicals in the body, which are shown to increase the risk for several chronic illnesses. However, more studies are needed to determine the full impact of plant-based bioactive compounds as sources of antioxidants in the body, since their metabolism may be complex.
Custard apple leaves are widely used as a dietary supplement for the treatment of diabetes. If you are living with diabetes, make sure to talk to your doctor before taking any new supplements.
2) May Help Lower Blood Pressure
Custard apples are brimming with potassium—one cup contains 618 milligrams. Studies show that dietary potassium can significantly lower blood pressure.
A high intake of fruits rich in potassium may improve blood pressure levels, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
3) Can Support Liver Health
Some studies show that eating custard apple leaves may be beneficial for liver health. Fatty liver disease is a disorder caused by an imbalance in the production and metabolization of fat in the body.
This disease can be caused by lifestyle factors like diet, lack of exercise, and stress. Research suggests that the bioactive compounds present in custard apple leaves may have protective effects on these liver cells, reducing their oxidative stress.
4) May Be Good for Gut Health
Custard apples are full of fiber, which is crucial for healthy digestion. Fiber isn’t absorbed by the body, so it stays mostly intact as it passes through your digestive system.
Fiber plays an important role in bulking up and softening your stool, reducing constipation, and making it easier to pass out of your body. This may reduce the risk of developing hemorrhoids, diverticular disease, and colorectal cancer.
Some studies suggest that custard apple seeds are a source of prebiotics, which act as food for the healthy bacteria in your gut. Prebiotics help maintain the balance of the gut microbiome and regulate bowel movements. However, there are also concerns about the potential toxicity of the seed, so caution is warranted in certain situations.
They may also enhance the body’s anti-inflammatory response, among other things.
5) May Support Immune Health
Custard apples are a good source of vitamin C, which is important for a healthy immune system. Vitamin C helps support the epithelial barrier, which keeps out invading microorganisms and pathogens. It also acts as an antioxidant, which protects against oxidative stress.
Custard apples also contain vitamin B9, also called folate. Folate is necessary for many processes that keep the immune system functioning, including the synthesis of proteins and DNA.
Folate deficiency has also been linked to a decreased activity of immune system cells.
6) May Protect Cardiovascular Health
Custard apples are rich in fiber, which has been shown to benefit heart health. The antioxidants in custard apples may also reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of custard apple’s bioactive compounds (polyphenols in particular) have been shown to decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Custard Apples and Blood Sugar
Some research suggests that custard apple leaves may have a positive effect on blood sugar. In one study, the bioactive components in the leaves were shown to increase glucose uptake, though it’s still unclear exactly why.
Animal studies have shown that custard apple leaf extracts significantly improved insulin secretion and reduced blood sugar levels in diabetic rats. In this study, these extracts increased the amount of insulin in diabetic rats by stimulating pancreatic cells.
The extract also appeared to increase the uptake of glucose in the muscles and inhibit glucose output from the liver. These findings are promising, but more research is needed before these extracts can be recommended as a treatment for diabetes.
The nutritional content of custard apples may also benefit glucose, especially because of their high fiber content. In addition to supporting gut health, fiber can help regulate blood sugar.
Do Custard Apples Have any Side Effects?
Researchers say it’s safe to consume custard apples in moderation, but eating them in large quantities may have negative effects. This is because custard apples, soursop, and similar fruits contain long-chain fatty acids called annonacin.
Annonacin is a neurotoxin that may cause neurological damage if eaten in large amounts. Custard apple seeds may also have toxic properties.
One report found that patients who had ocular exposure to custard apple seed powder experienced negative side effects, including light sensitivity and severe pain, redness, and watering of the eyes.