Custard apple: Health benefits, nutrients and uses

Last Updated on May 5, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Custard apple or sugar apple or sitaphal, is a tropical fruit that is native to South America. However, it is now cultivated in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Custard apple has a unique flavour, which people describe as a combination of sweet and sour with a creamy texture resembling custard. It is not only a delicious fruit, but it is also packed with nutrients and has several health benefits. Custard apple is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibre. Studies show that they antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. Custard apple is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. This article provides a comprehensive information about the health benefits of custard apple.

Health benefits of custard apple

Rich in antioxidants

Custard apple is a rich source of antioxidants, which are essential for combating free radicals in the body. When free radicals accumulate in high amounts, they can cause oxidative stress, leading to chronic illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. Custard apple contains several antioxidant compounds, including flavonoids, carotenoids, vitamin C, and kaurenoic acid, that help to neutralise free radicals.

May boost your mood

Custard apple is a rich source of vitamin B6, with one cup of the fruit (160 grams) containing 24% of the recommended daily intake. Vitamin B6 plays a vital role in the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin that regulate mood. Inadequate levels of this vitamin may contribute to mood disorders. Low blood levels may lead to depression, particularly in older adults. A study showed that vitamin B6 deficiency doubled the risk of depression in older adults. Eating foods like custard apple that are high in vitamin B6 can help boost levels of this important vitamin and reduce the risk of depression associated with its deficiency.

Anti-tumour activity

Custard apple is a plant that has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties. Researchers found that the defatted seeds of the plant contain potent bioactive compounds that have significant anti-tumor activity. The extracts may down-regulate anti-apoptotic genes and decrease intracellular levels of glutathione (GSH). Researchers found the aqueous extract of the plant’s seeds to possess significant anti-tumor activity in vivo against AD-5 tumour. The extracts of custard apple seeds have also shown significant anti-tumor activities against human hepatoma cells in vitro and in vivo, indicating their potential as a novel anti-cancer drug for liver cancer.

May work as an anti-HIV agent

Researchers conducted a study on the immune properties of custard apple leaf extracts against HIV. They found that the extract of custard apple exhibited positive results when evaluated for anti-HIV screening. The study also discovered new chemical compounds and established their structures through spectral analyses and chemical evidence. One of the 14 isolated compounds, 16β, 17-dihydroxy-ent- kauran-19-oic acid, may be effective in inhibiting HIV replication in H9 lymphocyte cells with an EC50 value of 0.8 μg/ml. This suggests that custard apple leaf extracts may have potential as a treatment for HIV.

May prevent ageing

Custard apple, also known as sitaphal, contains significant amounts of L-lysine and L-proline, which are essential amino acids for collagen production. Collagen provides the skin tissues with structure and elasticity. Custard apple is also a rich source of antioxidants that protect cell membranes from damage caused by free radicals, which contributes to the signs of ageing. It helps in the growth of new skin cells, which reduces wrinkles and discoloration associated with ageing, and also improves skin tone and firmness.

May calm down stress and depression

According to researchers, sitaphal is a rich source of vitamin B complex, which helps in regulating the GABA neuron chemicals in the brain. This, in turn, helps to calm down the mind and alleviate conditions such as stress, tension, irritability, and depression.

Makes digestive system strong

According to researchers, custard apples can help in the proper functioning of the bowels by eliminating toxins from the intestine, preventing stomach-related ailments such as heartburn, ulcer, gastritis and acidity. It is also effective in treating indigestion. In traditional medicine, people dry and crush unripe custard apple to treat diarrhoea and dysentery. Additionally, custard apple is a rich source of dietary fibre, with one medium-sized fruit containing 6 grams of dietary fibre, which amounts to almost 90% of the recommended daily intake. The fibre helps to add bulk to the stools, relieving constipation.

May reduces bad cholesterol

A balanced lipid profile is important for good health, but an imbalance can lead to various diseases. However, studies show that extracts from the leaves of custard apple can help reduce total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides while increasing HDL levels. These extracts also aid in weight loss and promote a healthy lipid profile.

Conclusion

Custard apples are a delicious and nutritious fruit that offers various health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help in improving immunity, fighting chronic diseases, promoting healthy skin, and aiding digestion. Moreover, its potential anti-cancer, anti-HIV, and anti-inflammatory properties make it a promising ingredient in the development of novel drugs. With its unique taste and numerous health benefits, custard apple is definitely a fruit that should be included in a healthy and balanced diet.

FAQ on Custard Apple

Should I eat custard apple if I have a heart condition?

Yes. Custard apple is low in fat and a good source of dietary fibre, potassium, and vitamin C. Consuming custard apples in moderation as part of a balanced diet that is low in saturated and trans fats and high in fibre and heart-healthy nutrients may be beneficial for people with heart conditions.

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Should I eat custard apple if I have a kidney problem?

No. If you have a kidney problem, it is important to follow a renal diet that is low in potassium, phosphorus, and sodium to prevent further kidney damage. Custard apple is relatively high in potassium, which can be a concern for people with kidney problems.

Should I eat custard apple if I have a liver problem?

May be. If you have a liver problem, it is important to follow a liver-healthy diet that is low in fat, sugar, and sodium to prevent further liver damage. Custard apple is low in fat and sodium, but relatively high in natural sugars. While there is limited research on the effects of custard apple on liver health specifically, consuming too much sugar can put a strain on the liver and may exacerbate certain liver conditions, such as fatty liver disease.

Should I eat custard apple if I have diabetes?

No. If you have diabetes, it’s important to monitor your intake of carbohydrates, as they can raise your blood sugar levels. Custard apple, also known as sugar apple, is a fruit that is relatively high in carbohydrates and natural sugars, so it’s best to consume it in moderation if you have diabetes. While the fibre in custard apple can help slow the absorption of carbohydrates and sugars into the bloodstream, it’s still important to be mindful of portion sizes and consume it as part of a balanced diet.

Should I eat custard apple if I have high cholesterol?

Yes. Custard apple is a good source of dietary fibre, which can help reduce cholesterol levels by binding to cholesterol and preventing it from being absorbed into the bloodstream. Therefore, consuming custard apple in moderation as part of a balanced diet may be beneficial for people with high cholesterol.

Should I eat custard apple if my bones are weak?

Custard apple is relatively low in calcium and vitamin D, which are important nutrients for bone health. If your bones are weak, it is important to follow a diet that is rich in calcium, vitamin D, and other bone-healthy nutrients to support bone health. While custard apple does contain some minerals that are beneficial for bone health, such as magnesium and potassium, it is not considered a particularly rich source of these nutrients.