Cherimoya, popularly known as custard apple, is a health reservoir in addition to its delicious flavour. Originating in South America, this green, heart-shaped fruit is a favourite among fruit lovers worldwide, given its creamy texture that reminds of custard. Beyond its delicious flavour and distinctive texture, cherimoya has many nutrients that provide unexpected health advantages.
What are the Health Benefits of Custard Apple?
This article explores eight surprising benefits of custard apple you should include in your diet.
- Can enhance eye health: Rich in carotenoid antioxidant lutein, which combats free radicals to preserve healthy eyesight, cherimoya is an excellent source of antioxidants for your eyes. Several studies have linked high lutein intake to good eye health and a decreased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a disorder characterised by vision loss and eye damage. Besides protecting from cataracts, a clouding of the lens that results in poor vision and vision loss, lutein may also guard against other eye conditions. Thus, eating foods high in lutein, including cherimoya, can improve eye health and lower the risk of diseases such as AMD and cataracts.
- Can promote healthy digestion: One cup of cherimoya contains about 5 grams of dietary fibre or more than 17% of the recommended dietary intake (RDI). Fibre gives stool weight and helps it pass through your intestine as it cannot be digested or absorbed. Furthermore, soluble fibres, such as those in cherimoya, can ferment to form short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and nourish the beneficial bacteria in your stomach. Propionate, acetate, and butyrate are some of these acids.
Besides providing your body with energy, SCFAs may help prevent inflammatory diseases of the digestive system, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Custard apples and other high-fibre meals support regular bowel motions and the health of the digestive system by feeding gut flora.
- Can bolster immunity: One of the benefits of custard apple is that they are rich in vitamin C, which boosts immunity by warding off illnesses and infections. Reduced immunity and a higher risk of infection are associated with vitamin C deficiency.
Human studies further suggest that vitamin C could lessen the duration of the common cold. A straightforward method to ensure your immune system is functioning properly is to eat cherimoya and other foods high in this vitamin.