Cherimoya (Annona cherimola) or custard apple is a tropical fruit that has green-colored, leathery skin, and creamy flesh.
The flesh is sweet and has a grainy texture, with large black seeds that are easily removed. It is often eaten raw, blended into smoothies, or added to fruit salad, yogurt, oatmeal, or even soup.
Cherimoya is rich in nutrients including antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Learn about the nutritional value and health benefits of this tropical fruit.What is the nutritional value of cherimoya?
Cherimoya is relatively low in fat and calories, with only 75 calories per 100-gram serving. It is nutrient-dense, being rich in vitamins C and B, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. Moreover, it contains several polyphenolic antioxidants that have a powerful protective effect on your health.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 94 |
| Proteins | 2.1 grams |
| Dietary fiber | 4.4 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 23.6 grams |
| Total fat | 0 grams |
8 health benefits of custard apple
1. Helps digestion
Custard apple is high in fiber, which helps digestion, prevents constipation, and promotes healthy bowel movements. Moreover, the soluble fiber in cherimoya facilitates fermentation for making short-chain fatty acids. These fatty acids protect the digestive tract from inflammatory diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
2. Anti-inflammatory
Cherimoya contains several anti-inflammatory compounds, such as kaurenoic acid and flavonoids, which lowers inflammation in the body and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
3. Boosts immunity
In addition to vitamin C, cherimoya is a rich source of antioxidants that strengthen the immune system to fight infections and diseases by stimulating the production of white blood cells in the body.
4. Elevates mood
Custard apple is rich in vitamin B6 or pyridoxine, which boosts the production of dopamine and serotonin—neurotransmitters responsible for elevating mood and reducing symptoms of depression.
5. Anti-cancer properties
Cherimoya is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and flavonoids (catechin, epicatechin, and epigallocatechin) which can slow the growth of cancer cells. This helps reduce the risk of certain cancers, especially breast, stomach, liver, and colon cancer.
6. Prevents high blood pressure
Cherimoya is rich in potassium and magnesium, which can help lower your blood pressure naturally by dilating narrowed blood vessels. Potassium is an excellent vasodilator that helps relax the tension in the blood vessels and arteries and thus lowers the risk of heart diseases and stroke.
7. Promotes eye health
Antioxidants (lutein and carotenoid) in custard apples can protect the eyes from oxidative damage and lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration, vision loss, and cataracts.
8. Anti-aging effects
Because cherimoya is rich in antioxidants and can help fight free radical damage, the fruit can promote skin health and reduce the appearance of premature aging, such as wrinkles and age spots.
SLIDESHOW
Foods That Aren't as Healthy as You Think See SlideshowAre there potential risks of eating cherimoya?
Cherimoya has numerous health benefits, but it contains small amounts of toxic compounds (annonacin) in the skin and seeds. Side effects may include:
- Toxicity: Annonacin can affect the brain and nervous system. In severe cases, consumption can even cause paralysis.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may experience allergic reactions to custard apples, especially in the form of skin rashes or irritation.
- Pregnancy: A few research studies have suggested that cherimoya should be avoided in pregnant women.
If you consume the right parts of the fruit in moderation, you should be able to avoid side effects.
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15 Benefits of cherimoya and side effects. Health Benefits Of: https://healthbenefitsof.org/15-health-benefits-of-cherimoya-or-custard-apple/
Dan Brennan. Health Benefits of Cherimoya. WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-cherimoya
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