305 | Custard Apple

Custard Apple also called Sharifa in native

Custard Apple is a type of compound fruit belonging to the Annonaceae family. This summer fruit is also known as Sharifa, Nona, Sitaphal etc. Inside this fruit there are small cells. Inside each cell is a seed, the soft and juicy part that surrounds the seed is to be eaten. Ripe seeds are black and unripe seeds are white. The seeds are poisonous, oval and flattened black in color. This delicious fruit is very common and easily available in our country. Unknowingly, many people enjoy the nutritional benefits of this fruit. There are many species of this fruit.

How to eat Custard Apple fruit?

Heart-shaped Custard Apple fruit cannot be eaten raw. Ripe fruit shells are sweet. When eating, the tongue feels like fine grains of sugar. But be aware while eating. Because the ripe fruit is sweet, it is often infected with white insects. It is a cold fruit, so it is better to avoid it if someone has a cold problem or allergy.

Cultivate place

Custard Apple originates from South America and West India. In Bangladesh and India, it grows in the courtyards of houses and forests. An important tropical fruit cultivated in the West Indies, South and Central America, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, India, Mexico, Bahamas, Bermuda and Egypt.

Nutritional value:

This fruit is a very good source of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, antioxidants, potassium, vitamin B6, copper, iron etc.

Every 1 cup (250 grams) of Custard Apple contains:

• Calories – 235
• Protein – 5.2 grams
• Carbohydrates – 59 grams
• Fiber – 11 grams
• Fat – 725 mg.
• Vitamin A – 15 IV
• Vitamin C – 91 mg
• Calcium – 60 mg
• Iron – 105 mg
• Magnesium -53 mg
• Phosphorus-80 mg
• Potassium – 618 mg
• Sodium – 23 mg

Benefits of Custard Apple fruit:

Many people do not give much importance to Custard Apple fruit. But as this fruit is rich in nutrients it has medicinal properties as well as health benefits.

 Keeps the heart healthy:

As we age, our heart’s performance decreases, resulting in various heart problems. Custard Apple has a balanced ratio of potassium and sodium. Which helps to control the blood pressure in the body. The resulting high magnesium relaxes the smooth muscles of the heart and prevents strokes and heart attacks.

Custard Apple fruit keeps cholesterol levels in check:

The fiber and niacin in the fruit help increase the good cholesterol in the body while reducing the bad cholesterol. Through which our health is ensured.

Keeps the mind healthy and prevents depression:

Vitamin B6 plays an important role in the production of neurotransmitters including serotonin and dopamine. Which helps in controlling your mood. Vitamin B6 deficiency is associated with increased depression in adults. As a result of vitamin B6, it can reduce the risk of depression. B complex vitamins affect a variety of emotions, including depression, anxiety, excitement, and stress. They help calm the mind.

Custard Apple fruit increases immunity:

Immunity is what we need most in today’s situation. It contains a lot of vitamin C which helps our body to increase immunity from various germs and infections.

Custard Apple fruit helps prevent cancer:

It is rich in flavonoids which are helpful in treating various types of tumors and cancer. The fruit contains substances such as alkaloids and acetogenin that may reduce the risk of renal disease and cancer. The antioxidant properties of Custard Apple fruit can stop the growth of cancer cells.

Helps reduce inflammation:

Chronic inflammation is linked to the risk of many illnesses, including heart disease and cancer. Custard Apple contains several anti-inflammatory compounds that help us reduce inflammation.

Increases digestion:

The resulting food grains increase digestion and eliminate stomach problems.

Eye sight is good:

Poor eyesight is a common problem as we age. In today’s age where we are obsessed with our phone, TV, tablet and laptop screens it is important to take good care of your eyes. The essential nutrients present in these fruits prevent our eyes from drying out. It is a rich source of vitamin A and riboflavin, which are responsible for keeping the eyes healthy. Helps fight free radicals from cell damage.

Custard Apple fruit reduces the risk of arthritis:

Custard Apple is a rich source of magnesium. Magnesium helps balance the body’s water balance, so acid is eliminated from the joints. which helps reduce the symptoms of arthritis and rheumatism.

Prevents Anemia:

The nutritional content of Custard Apple fruit plays a role in preventing anemia. Anemia is a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin in the blood.  Red blood cells use hemoglobin to transport oxygen throughout the body, allowing the body to perform numerous functions. A low amount of red blood cells or hemoglobin results in a lack of sufficient oxygen in the blood. Which forces the lungs and heart to produce more oxygen. As a result, various other physical problems are caused.

Effective in diabetes:

It is rich in dietary fiber, which helps slow down any absorption of sugar. Reduces the chances of developing type-2 diabetes.

Causes hair growth:

Antioxidants and vitamin C present in Custard Apple fruit are very good for hair growth. Helps make hair strong, rich and shiny.

Get rid of lice:

Custard Apple enzymes and antioxidants are excellent in treating and preventing scalp lice infestation. By applying the paste of this fruit, the scalp can be free from problems. It also strengthens the scalp, keeps it healthy and protects it from insect attacks.

Retains youth:

The anti-oxidants of this fruit protect against free radicals and keep the skin youthful by delaying skin aging.

Protects the skin:

Nutrients present in  fruits protect our skin from various infections, cancer.

 Lever-protective activity:

Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Custard Apple fruit leaves also contribute to liver-protective activity. Studies have found the benefits of Custard Apple  in increasing the brain, nervous system, immunity of the fetus during pregnancy.