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Custard apple also known as cherimoya is a fruit that has originated from South America and is now extensively grown in many tropical and subtropical countries of the world. The traditional way of eating this fruit is to store it in the refrigerator until it becomes chilled and then eat it with the help of a spoon directly. The taste of this fruit is very similar to other tropical fruits like pineapple and bananas. Custard apple is just not consumed on its own as a fruit but is also considerably used in the dessert and beverage industry.
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Custard apples also have a lot of surprising health benefits that include the presence of a lot of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that support the function of the immune system and other parts of the body. Here are some top health benefits of eating custard apples.
* Antioxidants
As per the study published in the journal Toxins published in 2019, the extracts from cherimoya possess a lot of antioxidants. These extracts also have anti-inflammatory properties. In fact in Mexico, the seeds of this fruit have been used for a very long time to cure cancer. Various compounds such as flavonoids, carotenoids, and vitamin C which are considered powerful antioxidants are present in a substantial amount in this fruit. However, one must remember to not eat the outer layer of this fruit as it may contain toxins.
* Good For Eyes
Being rich in carotenoids and other antioxidants, custard apples may help benefit the vision of a person by fighting against free radicals in the body. Consumption of important antioxidants from an early age can be beneficial for high health and can help in lowering the risk of problems related to age macular degeneration. Therefore, consuming fruits that are rich in antioxidants is going to support the health of the eyes and reduce the chances of the development of a lot of vision-related problems.
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* Digestion
Custard apples are also a very rich source of dietary fibre. This makes it a great food for a person who is trying to lose weight by eating healthy food and also not feeling hungry throughout the day. Any person who has a problem related to the irregularity of stools can try having this fruit as it can promote a better movement of stool through the intestines. Eating fibrous fruits is always beneficial for the stomach. The inflammatory properties present in custard apples may also help with inflammation in the stomach.
* Inflammation
As stated above, custard apples also have anti-inflammatory effects on the body. Chronic inflammation may lead to the development of various cardiovascular problems and even cancer. So it is always healthy and recommended to keep having fruits and vegetables that are anti-inflammatory. As per the study published in the Biomedical and Pharmacology Journal, custard apple contains a lot of anti-inflammatory components such as flavonoids, tannins, sterols, and triterpenoids. These components are effective for the therapy of inflammation.
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* May Help With High Blood Pressure
Custard apples are a great source of potassium and magnesium. These two minerals can help in regulating high blood pressure levels in the body. High blood pressure may lead to a serious heart stroke in the future. This is why it is important to make important changes in one's diet if one is suffering from a problem of high blood pressure continuously. However, it is always recommended to first check with one's doctor before making any addition to their diet.
* Treat Skin Infections
Custard apple has been used in a lot of tropical destinations around the world to treat skin infections. As the fruit is loaded with a lot of antioxidants and powerful minerals, it can help prevent many chronic skin conditions such as allergies, acne, and even other skin-related ailments. However, if there is any serious skin-related issue, then one must consult with the doctor rather than try these natural remedies at home. Also, a person must always avoid using the outer skin of a custard apple to treat any kind of allergy.
How To Eat Custard Apples
The right way to eat custard apples is to first store them at room temperature until they become properly soft. After that, they have to be kept in the refrigerator for a couple of days. Now, just before eating them, one has to discard the outer skin and seeds. With the help of a knife, the pulp has to be sliced and then cut into small pieces. Custard apples taste even better when mixed with yoghurt or oatmeal.
