Cherimoya has many health benefits, such as stimulating cognition, supporting bone health, lowering blood pressure, strengthening the immune system, and it has the ability to improve skin quality.
Cherimoya is a tropical fruit. This exotic and nutrient-dense option has many health benefits, such as maintaining blood pressure, the ability to prevent cancer, and it has anti-aging properties.
Cherimoya is the name of the edible fruit borne by a tree that has the same name. The scientific name of cherimoya is Annona cherimola. This is a tree or shrub which can grow up to ten meters in height. It is native to South America, specifically Peru, Colombia, and Bolivia. It has been naturalized in many other areas in the world, but primarily it is found in the mentioned tropical regions. There are some elements of cherimoya which have toxic properties, such as the seeds and the skin of this fruit. You should not consume the seeds or the skin for any reason because they have toxic alkaloids. There are severe cases when their consumption of them can cause paralysis.
Also, there are some studies that have pointed to potential complications for pregnant women who eat this fruit because it has stimulant nature. Talk with your doctor before you add cherimoya to your pregnancy diet. Some people experience allergic reactions to this fruit, particularly in the form of irritation or skin rashes. If you experience this side effect or you have any irritation or swelling in the mouth or throat, then you should stop eating this fruit immediately. The best way to eat this fruit is in raw form, but nowadays, it is mixed with ice creams and other sweet treats. Also, you can add it to your salads and smoothies. Cherimoya has a few black or brown seeds in the flesh of it, which should be avoided and spit out. [1]
8 Health benefits of cherimoya
Contents
Improves heart health
Cherimoya has healthy levels of dietary fiber, which helps the body to absorb less cholesterol from the food we consume. Also, it lowers your chances of coronary heart disease, stroke, heart attack, and atherosclerosis.
Prevents cancer
Cherimoya is rich in antioxidants and fiber, which can help to prevent liver and colon cancer as well as the spread of other tumors and cancerous growths. [1,2]
Improves cognition
Cherimoya has Vitamin B6, which is linked to cognitive function and can help in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. This fruit is known as a brain booster for a long period. [3]
Boosts immune system
There are a few different antioxidants which are found in cherimoya, which in addition to Vitamin C, can stimulate the production of white blood cells in our bodies. This can function as the first defense line of our bodies, and it can help in the prevention of chronic diseases and acute diseases. [4]
Improves bone health
Cherimoya has different minerals which are linked to improving bone mineral density because it has high levels of phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and copper. This can delay the onset of osteoporosis and other age-related diseases. [3]
Lowers blood pressure
Cherimoya has a notable amount of potassium. This fruit can help to lower your blood pressure in a natural way. Potassium is a vasodilator. This means it can relax the tension in blood vessels and arteries, which can reduce the strain on your cardiovascular system. [4]
Anti-aging properties
Cherimoya has antioxidants that are linked to reducing the concentration of free radicals in our bodies. It can reduce oxidative stress in our skin and other organ systems [5]. Also, you can see a reduction in the appearance of age spots, wrinkles, and other blemishes, which can help you to look younger for a longer period.
Skincare
This fruit has high amounts of Vitamin C [4], which is ideal for our bodies to produce more Vitamin C, which is a very important part of collagen production. Collagen is needed for the creation of every muscle fiber, cell, and tissue in our bodies which is also included the skin. Also, it can stimulate the immune system to handle any skin irritation which is caused by chronic diseases or infections.
References
[1] Jyothi A, Venkatesh K, Chakrapani P, Rani R. Phytochemical and pharmacological potential of Annona cherimola – A review. International Journal of Phytomedicine. 2011;3(4):439-447.
[2] Damle SG. Cancer: Forbidden cures? Contemporary Clinical Dentistry. 2015;6(1):3-4.
[3] Albuquerque TG, Santos F, Sanches-Silva A, et al. Nutritional and phytochemical composition of Annona cherimola Mill. fruits and by-products: Potential health benefits. Food Chemistry. 2016;193:187-195.
[4] Amoo IA, Emenike AE, Akpambang VOE. Compositional evaluation of Annona cherimoya (custard apple) fruit. 2008;3(2):216-220.
[5] Santos SA, Vilela C, Camacho JF, et al. Profiling of lipophilic and phenolic phytochemicals of four cultivars from cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill.). Food Chemistry. 2016;211:845-52.
