Custard apples are also known as sharifa, seetha palam, sita phal and seetha pazham. This fruit is rich in antioxidants, like Vitamin C that can help you to rid of free radicals from your body. Also, custard apples are rich in potassium, niacin, iron, magnesium and calcium. This are native to South America, West India and some parts of Asia.
This is soft and chewy and it has a hard exterior. The pulp coats black shiny seeds which should not be consumed because they are slightly poisonous. Custard apples have high calorie content and they are great for desserts and as a nutritious snack. You can consume this fruit just by itself or in the form of shakes, ice cream, deserts and smoothies.
Also, this are excellent alternative to dairy products which is making it perfect for people who are allergic to dairy products because it provides the same nutrition.
Here are some health benefits of custard apples:
Treats anemia:
Custard apples serve as a haematnic, expectorant, coolant and stimulant agent. It is rich in iron which can help in the treatment of anemia.
Reduces cholesterol:
This fruit is rich in dietary fiber and niacin which can help to lower your cholesterol levels effectively.
Controls blood pressure:
Its a good source of magnesium and potassium and they can help to keep the blood pressure levels in control. Those people who have a fluctuating blood pressure levels can eat one daily because it can help them to stay in control.
Excellent for diabetics:
It is considered very effective for diabetics to add this in their diet. The abundance of the dietary fiber in the custard apples can help to slow down the absorption of sugar and also it can reduce the risk of developing type – 2 diabetes.
Aids digestion:
Custard apples are rich in copper and dietary fiber which can assist digestion. Also, it helps to ease the bowel movements and it gives you a relief from the constipation. You can crush the sun dried custard apples into powder and you can consume this powder with water because it will help you to deal with diarrhea.
Prevents heart attacks:
Custard apples have magnesium which can help the heart to defend from the cardiac attack and it can help to relax the muscles. Also, it has Vitamin B6 which can help to prevent homocystein collection and it can minimize the risk of heart diseases.
Prevents asthma:
It is known that custard apples are rich in Vitamin B6 which can help to reduce the bronchial inflammation and it can help to prevent asthmatic attacks.
Ease rosacea symptoms:
It have high amounts of iron which can increase the blood circulation and at the same time, it will reduce the symptoms of rosacea.
Good for pregnancy:
It is known that custard apples can help to develop the brain, nervous system and immune system of the fetus effectively. The regular consumption of custard apples can reduce the risk of miscarriage during pregnancy and it can minimize the extent of labor pain during childbirth.
Also, it can help the expectant mother to cope with morning sickness, mood swings, numbness and nausea. The regular consumption of this during pregnancy is excellent for the production of breast milk.
Healthy weight:
Those people who want to gain weight in a natural way can add custard apples in their diet. You can make a mixture of honey and custard apples and consume it on regular basis because it can help you to gain the required weight and the much – needed calories.
Keeps infections at bay:
Custard apples are rich in antioxidants which can help to keep the infections at bay.
Healthy skin and hair:
Custard apples are rich in Vitamin A which is great for the hair, skin and better eyesight. Also, it plays an important role in the anti – aging and moisturisation. You can use the pulp or the creamy flesh as a balm to treat ulcers and boils. The outer skin of custard apple can help in the fight against gum pain and tooth decay.