Custard apple: 5 benefits of this creamy seasonal fruit

Custard apple or sitaphal is known for its rich flavour and gooey texture. The pale green, segmented-skinned fruit is sweet in flavour and even tastes like a pudding or custard. But did you know this winter fruit contains a number of nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, antioxidants, magnesium. Here are 5 benefits of custard apple you’ve probably not been told.

A study in the European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety notes that custard apple is rich in dietary fiber. These fiber rich properties can help curb digestive problems and constipation. The study also notes that rich dietary fiber content helps lower cholesterol levels, which helps support heart health.

​European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety note that custard apple contains various bioactive compounds with potential anticancer properties. The study adds “ the fruit’s antioxidants can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in certain types of cancer.
However, the study notes that more research is needed to fully understand these effects, but the fruit does show promise as a natural cancer-preventive agent.

Custard apple is a great source of vitamin C. According to the International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences, per 100g of custard apple pulp contains 91 mgs of vitamin C. The high vitamin C content of the fruit can help combat many diseases and also enhance the immune system.

Custard apple fruit is high in Magnesium. According to IJCMAS, per 100 g pulp of custard apple contains 53 mg of magnesium. Magnesium helps maintain the water balance in our body, which helps in removing acids from the joints and reduces the symptoms of rheumatism and arthritis. Thus for people with joint-related problems, custard apple can be a good choice of fruit to consume.

The noteworthy mineral content of custard apple is a great source of maintaining heart health. According to the European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety the potassium and magnesium in custard apple play a vital role in maintaining cardiovascular health. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure by counteracting the effects of sodium, while magnesium supports heart function and reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, the presence of essential fatty acids, particularly linoleic and oleic acids, supports heart health by modulating lipid profiles and reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.