Custard Apple: Uses, Benefits, Nutritional Value and more!

Introduction: 

The scientific name of Custard apple is Annona squamosa. It belongs to Annonaceae family. It is originally from tropical America and India and its tree is small. It is distributed throughout the world and is found in South and Central America, Australia and Africa and is now cultivated in the Philippines, Asia and the West Indies.

It is believed that the tree can be used for many purposes and its fruit can be eaten. Its fruit is divided into 20-30 segments which have white pulp. Each segment contains a hard, shiny brownish-black seed inside the pulp. The main parts of this plant are its fruit, leaves, seeds, root and bark, and all of them are used in the treatment of different diseases and also have medicinal and nutraceutical properties. Custard apple is also known as Sitaphal, Shriphal and Krishnaguru.

Nutritional Value of Custard Apple:

The nutritional value of custard apple depends on the bioactive content of the plant, which provides health benefits.

Nutrient content

Energy - 101 kilocalories , Total Fat - 0.6 grams, Protein - 1.7 grams, Carbohydrates - 25.2 grams, Dietary Fiber - 2.4 grams, Calcium - 30 mg, potassium - 382 mg, phosphorus - 21 mg, Iron - 0.71 mg, Magnesium - 18 mg, sodium - 4 mg, Vitamin C - 19.2 mg, Vitamin B6 - 0.221 mg, Niacin - 0.5 mg, riboflavin - 0.1 mg, Thiamine - 0.08 mg, fatty acids - 0.231 mg, Tryptophan - 0.007 grams, Methionine - 0.004 g, Lysine - 0.037 grams, Vitamin A - 33 IU

Kindly Note:- The above values are based on 100 grams of Custard Apple

Properties of Custard Apple:

Many researches prove that the fruits, leaves, seeds, bark, stem, roots and twigs of Custard Apple have traditional medicinal properties. The following are the therapeutic properties of custard apple:

It may have anti-oxidant properties

It may have the ability to fight malaria (anti-malaria)

May have anti-inflammatory potential

It may have anti-microbial (which inhibits the growth of micro-organisms) abilities

It may be anti-pyretic (which reduces fever)

Possible Uses of Custard Apple:

Following are the possible benefits of Custard Apple: 

1.Possible Uses of Custard Apple for Skin:

Custard Apple has the properties of preventing acne and pimples, preventing sebum (oil) formation, and clearing skin pores. This makes the skin more shiny and soft. The fruit of custard apple helps in maintaining the complexion and revitalizing the skin. 1 Custard apple is rich in amino acids which helps in the formation of collagen (a type of protein). , which brings elasticity to the skin.

2. Possible Uses of Custard Apple for Hair:

Oil extracted from custard apple seeds can help in hair growth. The anti-inflammatory properties present in seed oil can help reduce inflammation of the hair roots (scalp), thereby reducing hair fall. It also helps in the absorption of nutrients in the roots, thereby nourishing the hair. Custard apple is rich in iron which improves blood circulation in the roots, improves hair follicles and ultimately your hair starts growing.

3. Possible uses of Custard Apple during pregnancy: 

Custard apple is rich in vitamins A and C which help in the development of the fetus. It may also reduce the risk of miscarriage, reduce labor pain during delivery, and increase breast milk production after childbirth. Is. It is found in the skin, eyes, hair and blood of the fetus. It is also very good for the development of blood related tissues.1 Before using custard apple during pregnancy, consult your doctor.

4.Possible Uses of Custard Apple for Cancer:

Various laboratory studies have shown that custard apple has anticancer properties in its crude extract and isolated compound form. This anticancer property of custard apple may help reduce the development of breast cancer, as well as the risk of developing breast cancer during these studies. No information has been received about any side effects. Its leaf extract has also been shown to have the ability to stop cancer cells from growing and have toxic effects on them. 2 Use of any kind of fruits or vegetables for diseases like cancer. Be sure to consult your doctor before doing so.

5.Possible Uses of Custard Apple for Diabetes:

Lab studies prove that the use of custard apple leaf extract mixed with black pepper reduces the severity of diabetes. can be reduced. It has also come to light that the extracts obtained from the leaves of custard apple increases plasma insulin and reduces blood sugar levels. Custard apple may enhance the effectiveness of diabetes medications, thereby reducing the need for insulin therapy and reducing side effects. However, for anti-diabetic benefits Before you start eating custard apple, or make any changes to your diet, consult your doctor and get the necessary information.

6. Other possible uses of Custard Apple:

The leaf extract obtained from custard apple leaves has properties to cure arthritis. Its anti-arthritic properties reduce inflammation and help people suffering from arthritis. Custard apple also helps in controlling malaria. Leaf extract from custard apple leaves contains bioactive compounds that fight against malaria caused by the bite of Aedes mosquito.

The leaf extract obtained from the leaves of Custard Apple has very powerful anti-microbial properties which prevent the growth of bacteria, fungus and viruses.

Although there have been many studies that show the benefits of custard apple in various conditions, these are not enough and more studies are needed to prove the effect of this herb on human health. Is.

How to use Custard Apple?

Custard Apple can be used in the following ways:

Custard Apple is used in making many savory, sweet dishes like phirni, rabri and kheer. It is also used to make ice cream, juice and milkshake. It is also used in cosmetics made for skin protection. Leaf extract from custard apple leaves also helps in hair growth.

Other parts of custard apple such as leaves or pulp can be ground and a paste can be applied on wounds and boils. It is also used as a laxative to control constipation. 

You should consult your Ayurvedic doctor before using Custard Apple on a regular basis. They will tell you the right way to take it and the right dosage as per your health condition. Also, do not stop any ongoing treatment with modern medicines or start taking Ayurvedic/herbal medicines in place of them without consulting the doctor.

Side Effects of Custard Apple:

According to the study, the side effects of Custard Apple are mentioned below:

According to a study, due to the presence of bioactive compounds in this fruit, eating custard apple daily causes atypical parkinsonism in people's body. Its symptoms are similar to those of Parkinson's disease, it is called postural instability.

The phytochemicals present in custard apple can cause lesions in the brain, which can affect the brain tissue, leading to brain diseases. 

Custard apple may cause rashes in sensitive people.

If you notice any adverse effects on your body, immediately contact your Ayurvedic doctor who advised you to take it. They will be able to treat you properly.

Precautions to be taken while using Custard Apple:

Custard apple is usually considered safe when taken in appropriate amounts. However, some general precautions should be taken when eating Custard Apple.

There is not enough information available about the negative effects of consuming custard apple during pregnancy, so it is better to stay safe and eat it in limited quantities. However, if any complications occur,) if seen, immediately consult your doctor or Ayurvedic practitioner.

Since children are very sensitive, extra precautions should be taken to avoid any kind of problem. Children should not eat custard apple in large quantities. Also, if any health related problem arises, consult your Ayurvedic doctor.