Health Benefits of Sitaphal (Custard Apple) and Side Effects

Sitaphal (Custard Apple):

A sugar apple is a tropical fruit native to the American and Caribbean (Marine Spanish: cachimán - Indian Sitaphal (Custard Apple)). Annona squamosa is a species that is widely cultivated. Spain traded it to Asia through Manila galleons docked in the Philippines. Among the different languages, it is called atis in Filipino, Sitaphal (Custard Apple) in Hindi, shaifa in Urdu, and ata or farifta in Bengali. There are no seeds inside, and the fruit is spherical-conical, measuring 5-10 cm in diameter and 6-10 cm in length. It weighs 100-240 gms, and the rind is thick and scraggly. Colours range from pale green to blue-green, and certain varieties have deep pink blushes. These varieties commonly have flowers. The segments separate when ripe, exposing the interior, which makes it unique among Annona fruits.

Flavorful and sweet flesh that resembles custard and tastes like it. The flesh is light yellow through creamy white. The seed segments are arranged around a central cone in a single layer. The seed segments measure 13 to 16 millimetres long. There is a soft texture and some grit to the material. Usually, 20–40 seeds are present per fruit, and the brownish-black coat is covered with hard, shiny seeds. There are varieties that are almost seedless.

A new variety is also under development in Taiwan. Taiwan is known for this hybrid fruit, which is called atemoya, a cross between the sugar apple and the cherimoya; however, the fruit first appeared in the United States in 1908. Although the taste of the fruit is quite different from that of the sugar apple, it is similar in sweetness to the fruit. This fruit is similar in taste to pineapple, as its name suggests.

Nutritional Facts of Sitaphal (Custard Apple):

In addition to being high in energy, sugar apple is an excellent source of vitamin C and manganese, as well as thiamine and vitamin B6. It additionally contains iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, vitamin B2, B3, B5, and fibre. Nutritional value per 100 gm of Sitaphal (Custard Apple) is as follows -

Energy - 393 kJ; Carbohydrates - 23.64 g; Dietary fiber - 4.4 g; Fat - 0.29 g; Protein - 2.06 g; Thiamine (B1) - 0.11 mg; Riboflavin (B2) - 0.113 mg; Niacin (B3) - 0.883 mg; Pantothenic acid (B5) - 0.226 mg; Vitamin B6 - 0.2 mg; Folate (B9) - 14 μg; Vitamin C - 36.3 mg; Calcium - 24 mg; Iron - 0.6 mg; Magnesium - 21 mg; Manganese - 0.42 mg; Phosphorus - 32 mg; Potassium - 247 mg; Sodium - 9 mg; Zinc - 0.1 mg

9 Health Benefits of Sitaphal (Custard Apple):

1. Sitaphal (Custard Apple) is Good for Eyes, Hair and Skin:

Sitaphal (Custard apple) is one of the best fruits that help maintain healthy eyes, skin, and hair because it contains Vitamin A in high amounts. Additionally, it moisturises and prevents ageing. Sitaphal (Custard apples) have hard surfaces on their surfaces that can cause gum problems and tooth decay. Moreover, the soft, creamy pulp of custard apples can be used as a remedy for ulcers thanks to its healing properties.

• This fruit is high in Vitamin C and Vitamin A. The benefits of Vitamin A for the eyes are well known. In addition, riboflavin in this fruit aids in the fight against free radicals and their destruction. Thus, a person's vision and eyesight become more improved.
• It controls acne and sebum production, as well as sebum production, by lowering sebum production. The affected area should be applied with a paste of custard apple and lemon juice three times a week to reduce pimples and control sebum production. In addition to reducing acne, the anti-inflammatory property helps in clearing out the pores, preventing new breakouts.
• Wavy and rough hair is easily tamed when using custard apple seed oil. The moisture it provides helps to make the hair glossy and lustrous by hydrating the head and scalp. Custard apples are also helpful for making the hair stand up. Vitamin A is found in custard apple seed oil, which helps to hydrate hair without damaging it or weighing it down.

2. Sitaphal (Custard Apple) is Good in Pregnancy:

A lot of doctors recommend that pregnant women consume custard apples. A fetus' brain, nervous system, and immune system are developed properly by custard apple consumption. Most women experience intense labour pains during pregnancy. Sweet custard apple can help to ease the pain of labour among pregnant women if they consume it regularly. In addition to preventing miscarriage, custard apples have many health benefits. Moreover, it makes pregnant women feel better by coping up with mood swings, morning sickness, fatigue, nausea, and numbness. The regular consumption of this supplement during pregnancy can also stimulate breast milk production.

3. Sitaphal (Custard Apple) May Help in Preventing Asthma:

Vitamin B6 is abundant in custard apples. Asthma is one of the leading causes of inflammation in the bronchial tubes, and vitamin B6 helps the body prevent this from happening. By preventing asthma attacks, custard apples reduce the risk of asthma.

4. Sitaphal (Custard Apple) May Helps to Reduce the Chance of Heart-Related Disease:

Heart disease is caused by the accumulation of homocysteine in the body. Custard apples contain vitamin B6, which lowers homocysteine levels in the body. Custard apples contain high levels of magnesium, which helps prevent heart disease. Maintaining and controlling blood sugar is easier with a balanced level of sodium and potassium. In addition to relaxing the heart muscle, magnesium also prevents muscle cramps and jerking, reducing the risk of cardiac arrest. Furthermore, the presence of niacin and fibre is beneficial for keeping cholesterol levels in check. They also prevent cholesterol from being absorbed into the body.

5. Sitaphal (Custard Apple) May Help to Reduce the Arthritis:

In addition to regulating the body's fluid balance, magnesium is useful for removing acid from joints. By reducing the inflammation and pain of rheumatism and arthritis, magnesium is beneficial to health. Muscle weakness can be alleviated by the magnesium content of custard apples. By supplying adequate amounts of calcium to the body, custard apple contributes to bone health.

6. Sitaphal (Custard Apple) Helps in Digestion:

Having a high copper content and fibre content, custard apples provide proper digestion and bowel movement. Juice is obtained from crushed dried custard apples when they are mixed with water. When consumed, this juice contains anti-bacterial properties and relieves diarrhoea and dysentery. As well as ensuring proper bowel movements, it aids in the removal of toxins from the body. As a result, stomach-related illnesses such as heartburn, ulcers, and acidity are prevented. Approximately 6 grams of dietary fibre are found in custard apples. A diet rich in fibre prevents constipation by bulking up the stool.

7. Sitaphal (Custard Apple) May Have Anticancer Property:

Astringents and tannins found in custard apple bark are used in the manufacture of herbal medicines. Cancer and tumours are treated with these herbal medicines. The acetogenin in custard apples and alkaloids found in them may help reduce cancer risk aside from its antioxidant properties, it contains Asimicin and Bullatacin, which helps minimize cancer risks. Free radicals are destroyed by these antioxidants. As well, fibres help prevent liver and colon cancer by providing a barrier to the gut. Additionally, custard apple aids in controlling breast cancer.

8. Sitaphal (Custard Apple) May Help in Controlling Blood Pressure:

The potassium and magnesium in custard apples help control blood pressure. Custard apples contain potassium, magnesium, and sodium, all of which are helpful in reducing blood pressure. Custard apples stabilize blood pressure.  Thus, by consuming Custard Apple regularly, you will always maintain a healthy blood pressure level.

9. Sitaphal (Custard Apple) Works as a Natural Detoxifying Agent:

Custard apples, which are rich in fibre and antioxidants, have a laxative effect. By using custard apple, you can achieve glowing, radiant skin as it reduces the build-up of toxins and also regulates water levels, which are crucial for healthy skin. As well as making the skin look firmer and clearing the tone, custard apple juice helps to revitalize its appearance. Custard is therefore beneficial to your skin if you consume it regularly.

What are the Side effects of Sitaphal (Custard Apple) Eating?

Consuming too many custard apples at once can lead to excess body fat and unhealthy weight gain since these fruits are calorie-dense and loaded with calories. Additionally, Sitaphal (Custard Apple)'s skin and mainly its seeds have toxic components that can cause severe skin and eye complications including redness, allergies, and eye damage. In order to reap the health benefits of the custard apple, it must be carefully removed from the outer covering, as well as the seeds, before eating the pulp.