Health Benefits of Cherimoya
By Madhusudhan Tammisetti
The cherimoya is a delicious tropical fruit indigenous to northern Peru and southern Ecuador. Spain is now the world's top cherimoya producer. It's also known as custard apple, although it's also grown in other parts of the world, including the Mediterranean.
It is related to the sugar apple and pawpaw fruit. Cherimoya translates to cold seeds, and the fruit has long been used to cure a variety of ailments. If you can find it in your local grocery or health food market, it may be worth adding to your diet.
The fruit resembles a green pine cone and is often heart-shaped. If you split the fruit, you'll find white, sweet flesh and black seeds that aren't edible.
The fruit contains antioxidants such as potassium, magnesium, and carotenoids that help promote heart health.
Researchers discovered that several parts of the fruit had an unusual phytochemical profile with significant polyphenol and alkaloids content. The leaves of the fruit contain bioactive substances, and for this reason, they were a part of traditional medicine and used in folk teas to treat heart problems, eye diseases, skin disorders, and stomach ailments.
Has High Fiber Content
Because cherimoya is high in soluble fiber, it may help with digestion and keep you feeling fuller for longer periods. Soluble fiber aids movement through the digestive system.
There is a lot of evidence that indicate dietary fiber plays an important role in a healthy diet. Also, the fiber in fruit is fermentable, which helps to improve the flora of the digestive tract.
Fiber consumption lowers the chances of getting cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and other diseases.
Fights Inflammation
Anti-inflammatory elements, such as kaurenoic acid, are found in cherimoya. Researchers discovered that treating rats with kaurenoic acid alleviated colitis symptoms, such as inflammatory cell infiltration and mucosal damage.
Cherimoya contains anti-inflammatory flavonoids and carotenoids, which aid in the development of overall health. It also lowers the chances of getting chronic illness.
Rich in Antioxidants
Flavonoids, Vitamin C, kaurenoic acid and carotenoids, are antioxidant compounds found in custard apples. Although the fruit's skin contains antioxidants, it's better to avoid eating it.
The fruit's flesh contains beneficial components that may help battle oxidative stress, which may cause a variety of health issues.
Flavonoids, for instance, have been shown to reduce cardiovascular mortality and may stop cardiovascular disease. Anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties are also present in custard apples.
Good for Eye Health
Cherimoya contains lutein, a carotenoid that supports eye health and it may be beneficial for good vision. Lutein contains anti-inflammatory qualities, and it's been shown to help or even prevent macular degeneration, the major cause of visual impairment and blindness.
Lutein may aid in the reduction of sensitivity to light, eye fatigue, and glare. It may help build eye tissue and improve visual clarity.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Shreveport, La.