Custard Apple: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!
Custard apple is scientifically known as Annona squamosa in scientific terms. It belongs to the family Annonaceae. It is a small tree native to tropical America and India. It is distributed worldwide and found in South and Central America, Australia and Africa and is now cultivated in the Philippines, Asia and West Indies.
The tree is believed to be a multipurpose tree with edible fruits. The fruits are divided into 20-30 segments with white flesh pulp. Each segment contains hard, shiny brownish-black seeds entangled in the flesh. The main parts of the plant are fruits, leaves, seeds, roots and bark, which are used in the management of different diseases and also have medicinal and nutraceutical properties. The custard apple fruit is also known as Sitaphal, Sharifa and Krishnaguru.
The tree is believed to be a multipurpose tree with edible fruits. The fruits are divided into 20-30 segments with white flesh pulp. Each segment contains hard, shiny brownish-black seeds entangled in the flesh. The main parts of the plant are fruits, leaves, seeds, roots and bark, which are used in the management of different diseases and also have medicinal and nutraceutical properties. The custard apple fruit is also known as Sitaphal, Sharifa and Krishnaguru.
Potential Uses of Custard Apple:
The potential benefits of custard apple are as follows:
1. Potential Uses of custard apple for skin
Custard apple has been shown to prevent acne and pimples, decrease sebum (oil) production, and clear the pores of the skin. It may make the skin more radiant and smooth. The fruits of custard apple help to maintain the skin tone and rejuvenate its appearance. Custard apple is a rich source of amino acids that may help in the production of collagen (a type of protein), thereby providing elasticity to the skin.
2. Potential Uses of custard apple for hair
The oil extracted from the seeds of custard apple may help support the growth of hair. The anti-inflammatory action of the seed oil may be helpful in reducing the inflammation of the scalp, hence preventing hair fall. It may also supports nutrient absorption in the scalp, which nourishes the hair. Custard apple is rich in iron that helps to improve the blood circulation of the scalp, stimulate hair follicles and ultimately promotion of hair growth takes place.
3. Potential Uses of custard apple for pregnancy
Custard apple is a very rich source of vitamins A and C that may help in the development of the foetus. It may also reduce the risk of miscarriage, minimise labour pain during delivery and increase the production of breast milk after childbirth. It is also excellent for the development of skin, eyes, hair and also blood-related tissues of the foetus. Before using custard apple for its benefits during pregnancy, consult your healthcare provider for further guidance.
4. Potential Uses of custard apple for cancer
Various lab studies have shown that custard apple may show anticancer activity in form of their crude extracts and isolated compounds. This anticancer activity of custard apple could help minimise the growth of breast cancer in patients with no reports of side effects during the study. The leaf extract showed potential to reduce the spreading of cancer cells and also shows toxic effects on cancer cells. It is best to consult a doctor before using any fruits or vegetables for health conditions like cancer.
5. Potential Uses of custard apple for diabetes
The leaf extract of custard apple combined with black pepper could help reduce the severity of diabetes in a lab study. Consumption of leaves extract of custard apple could also improve the activities of plasma insulin and reduces the levels of blood glucose during the study. Custard apple may increase the effect of diabetes medicines, resulting in fewer requirements for insulin therapy and also fewer side effects.However, before you start consuming custard apple for its anti-diabetic benefits, or making any diet changes, reach out to your healthcare provider and get all the necessary information.
6. Other Potential Uses of custard apple
The potential benefits of custard apple are as follows:
1. Potential Uses of custard apple for skin
Custard apple has been shown to prevent acne and pimples, decrease sebum (oil) production, and clear the pores of the skin. It may make the skin more radiant and smooth. The fruits of custard apple help to maintain the skin tone and rejuvenate its appearance. Custard apple is a rich source of amino acids that may help in the production of collagen (a type of protein), thereby providing elasticity to the skin.
2. Potential Uses of custard apple for hair
The oil extracted from the seeds of custard apple may help support the growth of hair. The anti-inflammatory action of the seed oil may be helpful in reducing the inflammation of the scalp, hence preventing hair fall. It may also supports nutrient absorption in the scalp, which nourishes the hair. Custard apple is rich in iron that helps to improve the blood circulation of the scalp, stimulate hair follicles and ultimately promotion of hair growth takes place.
3. Potential Uses of custard apple for pregnancy
Custard apple is a very rich source of vitamins A and C that may help in the development of the foetus. It may also reduce the risk of miscarriage, minimise labour pain during delivery and increase the production of breast milk after childbirth. It is also excellent for the development of skin, eyes, hair and also blood-related tissues of the foetus. Before using custard apple for its benefits during pregnancy, consult your healthcare provider for further guidance.
4. Potential Uses of custard apple for cancer
Various lab studies have shown that custard apple may show anticancer activity in form of their crude extracts and isolated compounds. This anticancer activity of custard apple could help minimise the growth of breast cancer in patients with no reports of side effects during the study. The leaf extract showed potential to reduce the spreading of cancer cells and also shows toxic effects on cancer cells. It is best to consult a doctor before using any fruits or vegetables for health conditions like cancer.
5. Potential Uses of custard apple for diabetes
The leaf extract of custard apple combined with black pepper could help reduce the severity of diabetes in a lab study. Consumption of leaves extract of custard apple could also improve the activities of plasma insulin and reduces the levels of blood glucose during the study. Custard apple may increase the effect of diabetes medicines, resulting in fewer requirements for insulin therapy and also fewer side effects.However, before you start consuming custard apple for its anti-diabetic benefits, or making any diet changes, reach out to your healthcare provider and get all the necessary information.
6. Other Potential Uses of custard apple
- The leaf extract of custard apple showed positive effects against arthritis. This anti-arthritic activity causes a reduction in inflammation and may help people with arthritis.
- Custard apple helps to manage malaria. The leaf extract of custard apple contains bioactive compounds, which act against malaria-causing Aedes mosquitos.
- The leaf extract of custard apple has strong anti-microbial properties that may help in reducing the growth of bacteria, fungi and viruses.
