Health Benefits of Custard Apple and Its Side Effects

What is Custard Apple?

Sharifah is the common name for a fruit called custard apple. This plant’s entire structure can be used to treat a wide range of ailments. It’s high in fibre, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. The Health benefits of custard apple contribute to improved immunity.

Custard apple relieves constipation by promoting bowel movements thanks to its laxative properties, while the tree’s bark relieves diarrhoea. Custard apple leaves may also help with diabetes management because they contain antioxidants that may aid in insulin synthesis. Custard apple leaves also assist in regulating high blood pressure by promoting blood vessel dilatation, which improves blood flow.

Custard apple leaves are also good for your skin because they contain antioxidants like vitamins A and C. It may aid in the prevention of wrinkles and acne, as well as the maintenance of a healthy, radiant complexion. It’s also thought to help with hair issues like lice. Dandruff can be controlled by applying Custard seed paste on the scalp.

Custard apple fruit should not be consumed in excess because of its high sugar content, which might cause weight gain. Because the seeds of the Custard apple are harmful, it is not recommended that you eat them.

Nutritional Value of Custard Apple

Custard apple is nutritious. It contains various nutrients. As per the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the nutritional value of the Custard apple is good. 100 gm of Custard apple contains 1.7 gm of protein, 101 Kcal of energy, and 2.4 gm of dietary fibre.

Properties of Custard Apple

Custard apple, cherished for its creamy texture and naturally sweet flavour, offers a range of health-promoting properties. It is rich in vitamin C, which boosts immunity, and vitamin B6, which supports brain health and helps regulate mood. Its high fibre content promotes healthy digestion, while powerful antioxidants help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. Custard apple also contains potassium and magnesium, which contribute to cardiovascular health by helping regulate blood pressure and supporting heart function. Beyond its pulp, the seeds and leaves of the custard apple have been traditionally used in natural remedies for conditions such as dysentery, lice, and insect bites. Culinarily, custard apple is a versatile fruit that can be used in desserts, smoothies, salads, or enjoyed fresh for its unique flavour and nutritional value. Overall, it is a wholesome addition to a balanced diet.

8 Impressive Health Benefits of Sitafal (Custard Apple)

The Sitafal (Annona cherimola) is a green, cone-shaped fruit with a leathery exterior and sweet, creamy flesh.

Sitafal is also known as custard apple because of its creamy texture. It’s typically eaten with a spoon and served chilled, much like custard. Sitafal has a sweet flavour comparable to banana and pineapple. This unique fruit, which is high in fibre, vitamins, and minerals, may help to boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and promote eye and heart health.

1) Rich in Antioxidants 

Sitafal is high in antioxidants, which protect your body from free radicals. Oxidative stress is caused by high quantities of free radicals and is linked to several chronic ailments, including cancer and heart disease. Kaurenoic acid, flavonoids, carotenoids, and vitamin C are just a few of the antioxidant components found in Sitafal.

Note: While both the pulp and peel are rich in antioxidants, the peel should not be consumed due to potential toxicity.

2) May improve Mood

Vitamin B6 is abundant in Sitafal (pyridoxine). One cup of the fruit (160 grams) contains 24% of the RDA (RDI)

Vitamin B6 is required for the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which serve to regulate mood. Vitamin B12 deficiency has been linked to mental problems.

Vitamin B6 deficiency has been associated with depression, particularly in the elderly. Vitamin B6 deficiency has been linked to depression in older persons, according to one study.

Eating foods like Sitafal can help you avoid depression caused by vitamin B6 deficiency by increasing your levels of this crucial nutrient.

3) Supports Eye Health 

Sitafal is high in lutein, a carotenoid antioxidant that protects your vision by combating free radicals. High lutein consumption has been linked to improved eye health and a lower risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a disorder that causes vision loss and eye damage. Lutein may also protect against other eye problems, such as cataracts, a clouding of the lens of the eye that causes poor vision and loss of vision.

People with the highest lutein levels in their blood had a 27% lower incidence of cataracts than those with the lowest levels.

As a result, eating foods high in lutein, such as Sitafal. The Health benefits of custard apple may help to maintain eye health and minimize the risk of AMD and cataracts.

4) May help lower  Blood Pressure 

Sitafal is high in potassium and magnesium, two elements that aid with blood pressure regulation. One cup (160 grams) of the fruit contains 10% of the recommended daily allowance for potassium and over 6% of the recommended daily allowance for magnesium.

Potassium and magnesium both assist in reducing blood pressure by dilatation of blood vessels. Heart disease and stroke are both linked to high blood pressure.

According to one study, getting the recommended daily allowance of potassium — 4,700 mg — can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 8 and 4 mm Hg, respectively.

When persons with the highest magnesium intake were compared to those with the lowest intake, a negative connection between magnesium consumption and the risk of high blood pressure was discovered. A 5% decreased risk of high blood pressure was linked to each additional 100 mg of magnesium consumed per day.

5) Promotes healthy Digestion

Other health benefits of custard apple include: having over 5 grams of dietary fibre per cup (160 grams), which is more than 17% of the recommended daily intake. Fibre adds weight to stool and aids movement through your intestines because it cannot be digested or absorbed.

Soluble fibres, such as those found in Sitafal, can also feed healthy bacteria in your gut and be fermented to form short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Butyrate, acetate, and propionate are examples of these acids. SCFAs are dietary fats that provide energy to your body and may protect you from inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Sitafal and other fibre-rich foods can help maintain optimal digestive health by promoting healthy bowel movements and nourishing gut microorganisms.

6) May have  Anticancer properties

Sitafal has chemicals that may aid in the battle against cancer. Catechin, epicatechin, and epigallocatechin are flavonoids found in Sitafal that have been demonstrated in test-tube tests to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. that some catechins, such as those found in Sitafal, inhibited breast cancer cell development by up to 100 per cent.

Furthermore, population studies show that people who eat high-flavonoid diets have a lower chance of acquiring specific malignancies, such as stomach and colon cancers, than persons who eat low-flavonoid diets. To completely understand how the chemicals present in Sitafal and other fruits affect cancer, more human research is needed.

7)  Reduces Inflammation

Chronic inflammation has been related to an increased risk of developing a variety of diseases, including heart disease and cancer.

Sitafal has several anti-inflammatory chemicals, including kaurenoic acid

This acid has potent anti-inflammatory properties and has been proven in animal experiments to reduce specific inflammatory proteins.

Furthermore, catechin and epicatechin, flavonoid antioxidants that are proven to have substantial anti-inflammatory effects in test-tube and animal studies, are detected in Sitafal.

When compared to a control group, mice fed an epicatechin-rich diet showed lower blood levels of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP). High CRP levels are linked to atherosclerosis, a narrowing and hardening of the arteries that increases your risk of heart disease.

8) Boosts Immunity

Like many tropical fruits, Sitafal is high in Vitamin C, which plays a vital role in:

• Strengthening the immune response
• Fighting infections
• Reducing illness duration

A strong intake of vitamin C through food helps maintain immune health, though the evidence is stronger for supplements in clinical trials.

How to Use Custard Apple?

Custard apples are a versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in numerous ways, from fresh consumption to being blended into smoothies, desserts, and more. They offer a wealth of health benefits, making them a delicious and nutritious addition to any diet. Here are few ways to enjoy this fruit

1. Fresh Consumption-
   • Cut the fruit in half and scoop out the soft pulp using a spoon.
   • Discard the seeds before eating.
     
2. Smoothies, Ice Creams, & Desserts-
   • Blend the pulp into smoothies for natural sweetness and texture.
   • Add to homemade ice creams, custards, or milkshakes for a tropical twist.
     
3. Baking & Pulp-Based Recipes-
   • Use custard apple pulp in muffins, cakes, and tarts.
   • It provides moisture and enhances flavor.
     
4. Fruity Sauces & Purees-
   • Puree the pulp and use as a fruit sauce for pancakes, crepes, or yogurts.
   • Combine with citrus for a balanced, tangy taste.
     
5. In Fruit Salads-
   • Add chunks of Sitafal pulp to fresh fruit salads for extra creaminess and nutrients.

Side Effects of Custard Apple

Sitafal contains minor levels of harmful chemicals, despite its significant health advantages. Annonacin is a toxin found in Sitafal and other Annona species fruits. custard apple side effects your brain and nervous system. Observational studies in tropical locations have linked excessive

Annona fruit consumption to an elevated risk of a kind of Parkinson’s disease that does not respond to standard medicines Although annonacin can be found in all sections of the Sitafal plant, it is concentrated in the seeds and skin Remove and discard the seeds and skin before eating Sitafal to minimize your exposure to annonacin. If you have Parkinson’s disease or a similar nervous system ailment, you should avoid Sitafal.

Precautions to Take With Custard Apple

When consuming custard apples, it is crucial to take certain precautions despite the many custard apple benefits. Ensure the fruit is ripe, as an unripe custard apple can cause digestive discomfort. Moderation is key, as excessive intake might lead to constipation due to its high fibre content. Additionally, avoid consuming the seeds, as they are toxic. Proper storage in a cool, dry place prevents spoilage and contamination. These precautions help maximize the uses of custard apple, such as its potential to boost immunity, improve skin health, and aid digestion while minimizing any adverse effects.

Conclusion

Custard apples are a delicious and nutrient-rich fruit that offers numerous health benefits, including a high content of vitamins C and B6, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. These nutrients contribute to improved digestion, enhanced immune function, and better overall health. However, it is essential to consume custard apples in moderation, as excessive intake may lead to digestive issues or allergic reactions in some individuals. By enjoying this fruit responsibly, you can take advantage of its many health benefits while minimizing potential side effects. Incorporating custard apples into a balanced diet can be a tasty way to boost your nutritional intake.

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Expert Quote-

“Custard apple is nature’s creamy treasure—rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, it supports immunity, sharpens vision, aids digestion, and nurtures heart and skin health in every sweet, spoonful bite.”

-Dr. Kavya Rejikumar

FAQs

References

• Ld, L. S. M. R. (2025, May 20). 7 surprising benefits of Cherimoya (Custard apple). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cherimoya
• Benefits of Custard Apple: nutrition, side effects, and uses. (2024, August 22). Metropolis India Lab. https://www.metropolisindia.com/blog/preventive-healthcare/benefits-of-custard-apple-nutrition-side-effects-and-uses
• Mehta, S. (2025, July 8). Sitafal fruit: benefits, side effects, and more. MyHealth. https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/fruit/sitafal-fruit-benefits-side-effects-and-more/
• Wikipedia contributors. (2025, June 28). Annona reticulata. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annona_reticulata