Health Benefits Of Benefits Of Sugar Apple

What Is Sugar Apple?

A custard apple is a tropical fruit that is native to Central America and parts of South America, scientifically known as Annona reticulata. Closely related to the soursop, sugar apple, and various citrus fruits, this unique fruit grows on a shrub of the same name and may be called Sharifa or Sitaphal (India) or bullock’s heart, depending on where in the world you happen to be. The fruit grows from different ovaries that coalesce into one fruit, which is slightly larger than a sugar apple and has a rough exterior. It is vaguely heart-shaped and has a variety of cultivars, meaning that it can be a number of different colors, including maroon, green, brown or yellow.

Family: Annonaceae

Scientific name: Annona squamosa

Health Benefits Of Sugar-Apple

1. Healthy Skin and Hair

Thanks to the high levels of vitamin A, custard apple is great for healthy skin, healthy hair and better eyesight. It plays a role in moisturization and anti-aging. The creamy flesh or pulp can be used as a balm to treat boils and ulcers. The outer skin of custard apple is helpful in combating against tooth decay and gum pain

2. Custard Apple During Pregnancy

Custard apple helps develop the brain, nervous system and immune system of a fetus effectively. Regular consumption of custard apple also reduces the risk of miscarriage during pregnancy and minimizes the extent of labor pain during childbirth. The pregnancy-wonder fruit also helps the expectant mother to cope with morning sickness, fight nausea, numbness and mood swings. Regular consumption during pregnancy is excellent for the production of breast milk.

3. Anti-cancer Potential

While human studies are required to explore the full potential of the anti-cancer properties of custard apple, animal studies have shown that custard apple pulp can inhibit the proliferation of prostate cancer cells. A 2016 research study by Gagan Deep et al. [6] published in Scientific Reports studied the effects of the pulp on laboratory mice and concluded that custard apple pulp could be developed for chemo-prevention use in normal/high-risk individuals as well as for intervention in prostate cancer patients.

4. Regulates sugar in the body

Packed with fibers, the leaves are known to slow down the absorption of sugar in our body and thus, they help in keeping the blood sugar levels in check. Since fiber is digested slowly, over a period of time, it does not cause sudden spikes in your blood sugar levels and thus, helps in keeping your digestive tract working well. 2-3 leaves can be boiled in water and then the mixture can be consumed every morning for best results. 

5. Heals Wounds

You can use the leaves of sugar apple to get rid of wounds by applying the mixture of it on the affected area. If you get insect bites and stings then put the juice of unripe sugar apple on the affected area. It will reduce the pain and protect you from the poison of the insects. Definitely, sugar apple leaves and juice are good healers.

6. Dermatological Benefits

Sugar apple contains many important nutrients and vitamins like vitamin a, vitamin b, vitamin c, and antioxidants. These elements are essential to managing a healthy skin. You can delay your aging by consuming a sugar apple daily. It also prevents the sunburn effect on the skin. Your skin cell will remain fresh. Collagen is an element which helps to boost the elasticity of your skin. Sugar apple can increase the production of this collagen. Many people are suffering from brown spots on the skin. Eating sugar apple on a regular basis can prevent the brown spot on your skin.

7. Treatment Of Tooth Pain

The rind part of sugar apple fruit can be used as a treatment material of a toothache. If you feel pain on the tooth then grind the rind of sugar apple and mix it with water. It is better to have warm water to mix with. After that, apply the mix water on the affected tooth. After sometimes the pain will be reduced and finally, you can get rid of this pain.

8. Healthy For The Hair

Sugar apple is a good source of Vitamin C, Iron, and Copper. These elements can protect your hair from many problems. It helps to prevent dandruff and scalp inflammation. It can protect you from hair loss and premature hair graying. Keep your hair moisturized and shiny by applying the sugar apple seed oil on your hair. This oil also prevents flaky scalp.

9. Aids In Digestion

Sugar apple is rich in copper and dietary fiber, which helps assist digestion, ease bowel movement and relieve constipation. Sun-dried custard apple pulp can be crushed into powder and drinking the powder with water can help alleviate diarrhea.