7 Proven Health Benefits of Custard Apple

Custard apples, also known as Annona reticulata Linn, might have a distinct appearance compared to the apples commonly seen in North America. With their light green hue and bumpy skin, custard apples are a delicacy found in regions like India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Originating from the West Indies and South America, this fruit is often referred to as custard apple due to its delightful combination of sweet custard and cooked apple flavors. Beyond its unique taste, custard apple is prized for its powerful medicinal properties, with various parts of the fruit offering health advantages. Let’s delve into seven proven health benefits of custard apples:

1. Lowers Diabetes Risk: Custard apples have a remarkable impact on diabetes. By reducing blood glucose levels, they effectively lower the risk of diabetes. For those already dealing with diabetes, the antihyperglycemic properties of custard apples can help prevent the condition from worsening.¹
2. Lowers Risk of Heart Disease: Rich in phytochemicals like tannins and flavonoids, custard apples contribute to heart health. These compounds, also found in tea, are associated with reduced lipid levels and blood pressure². Tannin, or tannic acid, and flavonoids³ have demonstrated the ability to lower the risk of heart disease⁴.
3. Heals Wounds: Custard apple seed extract has proven benefits for wound healing⁵. Researchers have found that it accelerates the regeneration of skin cells, aiding in a smoother and faster recovery process. When combined with other natural ingredients, custard apple extract can promote wound healing, relieve pain, and prevent infection.
4. Relieves Pain: Surprisingly, custard apple offers pain relief through a compound known as Kaur-16-en-19-oic acid. This anti-inflammatory⁶ component rivals standard analgesic drugs in its effectiveness, providing a natural option for pain management.
5. Fights Bacteria: Custard apples showcase antibacterial properties, making them effective against harmful bacteria⁷. Extracts of custard apple have been shown to combat strains like Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, and Staphylococcus aureus, responsible for various infections such as diarrhea, typhoid, and pneumonia.
6. Cures Acne: The potent antimicrobial properties of custard apple can aid in treating acne. By eliminating bacteria responsible for clogging pores, custard apple contributes to clearer skin. Furthermore, its wound-healing capabilities can address existing breakouts.
7. Prevents Cancer: Custard apple’s health benefits extend to cancer prevention. Packed with antioxidants and plant chemicals, custard apple can combat free radicals and protect cells from damage⁸. A study even found that custard apple leaf extract is toxic to breast cancer cells, disrupting their mitochondrial function and inhibiting their growth.

Safety Notes: Custard apples are safe to consume during pregnancy due to their high antioxidant, phytochemical, and vitamin content that supports fetal health. However, caution is advised when considering supplements or extracts. Consulting with a medical professional before incorporating these concentrated forms is recommended, as their effects may differ from consuming the whole fruit.

Incorporating custard apples into your diet can offer a wide array of health benefits, from diabetes management to wound healing and cancer prevention. As a powerhouse of nutrients, custard apples showcase their remarkable potential in promoting overall well-being.

1. Rahman, Sk Mizanur, Md Rashedul Islam, Shahnaz Rahman, Tamim Mosaiab, Rasheda Ahmed, Fatema Khatun, Dilruba Nasrin, Nusratun Nahar, Shamima Ahsan, and Mohammed Rahmatullah. “Antihyperglycemic studies with methanol extract of Annona reticulata L.(Annonaceae) and Carissa carandas L.(Apocynaceae) leaves in Swiss albino mice.” Advances in Natural and Applied Sciences 5, no. 2 (2011): 218-223. ↩︎
2. Chung, King-Thom, Tit Yee Wong, Cheng-I. Wei, Yao-Wen Huang, and Yuan Lin. “Tannins and human health: a review.” Critical reviews in food science and nutrition 38, no. 6 (1998): 421-464. ↩︎
3. Chavan, Machindra J., Pravin S. Wakte, and Devanand B. Shinde. “Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the sesquiterpene fraction from Annona reticulata L. bark.” Natural product research 26, no. 16 (2012): 1515-1518. ↩︎
4. Egert, Sarah, and Gerald Rimbach. “Which sources of flavonoids: complex diets or dietary supplements?.” Advances in Nutrition: An International Review Journal 2, no. 1 (2011): 8-14. ↩︎
5. Jamkhande, Prasad G., and Amruta S. Wattamwar. “Annona reticulata Linn.(Bullock’s heart): Plant profile, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties.” Journal of traditional and complementary medicine 5, no. 3 (2015): 144-152. ↩︎
6. Chavan, Machindra J., Dinesh R. Kolhe, Pravin S. Wakte, and Devanand B. Shinde. “Analgesic and Antiinflammatory Activity of Kaur‐16‐en‐19‐oic acid from Annona reticulata L. Bark.” Phytotherapy Research 26, no. 2 (2012): 273-276. ↩︎
7. Jamkhande, Prasad G., Amruta S. Wattamwar, Sanjay S. Pekamwar, and Prakash G. Chandak. “Antioxidant, antimicrobial activity and in silico PASS prediction of Annona reticulata Linn. root extract.” Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences 3, no. 2 (2014): 140-148. ↩︎
8. Roham, Pratiksha H., Kiran R. Kharat, Priyanka Mungde, Mahadev A. Jadhav, and Surinder J. Makhija. “Induction of Mitochondria Mediated Apoptosis in Human Breast CaRoham, Pratiksha H., Kiran R. Kharat, Priyanka Mungde, Mahadev A. Jadhav, and Surinder J. Makhija. “Induction of Mitochondria Mediated Apoptosis in Human Breast Cancer Cells (T-47D) by Annona reticulata L. Leaves Methanolic Extracts.” Nutrition and cancer 68, no. 2 (2016): 305-311.ncer Cells (T-47D) by Annona reticulata L. Leaves Methanolic Extracts.” Nutrition and cancer 68, no. 2 (2016): 305-311. ↩︎