Did you know even a custard apple a day can keep a doctor away? Here are the benefits

We've often heard the umpteen benefits of regularly eating an apple. But we bet you didn't know that custard apple also has similar benefits. While the fruit is quickly replacing mango to become the seasonal fruit, we went on to chat with an expert who shared the benefits of regularly eating custard apple this season.

Consulting Nutritionist Prachi Shah went on to share the benefits of adding custard apple to your diet. I know we have heard about the normal saying ‘an apple a day keeps doctors away’ but to think of it isn’t it true for all fruits? Custard apple is not the talk of the town but it should be. This fruit has multiple benefits and tastes heaven too.

- This fruit is rich is antioxidants which means that it helps our body fight the free radicals which thus prevents us from a lot of chronic illnesses. It is rich in flavonoids, carotenoids – lutein which boosts eye health and heart health. Flavonoids may help to fight against cancer cells.

- This fruit is rich in magnesium. It’s safe to say that this fruit can be a friend to women with PCOS, suffering from abdominal cramps, anyone suffering from arthritis and inflammation. Foods rich in magnesium gives cramps a relief. Magnesium in our body balances the water and electrolyte level this in turn removes acid from the joints that causes pain. Potassium is one more nutrient that sitaphal is rich in.

- Due to presence of both the nutrients it promotes dilation of blood vessels which leads to lower blood pressure. In a nutshell it is amazing for people with high blood pressure as it helps regulate it.

- Due to sweeter taste profile, ‘sitaphal’ helps in managing the cravings. It is always a better swap to unhealthy sweet cravings.

- Ever heard of stomach ulcers? Custard apple is said to have a cooling effect in the body. This fruit helps in managing the ulcers and prevent acidity too. Not only it soothes the stomach but it also soothes our skin.

- Custard apple promotes good digestion. It is rich in dietary fibre and thus adds bulk to stool. Additionally soluble fibres can feed good bacteria in gut thus improving gut health. The fermentation in the gut results in production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) which further protect from inflammatory conditions.

These are few benefits of this super fruit. With tons of other benefits this fruit is a must addition to daily diet. The best way to consume it is as a fruit in the evening to curb all the hunger. You can also add it to salads or smoothies to add some variety in diet. That being said 1 custard apple a day will bring you a lot of health benefits even though it’s a fruit moderation is the key.