Sugar apple is a fruit that is known by many names. Some call it sugar pineapple, cherimoya, or sweetsop. But no matter what name you choose to call it, you are referring to the cone-shaped fruit with scaly, greenish skin with a soft, juicy pulp. Sugar apple belongs to the Annonaceae family which is native to South America. The scientific name of sugar apple is Annona squamosa.
Like other fruits grown in the tropics, sugar apple has a refreshing taste like banana and pineapple and is best eating chilled, sometimes with a spoon because of its creamy inside, hence it is a popular ingredient for smoothies and ice cream.
Besides its sweet taste, sugar apple is a very healthy fruit that is loaded with many nutrients and minerals. Some of the minerals it has include vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium, niacin, and more. It is also rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals. [1]
Here, we would be looking at some of the health benefits of sugar apple.
Health Benefits Of Sugar Apple
Sugar apple is packed with energy, a rich amouy of vitamin C and manganese. It is also a good source of thiamine and vitamin B6, vitamin B2, B3 B5, B9, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. The following health benefits of sugar apple are based on it’s rich nutrients.
1. Reduces Blood Sugar Levels
Despite its name and sweet taste, eating sugar apples can help reduce blood sugar in the body. This is because it contains fibre. Since fibre takes time to digest, you will not experience any sharp increase in your blood sugar during the period. this can help forestall the risks of type-2 diabetes. One study showed that oral administration of Annona squamosa aqueous extract to diabetic rats for 30 days significantly reduced the levels of blood glucose, lipids and lipid peroxidation [2]
2. Regulates Blood Pressure
The potassium and magnesium in the fruit can help regulate your blood pressure. Potassium and magnesium act on the blood vessels and can effectively bring it down if it is too high. This fruit is great for anyone that experiences irregularity or jumps in their blood pressure levels. This also helps to keep the heart healthy and reduces the risks of heart diseases and other problems. [3]
3. Reduces Bad Cholesterol Levels
Eating sugar apples can also help reduce bad cholesterol in the body. This is because it contains niacin and dietary fibre, two agents that have been studied to reduce the amount of bad cholesterol in the body. A 2005 study revealed that ethanolic extract of Annona squamosa to animals brought about a reduction in the level of total cholesterol, with increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides (TG) levels. [4]
4. Promotes Good Digestion
Sugar apples contain enough fibre that can help you digest food better. While fibre cannot be digested, it makes the process of digestion easier, reducing the chances of constipation. It helps food move inside the intestines and adds bulk to stool so it can be easy to pass out. This helps prevent diarrhoea and also treats irregular bowel syndrome (IBS). [5]
5. Prevents Anaemia
Anaemia is caused by iron deficiency. Sugar apple is a fruit that is loaded with iron and eating it can supply enough iron to the body to prevent a deficiency that would lead to anaemia. Adding sugar apples to your everyday diet can supply your body with the iron it needs.
6. Contains Antioxidants
Sugar apples are a rich source of antioxidants which help to fight free radicals in your body. It contains more vitamin C than your regular orange. It also contains other flavonoids and carotenoids. This helps to detoxify the body, keeps it safe, and prevents diseases like cancer.
7. Good For Bone Health
Sugar apple contains a good amount of calcium and magnesium that help to improve bone density, giving you stronger and healthier bones and teeth. [6]
8. Prevents Asthma
Sugar apple also helps those with asthma. It is rich in antioxidants which would boost your immunity and help prevent attacks. It also contains vitamin B6 which helps prevents bronchial inflammation and asthmatic attacks. [9]
NOTE:
Studies have shown that sugar apple seeds may be damaging to the eyes. One study was published on the Ocular toxicity by seeds of Annona squamosa (custard apple). The study concluded that the seeds of Annona squamosa are highly irritant and toxic to human corneal epithelium and conjunctiva.
