The surprising health benefits of the fruit that is flooding the streets

Custard apple is a very familiar fruit to Vietnamese people. This fruit has a delicious taste, is easy to eat, so it is loved by both adults and children. Custard apple also has high nutritional content, has many health benefits.

In many places around the world , custard apple leaves are also used as a folk medicine.

Custard apple, also known as soursop, is round, large, and has many seeds. When ripe, the flesh is white, soft, and sweet. Custard apples contain high levels of vitamin C, abundant vitamin B6, and are rich in magnesium and iron.

Here are 7 surprising health benefits of custard apple:

1. Rich in antioxidants

Custard apple contains many carotenoids and biological compounds in the leaves such as phenols, flavonoids... These substances are believed to have anti-cancer, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties and support diabetes control.

They help neutralize free radicals, which are linked to increased risk of many chronic diseases. However, more research is needed to understand the effects of these plant compounds.

Soursop is rich in antioxidants. (Source: Vietnam+)

2. Can help lower blood pressure

One cup of custard apples contains 618 mg of potassium. Many studies have shown that a diet rich in potassium can help lower blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

3. Supports liver health

Preliminary studies show that custard apple leaves may help protect the liver, especially in cases of fatty liver caused by diet, sedentary lifestyle or stress.

The biological compounds in the leaves have the ability to reduce oxidative stress and protect liver cells.

4. Good for the digestive system

Custard apples contain a lot of fiber, a nutrient necessary for a healthy digestive system. Fiber helps soften stools, reduce constipation and reduce the risk of hemorrhoids, diverticulitis or colorectal cancer.

Some studies also suggest that custard apple seeds act as prebiotics, which means they provide "food" for beneficial bacteria in the gut, helping to balance the intestinal microflora.

However, the seeds can also contain toxins, so caution should be exercised when using them.

5. Boost the immune system

Custard apples are rich in vitamin C, an essential nutrient for maintaining a healthy immune system, protecting the body from bacteria, viruses and reducing oxidative stress.

In addition, custard apple also contains folate (vitamin B9), which is necessary for protein and DNA synthesis and plays an important role in immune function.

6. Protect cardiovascular health

Thanks to its rich fiber and polyphenol compounds, custard apples have the ability to help reduce inflammation and limit oxidative stress - factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. A diet supplemented with custard apples is said to contribute to protecting the cardiovascular system.

Thanks to its rich fiber and polyphenol compounds, custard apple has the ability to help reduce inflammation. (Source: Vietnam+)

7. Stabilize blood sugar

Some animal studies show that custard apple leaf extract can stimulate pancreatic cells to secrete insulin, helping to lower blood sugar.

In addition, this extract also helps muscles absorb glucose better and reduces glucose production from the liver.

With its high fiber content, custard apple itself may also help control blood sugar levels and improve gut health. However, current scientific evidence still needs to be confirmed.

Possible side effects

Although safe to eat in moderation, consuming too much custard apple can be harmful. This fruit, which is related to the custard apple, contains annonacin, a neurotoxin that can cause damage to the nervous system if consumed in large amounts.

In addition, custard apple seeds can also be toxic. Some medical reports have recorded patients suffering from keratitis, severe pain and light sensitivity after the powder in custard apple seeds got into their eyes./.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/nhung-loi-ich-suc-khoe-bat-ngo-cua-loai-trai-cay-dang-tran-ngap-pho-phuong-post1057507.vnp