Cherimoya is an unusual fruit native to South America.
It belongs to the same plant family as the custard apple.
It can be consumed either raw or added to a variety of dishes.
Cherimoya - touted as the "Pearl of the Andes" - is a heart-shaped fruit that grows in tropical areas with high altitudes. Scientifically known as Annona cherimola, the exotic fruit is characterized by its leathery peel, creamy flesh, and sweet taste. It's insanely delicious, and the flavor is similar to other tropical fruits like banana, mango, and pineapple.
Cherimoya is now consumed all around the world. It can be used in the preparation of various desserts (especially custard).
Nutritional Value of Cherimoya
Cherimoya is a nutritional powerhouse by all means. A one-cup serving contains 2.5g of protein (which is higher than most other tropical fruits). It also contains a good amount of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, zinc, calcium, potassium, niacin, carbohydrates, pantothenic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, and more.
Health Benefits of Cherimoya
Cherimoya - being an abundant source of many different nutrients - can provide your health with a range of benefits.
May support digestion: Cherimoya's high fiber content stimulates the release of certain enzymes that aid in the movement of food through your intestine. Also, it can reduce your risk of gas, bloating, IBS, and many other digestion-related issues.
May promote weight loss: The high fiber content keeps your body full for a long time, thus restricting you from overeating throughout the day. Also, it contains many different compounds that help increase the metabolic rate and eventually aid in your weight loss journey.
May improve eyesight: Cherimoya contains huge amounts of lutein which helps boost the functions of the human eyes. It protects your cornea from UV Rays and also aids in your eyesight significantly. Moreover, it can reduce your risk of macular degeneration to some extent.
May enhance skin health: Cherimoya has a rich amount of vitamin C - which may help in your body's collagen production. This, in turn, improves the skin's overall texture and reduces your risk of various skin issues. It also contains lots of antioxidants that keep your skin protected from free radical damage.
May promote bone strength: Thanks to its high calcium content, cherimoya aids in the bone mineralization process in your body. This, in turn, promotes your bone strength to a significant extent. It also contains zinc, magnesium, copper, manganese, and phosphorus that help improve your bone health.
Besides these, it may also boost immunity, enhance brain functions, and boost heart functions.
Side Effects of Cherimoya
Cherimoya (when consumed excessively and not in the right way) can trigger several health issues. It contains toxic alkaloids which are harmful to your body. Also, it can cause inflammation in the throat, and lead to various allergic reactions in the long run.
So, do consult with a nutritionist before incorporating cherimoya into your regular diet.
