5 Amazing Health Benefits Of Cherimoya

Firm cherimoya fruits should be refrigerated to slow down the ripening process and taken out three to four days before eating. They can be easily broken or cut to expose the pleasant fragrance and luscious, custard-like flavored flesh. They are usually eaten like an apple or cut in half lengthwise and peeled. Sometimes the flesh can be scooped out directly with a spoon.

Cherimoya can be cut easily into cubes that can be pureed and used as a mousse or pie filling. Some people even add a few drops of lime or lemon juice and dilute the mixture with ice water for a refreshing, cooling beverage. Seeded, they can be added to fruit salads, sherbets, or smoothies, and fermented to produce a delicious alcoholic beverage.

# Vitamin C

A medium-sized cherimoya fruit contains about 11 to 12 milligrams of Vitamin C, which is helpful in healing wounds and aids in the formation of cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. Consumption of one cup of cherimoya daily helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and hunts down harmful free radicals in the body.

# Cardiovascular Health

Vitamin C in cherimoya stops free radicals from attacking the lipids, thus boosting cardiovascular health. It reduces bad cholesterol (LDL or Low-Density Lipoproteins) and increases good cholesterol (HDL or High-Density Lipoproteins) levels in the blood, which promotes healthy blood flow to the heart, and reduces the risk of heart diseases. The well-balanced sodium and potassium ratio in cherimoya regulates and controls the heart rate and blood pressure. It also counters the adverse influences of sodium. The fiber content in cherimoya prevents the gut from absorbing cholesterol.

# Vitamin B6

Cherimoya is a rich source of Vitamin B6 which is required for the proper functioning of our metabolism and immune system. It regulates the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neuron chemical levels to help fight stress and depression. Vitamin B6 also prevents Parkinson’s disease.

# Rich Source Of Fiber

One medium cherimoya contains a colossal amount of dietary fiber – about 5 grams to be exact, which amounts to about 90% of the recommended amount. Fiber is essential for keeping the digestive tract healthy, for lowering blood sugar levels, and also to lower the risk of heart diseases. It also adds bulk to the stool and hence, is a good cure for constipation.

# Antioxidants

Cherimoya contains several polyphenol antioxidants, which prevents damage caused to the cells by harmful free radicals. The flesh, juice, and peel, all have significant amounts of antioxidants in them.