Cherimoya – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

07/29/2017 / By Earl Garcia

Cherimoya is a tropical fruit characterized by its sweet aroma and pulpy flesh. The fruit’s flavor is often regarded as a blend of banana, pineapple, papaya, peach, and strawberry. According to an article published on DoveMed.com, cherimoya is native to the Andes region in Peru and is widely cultivated in various parts of the world including South Asia, Central America, South America and Southern California as well as Portugal, southern Andalucia, and South of Italy.

List of known nutrients

Cherimoya boasts with a rich supply of vitamins and minerals that help boost the body’s overall health. An entry posted on the Nutrition and You website lists the essential nutrients found in the tropical fruit, which include:

Beta-Carotene
Calcium
Copper
Cryptoxanthin
Folates
Iron
Lutein
Magnesium
Manganese
Niacin
Pantothenic Acid
Phosphorus
Potassium
Pyridoxine
Riboflavin
Sodium
Thiamin
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Zeaxanthin
Zinc

Medicinal uses for cherimoya

Cherimoya is greatly valued for its potential in cancer prevention. The fruit is an excellent source of antioxidants asimicin and bullatacin that contain anti-cancer and anti-helminthes properties and counter the harmful effects of free radicals. The superfood is also notably high in dietary fiber that inhibits cholesterol absorption in the intestines. The high fiber content in cherimoya is also known to bind with cancer-causing chemicals in the colon, thus protecting the organ’s mucus membrane from being exposed to toxic substances. Additionally, the leaves and stems of cherimoya contain acetogenic properties that bolster cancer treatment.

Cherimoya is also found to have a well-balanced ratio of sodium and potassium, which helps regulate heart rate and blood pressure levels. Likewise, the fruit is known to reduce bad cholesterol levels and boost good cholesterol rates. This improves blood flow and cut the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, stroke and hypertension. Aside from this, the high vitamin C in cherimoya is found to inhibit free radicals from attacking the lipids, which promote the overall cardiovascular health.

The fruit is also remarkably rich in vitamin B6 or pyridoxine. In fact, a 100 gram serving of cherimoya contains up to 20 percent of the daily recommended intake of vitamin B6. The essential vitamin is touted to regulate the GABA neuro chemical levels in the brain. According to an article posted on health and wellness website Style Craze, adequate vitamin B6 levels may help relieve irritability, depression, and headache. The important constituent also staves off Parkinson’s disease, stress, and tension.

On the other hand, cherimoya contains an abundant supply of folate, antioxidants, and potassium that improve the body’s overall nervous system. The high potassium content in cherimoya is known to bolster blood flow to the brain, thus improving cognition, concentration, and neural activity. On the other hand, the fruit’s ample folate supply in cherimoya is touted to reduce the odds of developing Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline. Likewise, cherimoya is an excellent source of magnesium that improves the quality, duration, and tranquility of sleep.

In addition, the fruit’s high fiber content is touted to improve the body’s digestive process. The fiber in cherimoya helps activate peristaltic motion and boost gastric juice secretion. This, in turn, facilitate digestion and prevents the onset of various digestive conditions such as constipation and more serious complications such as colorectal cancer. Aside from this, the fruit has a remarkably low glycemic index. As a result, the fruit inhibits the onset of sugar crashes, sugar cravings, and mood swings.

Moreover, the superfood is noted for its high vitamin C content that fortifies the immune system and staves off infections such as colds and flu. The fruit is also effective in maintaining healthy skin and hair.

Body systems supported by cherimoya

Cherimoya supports the cardiovascular, digestive, nervous, and immune systems. Likewise, the fruit promotes healthy skin and hair.

Ways to use cherimoya

Cherimoya’s unique flavor makes it ideal in a variety of desserts, especially coolers. An article published on FineCooking.com features a recipe for cherimoya-lime sorbet.