Cherimoya
From Wikiwel
Other Names : Chirimoya, Chirimuya, Annona cherimola
Cherimoya, also known as sugar apple, is a tropical fruit belonging to the Annonacea family. It is native to the Andean valleys of Ecuador, Bolivia, Central America and Columbia. Cherimoya is a small-sized fruit with mosaic patterns on the skin surface. The fruit is also known as the “tree of ice cream”, owing to its creamy consistency. The fruit is commonly used in smoothies, ice creams, pie fillings and mousse
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Special Precautions of Cherimoya
- Like other members of the family Annonaceae, the seeds contain small amounts of neurotoxic acetogenins, such as annonacin, which appear to be linked to atypical Parkinsonism in Guadeloupe.
- Like avocados, cherimoya can take a long time to ripen but once ripe, it quickly deteriorates.
Health benefits and Uses of Cherimoya
- Cherimoya is high in calories with 300 grams of the fruit having about 170 calories.
- It’s high in fiber and is a good source of vitamin C and calcium. It also contains niacin and phosphorus.
- Vitamin C: A single, medium-sized cherimoya fruit contains 30 milligrams of Vitamin C, providing about 35% of the daily recommended intake. Vitamin C in cherimoya is required for the healing of wounds and formation of cartilage, tendons and ligaments. Consumption of one cup of cherimoya daily develops resistance against infectious agents and scavenges harmful free radicals from the body.
- Cardiovascular health: Vitamin C in cherimoya prevents free radicals from attacking the lipids, thus promoting cardiovascular health. It reduces bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases good cholesterol (HDL) levels in the blood. This improves the blood flow in the heart, reducing the risk of heart attacks. A well-balanced sodium and potassium ratio in cherimoya regulates the heart rate and blood pressure. It also counteracts the bad influence of sodium. Fiber in cherimoya prevents the absorption of cholesterol in the gut.
- Vitamin B6 in cherimoya is required for the proper functioning of our metabolism and immune system. It regulates GABA neuron chemical levels to help get rid of stress and depression. Vitamin B6 also protects from Parkinson’s disease.
- Fiber: One medium cherimoya provides a whopping 5 grams of dietary fiber, amounting to about 90% of the recommended amount. Fiber is essential for keeping the digestive tract healthy and lowering the blood sugar levels. It also adds bulk to the stool, relieving constipation.
- Cancer: Cherimoya for cancer is proved to be very beneficial. It acts against cancer cells, without adversely affecting healthy cells. The leaves and stems of cherimoya contain acetogenic, which helps in the treatment of cancer. It interferes with the action of enzymes, preventing cancer development. The high amounts of fiber in cherimoya protect the mucous membrane of the colon from exposure to toxic substances by binding cancer-causing chemicals in the colon. It also contains potent antioxidants like asimicin and bullatacin, which are found to have anti-cancer and anti-helminthes properties.
- Antioxidants: Cherimoya contains several polyphenol antioxidants, which limit damage caused to the cells by free radicals. The flesh, juice and peel, all have decent amounts of antioxidants in them.
- Maintains Health of the Skin: Cherimoya fruit has a high content of Vitamin C, which is vital for maintaining the health of the skin. Vitamin C helps in the formation of collagen, a protein, which provides elasticity to the skin. Vitamin C also helps to combat free radicals in the body, providing healthy and flawless skin.
- Delays Signs of Ageing: Regular consumption of cherimoya can help to delay the signs of ageing like fine lines, blemishes and wrinkles. It also helps to reverse the pigmentation caused due to free radicals.
- Promotes Hair Growth: Cherimoya is a highly nutritious fruit, which can benefit the hair in numerous ways. It contains hair-friendly nutrients like magnesium, zinc iron and Vitamin C, which promote hair growth.
- Treats Hair Lice & Nits: Unripe cherimoya fruit powder can help you to get rid of hair lice. Mix the powder with water and apply it on the scalp, one hour before shampooing to treat hair lice and nits.
- Collagen Formation: Vitamin C in cherimoya contributes to collagen formation, which makes up a major portion of our hair and scalp.
- Turns Hair Lustrous & Shiny: Cherimoya seed oil is ideal for wavy and coarse hair. It hydrates the scalp to make the hair lustrous, shiny and manageable.
- Prevents Pre-mature Hair Graying: Cherimoya provides the beneficial copper enzyme, which helps to maintain the color of the hair, preventing pre-mature hair graying.
- Cherimoya is an ideal fruit for those wanting to control their appetite, since it has a filling effect, is nutritious and protein rich.
- Cherimoya flowers are aromatic and in Jamaica, they’re used as snuff.
- Some scientific studies have demonstrated that cherimoya can help with depression, stress and melancholy. However, many people in Mexico have known that and applied it in their home for centuries.
- An extract of the cherimoya bark can induce paralysis if injected.
