Sugar apple is the fruit of the sugar apple or Annona squamosa tree, which is the most widely grown species of Annona. It is native to the tropical Americas and West Indies, but its exact origin remains unknown. Also known as anon or sweetsop, the sugar apple is believed to be “a fruit of the gods” due to its sweet, delicious and creamy flavor. Its pulp varies from milky white to light yellow, while its skin is composed of knobby segments typically of pale green to blue-green color. This fruit also contains large black seeds that are not edible and should be spit out when the fruit is consumed. A single fruit can contain as many as 28 to 30 such seeds.
The taste of this fruit is usually described as a cross between a pear and a coconut. When it is fully ripe it doesn’t require a knife to be opened; you should just easily pull apart and enjoy. The pulp can also be passed through a sieve to make milkshakes, smoothies, sherbet and ice cream. This amazing fruit is not only delicious to eat, but it is also extremely healthy. It is a great source of essential nutrients such as protein, minerals, vitamins and essential fiber. Take a look at the nutritional value of 1 cup of raw sugar apple provided by NutrtionalValue.org:
Nutritional Value of Raw Sugar Apple (1 cup, pulp (250 g))
- Dietary fiber – 11 g/44%
- Vitamin C – 90.8 mg/ 151%
- Iron – 1.50 mg/ 8%
- Niacin – 2.208 mg/ 11%
- Riboflavin – 0.282 mg/ 17%
- Thiamin – 0.275 mg/ 18%
- Vitamin B6 – 0.500mg/ 25%
- Copper – 0.215 mg/ 11%
- Magnesium – 52.50 mg/ 13%
- Potassium – 617.50 mg/ 13%
- Folate – 35.00 mcg/ 9%
Here are 13 health benefits of sugar apples:
Sugar Levels Control
The daily value set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is about 25 grams for adult women and 38 for men. Dietary fiber has been shown to slow down the absorption of sugar in the body and a high fiber diet has been linked with a lower risk of developing type-2 diabetes. Only 2 sugar apples can provide over half of the DV of fiber, so start consuming the more often.
Heart Health
The vitamin B6 has been found to prevent homocysteine build-up, the high amount of which in the blood is associated with a higher risk of coronary heart disease and stroke, and sugar apples are a great source of this vitamin.
Maintain Supply of Other B Vitamins in The Body
Sugar apples contain a good amount of riboflavin, one of the roles of which is to make sure that the body has all other needed B vitamins. These vitamins are essential for growth, development and other major bodily functions.
Help Lower Blood Pressure Levels
Potassium is a mineral known to regulate blood pressure levels by controlling the effects of sodium in the body and sugar-apples are a good source of it.
Asthma Prevention
Sugar apples are a great source of vitamins C and B6 and of the minerals magnesium and potassium. Vitamin C is considered a potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that may help decrease the risk of developing asthma and vitamin B6 is found to prevent the inflammation of the bronchial tube. Magnesium and potassium are also very beneficial for prevention or treatment of asthma. Magnesium helps relax the bronchial tubes and smooth esophagus muscle, but asthmatics often have low levels of it.
Maintain Thyroid Health
Copper is a trace mineral that is deemed very important for the production of the thyroid hormone called thyroxine, which is responsible for the health of the thyroid gland. Sugar apples contain a good amount of this mineral.
Help The Body Produce Energy
Thiamin is a nutrient that helps sugar turn into energy. So, whenever you feel a bit tired, take a sugar apple, which is a good source of thiamin.
Bone Strength
Magnesium has been proven to be effective together with calcium in increasing bone density and keeping the bones strong. Sugar apples contain this mineral in a good amount which makes them great for your bone health.
Lower Cholesterol Levels
This fruit is loaded with niacin, a B vitamin which has been found to effectively increase the good cholesterol in the body.
Prevention of Pregnancy Problems
Vitamin B9 or otherwise known as folate, is known for its essential role in conception especially in preventing neural tube problems for the baby.
Skin and Hair Health
Being a good source of vitamin A, sugar apples will help you maintain a luscious hair and youthful skin. The creamy pulp is traditionally applied on problematic skin areas in order to cure them.
Promote Vision
The vitamin A contained in sugar apples will also help you maintain a healthy vision due to its antioxidant properties that provide protection for your cornea and retina from harmful free radicals.
Help Prevent Anemia
Sugar apples are rich in iron, a mineral that is essential for red blood cells’ production. By consuming them regularly you will prevent the occurrence of anemia.
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