The book “The Miracle of Nam Dược” states that “Custard apple (sweetsop) has the effect of clearing heat, strengthening the spleen, stabilizing the original energy, helping the vital energy, and promoting the production of blood.” According to traditional medicine, custard apple has a sweet taste and a neutral property. It has the effect of clearing heat, resolving phlegm, benefiting the five internal organs, treating dysentery, dysuria, urinary turbidity, and diabetes.
In custard apple, there is 72% glucose; 14.52% sucrose; 1.73% starch; and 2.7% protein. It also contains some essential vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. According to some research, custard apple has the ability to prevent skin cancer. Specifically, the compound acetogenin found in custard apple has a very good effect in treating precancerous skin lesions, thereby preventing the risk of skin cancer.
Furthermore, custard apple is good for the eyes as it is a fruit rich in vitamin C and A, which can improve eyesight.
Custard apple is also rich in riboflavin, vitamin B2, which has the effect of counteracting the formation of free radicals, preventing eye problems, and giving you bright and sharp eyes. Thanks to its high vitamin A content, custard apple is a fruit that helps balance moisture and prevent signs of skin aging. In addition, the soft flesh of custard apple is a natural remedy for treating abscesses, acne, and ulcers on the skin with great effectiveness. As for the custard apple peel, it can be used to treat tooth decay and prevent gum inflammation.
Although custard apple is very good, there are some individuals who need to be cautious when consuming it:
Overweight and obese people
Custard apple is a fruit that contains a lot of sugar and provides a lot of energy, so overweight and obese people should not eat too much. If you eat one custard apple weighing 200 – 250g, it is equivalent to eating a bowl of rice. Therefore, if you eat a lot of sweet fruits like this, it is natural to gain weight.
People with acne
Some individuals who are prone to acne, rashes, or eye deformities should also avoid eating too much custard apple because the high sugar content in the fruit will increase the sugar level in the blood, creating a favorable environment for bacteria to grow, especially staphylococcus – the cause of acne.
People with kidney disease
People with kidney disease should also not eat too much custard apple as it is a food rich in potassium, which is not good for people with the need for dietary restrictions.
Furthermore, for people with diabetes, especially pregnant women with a history of diabetes, it is also not advisable to eat custard apple due to its relatively high sugar content.
