Health Benefits and Side Effects of Custard Apple (Sharifa)

Published: 10 Feb 2026

I have read dozens of research reports and nutrition guides, and I still get excited when I talk about the real health benefits and side effects of custard apple. This fruit offers many health benefits, but too much can also cause side effects, especially if you eat the seeds by mistake.

I will go beyond the basics and share detailed information about this fruit. In different places, custard apple is called cherimoya, sharifa, sitaphal, and sugar-apple, so don’t get confused by the names. I have compared real nutrition tables and expert opinions to clear up the mixed advice.

Table of Content

Ready to explore every benefit and risk?

Health Benefits of Custard Apple

This fruit helps the body in many ways. When you include it in your diet, you will notice real improvements in your health. Its natural nutrients make it more than just a fruit. That is why knowing the advantages of custard apple can truly boost your wellness.

Below, I am sharing the key benefits:

Maintains Heart Health
Manages Body Weight
Balances Blood Pressure
Enhances Brain Function
Fights Fatigue
Nourishes Skin Health
Fortifies Immunity
Supports Smooth Digestion
Builds Bone Strength
Maintains Eye Health
Balances Mood

Let’s uncover the full details of each benefit.

1. Maintains Heart Health

Eating custard apple can keep your arteries clear and heart function normal. Its nutrients help reduce stress on the heart. Eating this fruit daily can make small changes that truly matter.

Strengthens heart muscles
Reduces bad cholesterol levels
Supports healthy blood circulation

Guideline: Eat custard apple a few times a week for a healthy heart.

2. Manages Body Weight

Controlling body weight is easier when you eat nutrient-rich foods like custard apple. This fruit fills you up without adding unnecessary calories. Add it to other fruits, snacks, or meals because it keeps cravings in check and feels satisfying.

Reduces unhealthy food urge
Enhances fat breakdown
Aids in balanced calorie intake

Guideline: Eat custard apple in mid-morning or evening to control cravings.

3. Balances Blood Pressure

Custard apple contains potassium and other nutrients that help the body keep blood pressure in a healthy range. Having it daily can lower stress and cholesterol in arteries and the heart.

Helps regulate heartbeat
Reduces artery stiffness gradually
Maintains electrolyte balance in the body

Guideline: Eat custard apple with meals for maintaining normal blood pressure.

4. Enhances Brain Function

Custard apple provides many antioxidants and nutrients that enable clear thinking and memory, and you will feel more focused during the day. Eating this fruit daily will also help you stay productive without feeling tired.

Improves memory recall
Reduces mental fatigue quickly
Boosts concentration and focus

Guideline: Enjoy custard apple in the morning to stay mentally alert all day.

5. Fights Fatigue

Feeling tired can make even simple tasks harder. Custard apple provides energy through vitamins, minerals, and natural sugars that help your body feel more active. Eating it in small amounts daily can increase your energy.

Restores energy quickly
Replenishes essential nutrients
Enhances daily stamina

Guideline: Eat custard apple in the afternoon for an instant energy refresh.

6. Nourishes Skin Health

This fruit is full of vitamins and antioxidants that help your skin glow. You will notice your skin looks softer and more radiant if you eat it regularly. It fights dryness and adds a healthy shine.

Hydrates the skin
Shields the skin from sunlight
Enhances skin brightness

Guideline: For radiant skin, eat custard apples at least twice a week.

7. Fortifies Immunity

Healthy eating is the first step to staying fit. Custard apple contains vitamin C and other nutrients that help the body stay strong against common infections. It also helps the immune system function at its best for recovering from illness.

Strengthens body defenses
Enhances white blood cell activity
Reduces chances of seasonal illnesses

Guideline: Make custard apple a part of your food for strong immunity.

8. Supports Smooth Digestion

Digestive discomfort can affect your mood and energy. Custard apple has fibers that can overcome this condition and make the movement of food easier through the digestive system. You will feel lighter and more comfortable after meals.

Eases bowel movements
Reduces bloating and gas
Facilitates nutrient absorption

Guideline: Eat custard apple after meals to improve digestion.

9. Builds Bone Strength

Strong bones can prevent fractures and joint pain as you age. Custard apple has minerals like calcium and magnesium that can make bones dense and durable. Eating it once daily can have a small but lasting effect on your bone strength.

Improves bone density
Supports joint flexibility
Reinforces bones for daily activity

Guideline: Eat custard apples to maintain firm and healthy bones.

10. Maintains Eye Health

Nutrients in cherimoya annona (custard apple) help protect your eyes. Vitamins and antioxidants in this fruit reduce the risk of eye problems and support healthy vision.

Decreases eye fatigue
Enhances night vision
Contributes to retina health

Guideline: This fruit can nourish the eyes.

11. Balances Mood

Cherimoya contains nutrients that help regulate stress and enhance good mood. It will make you calmer and less distracted throughout the day. Good fruit choices like this can have a surprising impact on your mental health.

Reduces feelings of stress
Provides emotional stability
Improves clarity in thought

Guideline: Eating cherimoya can help manage emotions, including anger.

Side Effects of Custard Apple

Even though it’s a healthy or nutritious fruit, some parts, like seeds, are toxic if swallowed. Hence, it is important to know the disadvantages of custard apple too. Eating it in excess or ignoring certain precautions can sometimes affect your health or well-being.

These are the notable side effects to consider:

Indigestion Issues
High Blood Sugar
Sensitivity Reactions
Dental Issues
Toxicity from Seeds
Weight Gain if Overeaten
Low Blood Pressure
Medication Reactions

Next, we will examine each disadvantage more closely.

1. Indigestion Issues

The fruit has natural sugars and fibers that, in excess, may cause indigestion like constipation or diarrhea. The awareness of portion sizes can prevent these problems. Small servings allow your body to digest the fruit easily.

Causes mild stomach cramps
Can lead to bloating immediately
Slows digestion if overeaten

Guideline: Try eating custard apple with plain yogurt to avoid indigestion.

2. High Blood Sugar

Custard apple has sugars that can raise blood sugar if eaten in large amounts. In diabetes, this fruit needs care. While it is natural, excessive intake may affect glucose levels. Balancing it with other low-sugar foods is helpful.

Increases glucose after meals
May affect insulin response
Can spike sugar in bloodstream

Guideline: Mix it with nuts to balance sugar.

3. Sensitivity Reactions

A few can have mild allergic reactions to sugar-apple. If you notice unusual symptoms after eating, it’s best to stop consuming it. Sensitivity varies from person to person. Taking care when trying it for the first time is important.

May trigger mild itching
Leads to sudden swelling
May cause mild sweating

Guideline: Taste a small piece first to check for allergies.

4. Dental Issues

Sugar-apple is sweet, and daily eating can affect your teeth. It can stick to the enamel, increasing the possibility of cavities. Eating without proper oral care can harm your teeth gradually.

Can result in tooth discoloration
May weaken tooth protective layers
Increases bacterial growth in mouth

Guideline: Clean your teeth after consumption.

5. Toxicity from Seeds

The seeds of custard apple are poisonous. Even a small piece can cause serious health problems. Children are particularly at risk if they accidentally eat seeds. Handling the fruit carefully while eating is very important.

Can cause nausea if ingested
May trigger vomiting right away
Can lead to stomach pain

Guideline: Always remove and discard seeds before eating custard apple.

6. Weight Gain if Overeaten

This fruit is sugary and calorie-rich. Eating too much of it can slowly increase body weight. Pairing custard apple with other healthy foods supports weight management. Watching your serving size prevents gaining extra pounds or weight.

Can increase body fat
May reduce effectiveness of diets
Contributes to gradual weight gain

Guideline: Enjoy custard apple alongside vegetables or nuts to balance intake.

7. Low Blood Pressure

If you already have low blood pressure, overeating custard apples can make it worse. Checking the blood pressure before eating is important. Moderate intake helps prevent sudden blood pressure drops.

Can cause dizziness in some
May increase lightheadedness
Can lower systolic and diastolic pressure

Guideline: You can add it to your breakfast or lunch.

8. Medication Reactions

Fruit-drug interactions, particularly with diabetes or blood pressure, may change how the medicine works in the body. Noticing how the body reacts can prevent complications. Awareness is key to safe consumption.

May reduce medicine effectiveness
Can increase drug absorption unexpectedly
Can alter blood pressure treatment results

Guideline: Confirm with a healthcare provider that custard apple is safe with your prescriptions.

Nutritional Values of Custard Apple

This is a tropical fruit that comprises a mix of essential nutrients along with sweetness. Below is the breakdown of custard apple nutrition facts per 100 g edible portion, together with approximate % Daily Values depending on a 2,000-calorie diet.

No.	Nutrients	Amount Per 100 g	% Daily Value
1	Calories	101 kcal	5%
2	Carbohydrates	25.2 g	9%
3	Dietary Fiber	2.4 g	9%
4	Total Fat	0.6 g	1%
5	Protein	1.7 g	3%
6	Vitamin C	19.2 mg	21%
7	Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)	0.08 mg	6%
8	Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	0.10 mg	7%
9	Vitamin B6	0.22 mg	13%
10	Calcium	30 mg	2%
11	Iron	0.71 mg	4%
12	Potassium	382 mg	8%
13	Magnesium	18 mg	4%
14	Phosphorus	21 mg	2%

Note: Custard apple can complement a healthy diet.

Custard Apple Good for

Eating it can benefit specific groups of people in noticeable ways. Understanding who benefits most from custard apple can help you include it wisely in your diet.

People with low energy can regain stamina
Individuals with weak immunity can strengthen their body defenses
Those struggling with digestion can find relief with its fiber content
People wanting to improve heart or brain health can benefit daily
Anyone looking for organic nutrients and antioxidants can optimize their health

Custard Apple Bad for

Overeating or ignoring precautions can cause some medical issues. Knowing who should restrict or reduce their intake of custard apple helps prevent unknown side effects.

People with diabetes may experience high blood sugar if they overeat
Individuals with low blood pressure can feel dizzy or lightheaded
Children should avoid seeds, as they are toxic if swallowed
Those on medications for heart or blood pressure may face interactions
People with sensitive stomachs can get indigestion or bloating

Best Time to Eat Custard Apple

Eating it at the right time aids in digesting it better and getting the most out of its nutrients. These are the best times to eat custard apple:

Morning: Eating it early in the day gives a refreshing energy lift for daily activities
Mid-Morning: It controls hunger and prevents overeating before lunchtime
Afternoon: A small portion in the afternoon helps reduce tiredness and refresh your energy
Before Workout: Eating it 30–60 minutes before exercise energizes muscles and speeds up performance
Evening: Eating a small amount after dinner curbs dessert cravings without overloading the body

Bad Time to Eat Custard Apple

Defining the bad time to eat custard apple can keep you safe from health concerns. Here are some times you should minimize eating this fruit:

On an Empty Stomach: Eating it first thing in the morning may cause bloating or mild stomach upset
Late at Night: Consuming it just before sleep can increase sugar intake and affect digestion
With Heavy Meals: Eating it immediately after a large meal can hinder digestion and cause nausea
With High Sugar Intake: Avoid it when you already consume sweet foods to prevent spikes in blood sugar

Facts About Custard Apple

This tropical fruit, custard apple, stands out for its unique features. Apart from health benefits, it holds several amazing facts.

Native Regions: Custard apple originates from Central America and Mexico
Botanical Name: Its scientific name is Annona Squamosa, widely recognized
Tree Height: The trees grow 2–8 meters tall
Large Size: Some custard apples can weigh up to 500 g
Sweet Aroma: The fruit emits a pleasant fragrance when fully ripe
Seasonal Availability: It is usually harvested in autumn and early winter
Unique Seeds: The black seeds are poisonous if eaten
Texture Contrast: Its soft, creamy pulp contrasts with the grainy seeds inside
Pollination Method: Many varieties rely on bees and insects for pollination
Cultural Importance: In some regions, it is believed to be a symbol of prosperity
Culinary Uses: Besides eating raw, custard apple is used in desserts and smoothies

Myths About Custard Apple

Some of the myths about custard apples can confuse people about their effects or uses. Finding the truth behind each myth helps you relish this fruit worry-free.

Myth No. 1: Eating custard apple can instantly reduce weight
Truth: While it is nutritious, weight management requires overall diet control, not a single fruit

Myth No. 2: Custard apple causes diabetes in everyone
Truth: In moderation, it is safe even for people with diabetes; only excessive intake can affect blood sugar

Myth No. 3: You cannot eat custard apple during pregnancy
Truth: Fresh custard apple in small amounts is beneficial for most pregnant women unless a doctor advises otherwise

Myth No. 4: Custard apple always spoils quickly
Truth: Properly stored at room temperature or refrigerated, it can last a few days without spoiling

Myth No. 5: Custard apple has no nutritional value
Truth: It includes natural sugars, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that nourish the body

Conclusion

In this informative guide, we have explained the benefits and side effects of custard apple in a simple and easy-to-follow way. We covered its benefits, possible risks, nutritional values, right and wrong times to eat it, facts, myths, and who should or should not consume it.

Custard apple gives great results when eaten with care and in proper portions. Paying attention to quantity, timing, and personal health conditions helps reduce risks while enjoying its goodness.

Thank you for reading and staying with us till the end. Before you leave, do not miss the upcoming FAQs section, as it may answer questions you did not even know you had.

FAQs

Below are simple answers to frequently asked questions about custard apple advantages and disadvantages.

What are the uses of custard apple leaves?

Custard apple leaves are commonly used in herbal remedies and natural treatments. They relieve fever, inflammation, and minor digestive issues when boiled or made into a paste. They also help with skin care and wound healing.

What are the custard apple benefits for females?

Women can gain energy and vital nutrients by eating custard apple regularly. It helps support hormonal balance, skin health, and immunity. Including it in meals can also aid digestion and maintain good health.

What is Annona fruit?

The Annona fruit, commonly called custard apple, grows in tropical regions and has sweet, creamy pulp. You can eat it fresh or use it in smoothies, desserts, and shakes. It also contains minerals, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that make it a nutritious fruit.

How to eat custard apple?

Cut the custard apple in half and scoop out the soft, creamy pulp with a spoon. Avoid the black seeds, as they are toxic if swallowed. Eat it fresh, blend it into shakes, or mix it with yogurt and desserts.

What does custard apple taste like?

Custard apple has a sweet, creamy, and slightly tangy flavor that melts in your mouth. Its texture is soft and smooth, with small edible pulp segments. People often describe it as a mix of banana, pineapple, and vanilla.

Is custard apple good for health?

Custard apple is a nutritious fruit with nutrients like minerals, vitamins, fibers, and antioxidants. It aids heart health and digestion and energizes the body. Eating it regularly can promote a healthy lifestyle.

How to store custard apple?

Keep custard apples at room temperature until they ripen for a few days. Once ripe, place them in the refrigerator to extend freshness up to a week. Handle them gently to avoid bruising, as the fruit is delicate.

Where can you buy custard apples?

You can buy custard apples at local fruit markets, grocery stores, and supermarkets when they are in season. Many online grocery platforms deliver fresh custard apples at home. Specialty, Asian, and Caribbean stores carry them too.

What is the price of custard apple in 2026?

The price of custard apple varies by location and season, ranging from ₹110 to ₹310 per kg in Indian cities in early 2026, with wholesale rates around ₹15/kg depending on supply.