Health Benefits of Cherimoya

Cherimoya (Annona cherimola)—native to the inner valleys of Ecuador and Peru—belongs to the custard apple family (Annonaceae). It has a thick green peel and sweet, creamy, custard-like flesh. Many people enjoy cherimoya chilled with a spoon, blended in fruit smoothies, or added to ice cream.

In addition to its food uses, cherimoya is used in traditional Mexican medicine to treat various ailments, including high blood pressure, cough, inflammation, and fever.

Cherimoya offers fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients that may support immune health, healthy digestion, and heart health. However, further studies are needed to understand the fruit's full benefit on human health.

High in Antioxidants and Plant Compounds

Cherimoya is loaded with antioxidants, including flavonoids, carotenoids, and vitamin C, which are known to promote good health.

Antioxidants are compounds that neutralize unstable molecules called free radicals, preventing them from causing damage. The body naturally forms free radicals as a byproduct of normal cellular metabolism, but they're also created by environmental factors like cigarette smoke, air pollutants, and ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Cell damage can occur when there are too many free radicals and not enough antioxidants to neutralize them. Long-term exposure to free radicals can increase the risk of developing cancer and other chronic diseases.

Cherimoya has gained special attention over the past few years due to its high concentration of acetogenins, which are plant compounds unique to the Annonaceae family.

Test-tube studies show that acetogenins may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. The compounds could potentially prevent the growth of cancer cells and trigger mechanisms that lead to cancer cell death. However, these types of studies are not enough to prove that acetogenins can help prevent cancer. More studies are needed.

Supports Immunity

A one-cup serving of raw cherimoya supplies around 20 milligrams (mg), or 22% of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin C.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports a healthy immune system. Inadequate vitamin C consumption has been linked to impaired immune function and increased susceptibility to infections.

Data shows that regular supplementation with 200 mg of vitamin C daily may help reduce the duration of colds by as much as 9%. However, research is conflicting.

May Improve Digestive Health

Cherimoya is a good source of dietary fiber, offering 4.8 grams (g), or 17% of the DV.

Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that the body can't digest. It helps keep bowel movements regular and prevents constipation.

Fiber moves through the digestive system intact, cleaning out bacteria and other buildup in your intestines. It also increases the diversity of the gut microbiota. These functions can improve health, including gut health, and reduce the risk of colon cancer.

May Support Eye Health

Incorporating more cherimoya into your diet may keep your eyes healthy.

Cherimoya is an abundant source of vitamin C and carotenoids, antioxidants known for supporting eye health.

Lutein, the most abundant carotenoid in cherimoya, accumulates in the retina, where it can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress caused by exposure to blue light and UV rays.

A recent review noted that people with lower dietary intakes of lutein may be at an increased risk of cataracts (cloudy areas that develop in the lens of your eye).

Several studies also show that diets high in lutein may help protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common cause of vision loss in older adults.

May Improve Heart Health

Several nutrients in cherimoya, including fiber and potassium, may help improve heart health.

Study findings suggest a high-fiber diet can reduce the risk of heart disease by as much as 24% through several mechanisms, including lowering blood pressure and blocking the absorption of some fat and cholesterol.

Additionally, cherimoya is a good source of potassium, covering 10% of your daily needs per serving. Potassium can help lower blood pressure by lessening the effects of sodium and easing tension on the walls of your blood vessels.

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends consuming 3,500-5,000 mg of potassium daily to prevent or treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

Nutritional Facts of Cherimoya

A one-cup serving of raw cherimoya provides:

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 2.5 g
• Carbs: 28.3 g
  
• Fat: 1.09 g
• Fiber: 4.8 g, or 17% of the DV
• Potassium: 459 mg, or 10% of the DV
• Copper: 0.11 mg, or 12% of the DV
• Vitamin C: 20.2 mg, or 22% of the DV
• Thiamine: 0.16 mg, or 13% of the DV
• Riboflavin: 0.21 mg, or 16% of the DV
• Pantothenic acid: 0.55 mg, or 11% of the DV
• Vitamin B6: 0.55 mg, or 24% of the DV

Cherimoya is relatively low in calories and contains a range of nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Potassium is an electrolyte important to many body processes, including muscle contraction and regulating fluid balance. It may also help protect against kidney stones and age-related bone loss.

Copper is a mineral involved in energy production. It's also needed to keep your immune cells, blood vessels, and nerves healthy.

Thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and vitamin B6 are all B vitamins needed to convert the food you eat into energy. They also play a vital role in the formation of red blood cells.

Risks of Eating Cherimoya

Despite the fruit's health benefits, the acetogenins found in the seeds and skin of cherimoya can be toxic. In fact, cherimoya seeds were traditionally crushed and used to kill lice and parasitic skin infections.

Findings from a recent study suggest the higher rates of severe parkinsonism observed in the French Caribbean islands may be due to the regular consumption of cherimoya and other fruits in the Annonaceae family.

Moreover, the study linked long-term consumption of acetogenin-containing fruits with more severe cognitive deficits in people with degenerative parkinsonism and Parkinson's disease.

People with Parkinson's disease should check with their healthcare provider before consuming cherimoya. Thoroughly removing the seeds and skin of the fruit may help reduce exposure to acetogenins. 

Cherimoya is also relatively high in potassium. If you have advanced kidney disease and are on dialysis or your healthcare provider has recommended a low-potassium diet, you should limit your consumption of cherimoya.

Tips for Consuming Cherimoya

Cherimoya has an aromatic flavor with a hint of mango, pineapple, and strawberry. Many enjoy the fruit chilled and eaten with a spoon, blended in fruit smoothies, or added to ice cream.

Here are tips for consuming raw cherimoya:

• Never eat the seeds, and ensure the skin and seeds are completely removed before eating the fruit.
• Similar to avocado, a ripe cherimoya should be firm but give a little when you gently squeeze it.
• Cherimoya fruits that are very dark may be overripe.
• Ripen firm cherimoya by storing it at room temperature for several days.
• Store ripe cherimoya in the refrigerator for up to two days.
• Cherimoya is often enjoyed chilled—simply cut the fruit in half and eat it with a spoon.
  

A Quick Review

Cherimoya is a unique fruit with a sweet, creamy custard-like texture. The fruit is high in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, which may help improve immunity, digestion, heart, and eye health.

However, research has linked long-term consumption of cherimoya and other acetogenin-containing fruits to to neurological conditions, including Parkinson's disease.

You can limit exposure to the fruit's toxic compounds by thoroughly removing the seeds and skin where acetogenins are most concentrated. If you have Parkinson's disease or another neurological condition, talk with your healthcare provider before consuming cherimoya.