Custard-apple: Complete Vitamin Profile

Custard-apple ‐ Vitamin Information

Introduction

The custard-apple (Annona squamosa) is a heart-shaped tropical fruit native to Mexico and Central America. The rind or husk is green, while the fleshy aril varies in colour from a creamy yellow to pinkish white. Custard-apples are highly perishable and need to be consumed quickly —within 2-3 days of harvest—, as they bruise easily and lack resistance against disease. This article explores the vitamins found inside of custard-apple, looking at their primary and secondary functions, sources, and benefits.

Vitamins Overview

Vitamins are organic compounds required by living organisms in limited amounts for growth, reproduction, and normal metabolic activity. They are classified based on their solubility into two groups: water-soluble (vitamin C and B-complex vitamins) and fat-soluble (A, D, E, and K).1 All essential vitamins can be obtained through dietary means. Vitamin deficiencies may arise when food intake does not provide an adequate level of nutrients needed for daily requirements. The following subsections examine each nutraceutical vitamin that has been identified within custard-apple ( A, C, D, E, and K ).

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble nutrient responsible for general cell growth, maintenance of epithelial tissues which form out outer layers of skin, mucous membranes, and organs, as well as vision.2 It exists in two forms; preformed Retinol, which is animal based and readily absorbed, and provitamin Carotenoids, which occur plant-based foods such as vegetables and fruits who require further metabolism prior to absorption. In custard-apple, carotenoids components beta-carotene, lutein, and alpha-carotene have been identified, and contribute up to 10 percent to RDI (Reference Daily Intake) value. Beta-Carotene might [reduce] risk of certain types of cancer, asthmatic conditions and age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration. 3 Consuming small amounts of this vitamin also supports healthy bone development and enhances immunity.4

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin used to synthesize collagen, carnitine and neurotransmitters.5 Also present in custard-apple, it contributes 80 percent to RDI values6 and provides strong antioxidant protection, meaning that oxygen molecule damage caused by free radicals could be minimised.7 It helps with iron absorption, aids cellular respiration, induces wound healing, prevents scurvy and maintains joint health. While cooking reduces vitamin C levels in most fruits significantly, studies conducted in Malaysia suggest that little value leakage occurs over cooking duration of one hour.8

Vitamin D

An underrated micronutrient, Vitamin D is vital for dental health, prevention of osteoporosis and regulation of other hormones in the body.9 Limited exposure to the sun, poor diet, gastrointestinal disorders, kidney failure and liver problems can cause its deficiency10 Vitamin D3 is commonly added to fortified foods but custard apple contains substantial amount largely composed of dihydroxycholecalciferol (D2).11 Eating just one custard apple meets 75% of recommended daily amount for adults12 The body absorbs nearly 90 percent of vitamin-D from food compared to 50 percent from supplements13 thereby promoting healthy bones and reducing risks associated with diabetes, obesity and multiple sclerosis14

Vitamin E

Yielding large amounts of tocopherols, namely ?-, ?-, ?- and ?-tocopherols, custard apple delivers considerable quantities of Vitamin E15, which comprises approximately 19 percent of RDI guides.16 Tocopherols prevent inactivation of unsaturated fatty acids by Hindering oxidation17 and interferes with tumour formation.18 Alpha-tocopherol acts on thyroid weight, cholesterol levels, fertility and birthing process in mothers19 whereas gamma tocopherol adds extra power to protective effect shielding cells from DNA damage20 Depending on the variety of seeds, tiny traces of phytosteryl esters can be recovered due to their ease of regeneration.21

Vitamin K

Though often neglected, Vitamin K plays an indispensable role in nerve transmission, blood clotting, bone remodeling and bone calcium deposition22 Found in lesser amounts than other vitamins, custard apples contain both Vitamin K1 and K2 23 Phylloquinone (K1) exist abundantly in green leafy vegetables and is notable for preventing excessive bleeding in individuals with abnormal clotting24 Menaquinones (K2) are provided by bacteria naturally residing in our body supplemented further via animal sources like dairy products25 As Vitamin K cannot be adequately produced endogenously, so supplementing through food becomes necessary26 Moreover, higher intakes of this vitamin might protect us from cardiovascular illnesses27

Conclusion

In conclusion, Custard Apple is a remarkably nutritious fruit offering comprehensive array of diverse vitamins such as A, C, D, E, and K. From sustaining sight and bolstering immune system to building stronger bones and regulating neural mechanisms, various vitamins contained within edible parts of this nutritious health snack outperform many contemporary medicitations and defended us from tumors and pathogenic invasion. Additionally, research indicates that minor degradation of these key cofactors doesn't transpire during culinary processing making custard apples convenient ingestible option for busy lifestyle. Driven by commitment, authenticity, and uncomprimising quality, countless generations of nutritional awareness have endorsed immense potential of Crustal Apple and have paved easy passage to today's sophisticated lifestyles.