HEALTH BENEFITS OF CUSTARD APPLE Custard apple (Annona squamosa L.

) is a tropical, oval, conical, spherical or heart-shaped minor fruit native to tropical America, the Peruvian Andes and the Ecuadorian mountains which show very short storage life at room temperature. The custard apple is rich in vitamins and minerals. It stands out for its content in vitamin A and C, phosphorus and calcium. It is suitable for people with cardiac, hepatic or kidney problems. Custard apples have no cholesterol; they are low in fats and a good source of vitamin C. This vitamin is a good example of a composed developing more than one function. It takes part in the synthesis of the collagen, it intensifies the absorption of iron and it is a powerful antioxidant that protects our cells from oxidation. Custard apples are also a good source of minerals. These nutrients are necessary for the metabolic processes and they are also found in the body tissues and organs. We need a sufficiently high consumption of vitamins and minerals to develop some of the metabolic functions and other type of functions so as to be fit and enjoy a good life quality. Custard apple contains Energy: 62.30 kcal, Fats: 0.10-0.40 g, Minerals like Calcium 13 mg, Zinc 0.12 mg, Phosphorus 0.032 mg, Iron 0.40 mg, Manganese 0.079 mg, Proteins 0.90-2.10g, Carbohydrate 13.40g, Hydrosoluble Vitamins, B1 or Thiamine 0.04-0.13mg, B2 or Riboflavin 0.11 mg, B3 or Niacine 0.80-1.30 mg, C or Ascorbic Acid: 9-24 mg per 100g of fresh product.