Fortis Delhi gastroenterologist explains why custard apple is an ‘underrated powerhouse’: Rich in vitamins, minerals…

Updated on: Dec 15, 2025, 20:35:47 IST

By Debapriya Bhattacharya

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Custard apple is one of the best seasonal fruits for healthy adults, as per Dr Vatsya. (Pexels)

Custard apple boosts immunity, digestion, heart function, gut health, and more, shares Dr Vatsya.

The bumpy green exterior of a custard apple (also known as sugar apple or sitaphal) hides a creamy and sweet interior, much like the benefits of the fruit in our minds. The pulpy, segmented fruit with inedible black seeds is a powerhouse when it comes to boosting overall health, especially in adults over the age of 45, shared Dr Shubham Vatsya, a gastroenterologist and hepatologist at Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, Delhi, with more than 10 years of experience.

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Taking to Instagram on December 14, Dr Vatsya listed out the health benefits of tropical fruit in a video.

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A post shared by Dr. Shubham Vatsya (@dr.shubhamvatsya)

“If your parents are over 45 years old, you should start giving them custard apple,” he began. “The white pulp of custard apple is stuffed with vitamin C, vitamin B6, magnesium, potassium, and natural fibres. This combination supports immunity, digestion, and heart health.”

Vitamin C

The free radicals in our body are neutralised by vitamin C, explained Dr Vatsya. This slows down the ageing of the skin and offers protection from infections,

Magnesium

High concentration of magnesium present in custard apple relaxes the smooth cardiac muscles and helps to regulate blood pressure. It also improves the absorption of calcium and supports the skeletal system.

Fibres

Custard apple is also high in fibre content, which improves bowel movement, reduces constipation and naturally protects the gut lining.

Dr Vatsya warned that the slightly high concentration of natural sugar means diabetic patients need to control their intake.

“However, for most healthy adults, a custard apple is a nutrient-dense and gut-friendly seasonal fruit,” he concluded.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Debapriya Bhattacharya
Debapriya Bhattacharya is a Content Producer at Hindustan Times. He started his career in 2022, working in newsrooms in beats like education, US news, trending stories, and entertainment. In his new role in the lifestyle desk, he seeks to deliver a balanced blend of research-driven reporting and creative storytelling from health and recipes to art and culture. Science, philosophy, food and pop culture are what pump his veins and help bring heart to his stories. Debapriya tries to see out subjects that will allow him and readers to explore new frontiers and improve the quality of life for all. The explorations can be both external and internal, as thoughts seek to be as chaotic as the greater universe. As a citizen of the world, Debapriya has been fascinated by the lives of people across the globe throughout time. His curiosity leads him to explore new linguistic and cultural landscapes to broaden his horizons and deepen his understanding of global narratives. Beyond the newsroom, Debapriya loves to participate in debate and theatre, spaces that he considers to be holy grounds for nuance and self-expression. A graduate from Ashutosh College, University of Calcutta, Debapriya completed his Master's degree from the same university in 2022. An ambiverted bibliophile, he loves his solitude as much as he adores stimulating conversations. And despite his reverence for tech, libraries continue to be his favourite place for research.Read More

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