Count fruit (pinecone): what it is, benefits and how to consume

The custard apple, also known as custard apple or pinecone, is a fruit rich in nutrients such as fiber, vitamins B and C and minerals, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help to fight pain and inflammation, increase the defenses of the body and control blood sugar levels. In addition, the Count fruit also has minerals such as potassium and calcium, necessary for the regulation of blood pressure, and phosphorus and magnesium, essential for bone health.

The scientific name of the fruit of the count is Annona squamosa, and is usually confused with another fruit of the same species, the atemoya, which is the result of a cross between the Count fruit and the cherimoya. However, the atemoya is tastier than the Count fruit and has fewer seeds, but it has different properties and benefits and should be consumed in moderation by diabetics. Check out the health benefits of atemoya.

Although this fruit has several health benefits, it is important to pay attention to the peel and its seeds, as they have a toxic effect and are often used in the preparation of insecticides.

The main health benefits of custard apple are:

1. Helps you lose weight

Count fruit is low in calories, each 100 g of raw fruit has approximately 82 calories, which can help in weight loss diets. In addition, it is rich in fibers that increase the feeling of satiety, which helps reduce hunger and lose weight.

2. Improves the functioning of the digestive system

The Count fruit is very rich in fibers that help regulate the intestines, favor the increase of stool volume, increase bowel movement and facilitate the elimination of stools, being an excellent option to prevent constipation.

3. Helps control blood glucose

Some studies show that the antioxidants present in the aqueous and alcoholic extract made with the leaves of the Count fruit can help regulate blood sugar levels, by having a protective effect on the beta cells of the pancreas, responsible for the production of insulin in the body, helping to regulate insulin levels and reduce blood glucose, and can be an important ally in the prevention and treatment of diabetes.

4. Controls high blood pressure

Earl fruit contains large amounts of potassium, which is a substance that helps to increase blood vessel relaxation, allowing blood to circulate more easily, helping to lower blood pressure, which can be very useful for people who have high pressure.

In addition, alkaloids and peptides, such as cyclosquamosine, present in the seed of the count fruit, act as a natural blocker of calcium channels, inhibiting the release of a neurotransmitter, norepinephrine, which is responsible for increasing blood pressure, and thus, it also contributes to lowering blood pressure.

5. Strengthens the immune system

Count fruit is rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, which stimulates the production of white blood cells that are essential defense cells to prevent and fight infections, flu and colds, and therefore, Count fruit helps to strengthen the system. immune.

6. Keeps bones healthy

Earl fruit is rich in calcium, phosphorus and magnesium which are essential minerals to strengthen, increase strength and bone density, maintaining bone health, which can help prevent diseases such as osteoporosis, osteopenia or rickets, for example.

7. Improves skin quality

The vitamin C present in the fruit of the count acts by increasing the production of collagen which is important to fight sagging and wrinkles of the skin, improving the quality and appearance of the skin.

In addition, the antioxidant action of vitamin C helps fight free radicals that cause skin aging.

8. Improves wound healing

The alcoholic extract of the leaves of the Count fruit helps in the healing of wounds in the skin, by stimulating skin cells, and forming glycosaminoglycans and collagen important for wound healing.

In addition, the alcoholic extract of the leaves of the count fruit has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties, which reduce the production of inflammatory substances such as prostaglandins, and swelling, and can be used to assist in the treatment of wounds.

9. Decreases pain

The alcoholic extract of the leaves of the Count fruit has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce pain by inhibiting the production of substances such as cytokines and interleukins, responsible for the sensation of pain.

10. Helps fight cancer

Some studies carried out in the laboratory with breast, liver, intestine, ovary and lung cancer cells, show that both the fruit itself, its seed or the aqueous extract made with the leaves or seeds of the Count fruit, due to bioactive compounds and due to their antioxidant content, such as anosquamosines and anosquamines, they have antitumor action, reducing the proliferation of cancer cells.

However, studies in humans are still needed to prove this benefit.

Nutritional information table

The following table brings the nutritional composition for 100 grams of raw pear fruit.

It is important to emphasize that to obtain all the benefits mentioned above, the Count fruit must be part of a balanced and healthy diet.

how to consume

Count fruit can be consumed fresh, roasted or cooked, and can also be used in the preparation of ice cream, smoothies or tea. Another way to consume this fruit is in the form of juice, which is a healthy, nutritious and easy-to-prepare option.

Count’s Fruit Juice

Ingredients

• 4 ripe Count fruits;
• 1 apple without skin;
• 2 cups of water;
• 2 ice cubes.

Preparation mode

Cut the Count fruit in half, remove and discard the skin and seeds. Then add all the ingredients in the blender, beat until obtaining a homogeneous juice and drink.