Nutritionists hail 'world's healthiest fruit' with anti-cancer properties
People aiming to boost their health eating regime should try a little-known fruit described as "a real treat", health experts have advised.
Fruit is widely praised as a powerhouse of vitamins, fibre, and other nutrients, but what variety offers the greatest health benefits?
According to researchers in Korea and America, there is a clear winner - but it is not something that you may have included in your weekly shop before.
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The cherimoya, also known as the "custard apple" due to its creamy consistency, is ranked as one of the "world's most nutritious foods", according to the BBC.
It boasts a nutritional score of 96 out of 100, and is the second healthiest food overall, surpassed only by almonds with a score of 97.
The cherimoya is shaped like a cone and has a tough, green skin. Beneath this, there is a sweet, creamy pulp that can been scooped out with a spoon. The flesh can be enjoyed chilled, like a refreshing cold custard.
Robbie Sigona, a greengrocer who sells this fruit, likens its taste to "a banana meets a pineapple" and stresses that "it's a real treat that you have to try," Surrey Live reports.
Not only is the striking fruit delicious, but it also delivers impressive health benefits. Healthline highlights that the cherimoya is "loaded with antioxidants" and "rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals" - which may improve immunity, reduce inflammation, and protect eye and heart health.
Cherimoya is also a valuable source of vitamin B6, which studies have shown can significantly reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression.
The super fruit is rich in fibre, which helps to keep our digestive system healthy, maintain a healthy bodyweight and prevent constipation. Interestingly, the cherimoya even carries anti-cancer properties thanks to the flavonoids that it contains.
This ingredient combats free radicals, the molecules that are produced in the body in response to toxins like cigarette smoke, and which are linked to a higher risk of cancer. For this reason, flavonoids stop the growth of cancer cells, as scientific studies have demonstrated.
Despite these many health benefits, adventurous eaters should note that certain parts of the fruit also contain toxins that could damage your nervous system if consumed in high quantities.
If you are keen to sample the fruit for yourself, you can find it in several mainstream UK supermarkets like Asda and Costco. Numerous specialist food stores also offer the cherimoya online.
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