What Happens If We Eat More Custard Apples?

November 1, 2025 •

3 min read

Custard apples are a sweet and creamy tropical fruit rich in antioxidants and fiber, yet according to health experts, overconsumption can lead to a number of adverse health effects. While moderate intake offers numerous benefits, eating more custard apples than is advisable can cause problems ranging from mild digestive upset to serious neurological concerns.

Quick Summary

Excessive consumption of custard apples may lead to digestive problems, unhealthy weight gain due to high calories, and potential nerve damage from the annonacin neurotoxin found in seeds and skin.

Key Points

Annonacin Toxicity: The seeds and skin of custard apples contain a neurotoxin called annonacin, which can cause neurological damage with excessive exposure and must be avoided.
Digestive Issues: Overconsumption of the fruit's high fiber content can lead to gastrointestinal distress, including bloating, gas, and stomach pain.
Weight Gain Risk: The high calorie and natural sugar content in custard apples can contribute to weight gain if consumed in large quantities.
Mineral Overdose: Excessive potassium intake from too many custard apples can be dangerous for individuals with low blood pressure or kidney problems.
Blood Sugar Concerns: While beneficial in moderation, large amounts of custard apple can negatively affect blood sugar levels, especially for diabetic individuals.
Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions, such as skin rashes or itching, from consuming custard apples.

The Dangers of Overconsumption

While custard apples, also known as sitaphal, are celebrated for their nutritional value when eaten in moderation, indulging in large quantities can turn a healthy snack into a source of potential health problems. A primary concern involves the high concentration of certain compounds and the fruit's overall nutritional profile, which can negatively impact the body if consumed to excess.

Digestive Distress

Custard apples are a great source of dietary fiber, with one medium fruit containing a significant amount that aids healthy digestion. However, an overabundance of fiber can have the opposite effect. Consuming too many custard apples can overwhelm your digestive system, leading to uncomfortable side effects such as bloating, gas, stomach pain, and either diarrhea or temporary constipation. For individuals with pre-existing gastrointestinal issues like IBS, excessive fiber can exacerbate their symptoms significantly.

The Annonacin Neurotoxin

The most serious risk associated with excessive custard apple consumption comes from a compound called annonacin, a neurotoxin present primarily in the fruit's seeds and skin.

Neurological Damage: While ingesting a seed or two is unlikely to cause harm, regular and excessive consumption of annonacin is linked to neurological disorders. Long-term exposure has been associated with an increased risk of developing atypical parkinsonism, a condition characterized by movement and balance issues.
Toxicity from Ingestion: It is crucial to always remove the seeds and skin before eating the fruit to avoid ingesting this toxic compound. Even preparations made from the seeds, such as powders, are considered unsafe for consumption.

Caloric and Glycemic Concerns

Despite being a natural food, custard apples are relatively high in calories and natural sugars. Overindulging can easily disrupt weight management goals, especially for those on a calorie-controlled diet.

Weight Gain: Mindless eating of custard apples can lead to unnecessary weight gain and obesity over time, as the high sugar content contributes to increased overall calorie intake.
Blood Sugar Levels: While a low glycemic index means that custard apples won't cause immediate blood sugar spikes in moderation, the natural sugar load from overconsumption could still be problematic, particularly for individuals with diabetes. It is important for diabetic patients to monitor their intake and consult a doctor.

High Mineral Content

The rich mineral content, particularly potassium, is a double-edged sword. While beneficial in normal amounts, an overdose can have negative consequences.

Potassium Overdose: Excessive potassium intake can be particularly dangerous for individuals with low blood pressure or kidney disorders. It can cause a sudden and dangerous drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness, fainting, or dehydration.
Thalassaemia and Gastric Ulcers: Some sources also suggest that excessive intake of the iron-rich fruit could lead to complications like thalassaemia, intestinal ulcers, and colitis.

Comparison: Moderate vs. Excessive Custard Apple Consumption

To better illustrate the difference, here is a comparison of the outcomes associated with moderate versus excessive intake.


Aspect	Moderate Consumption	Excessive Consumption
Digestion	Promotes healthy bowel function due to fiber content.	Can cause bloating, gas, diarrhea, or temporary constipation.
Nutrients	Provides vitamins (C, B6), antioxidants, and minerals.	Can lead to a mineral overdose, especially potassium.
Toxicity	Safe, as seeds and skin are avoided.	High risk of annonacin exposure from seeds and skin.
Weight	Aids in weight management due to fiber-induced satiety.	Promotes unhealthy weight gain due to high calories.
Blood Sugar	Releases sugar slowly, suitable for most.	Can negatively impact blood sugar levels, especially for diabetics.

Conclusion: The Importance of Moderation

Custard apples are a delicious and nutritious fruit that can be a valuable part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. The health benefits, including enhanced immunity and improved digestion, are best reaped by enjoying this fruit mindfully. The risks, particularly from the annonacin found in the seeds and skin, highlight why portion control and careful preparation are essential. As with any food, the key to a healthy relationship with custard apples is balance, ensuring you enjoy the flavor without overdoing it and compromising your health.

For more information on the toxic compounds in certain tropical fruits, you can read research findings on the National Institutes of Health website NIH study on annonacin toxicity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Accidentally eating one or two seeds is unlikely to cause immediate harm, as the toxic effects are primarily associated with high, long-term exposure to annonacin. However, it's best to avoid eating them, and always discard the seeds and skin when preparing the fruit.

Moderation is key. While there is no universal number, one medium-sized custard apple per day is generally considered sufficient to reap its nutritional benefits without risking overconsumption side effects.

Yes, they can cause weight gain if consumed excessively. Custard apples are high in calories and natural sugars, and overindulgence can lead to a caloric surplus and unwanted weight gain.

In moderation, custard apples have a low glycemic index and can be part of a diabetic's diet. However, due to their natural sugar content, excessive consumption can negatively affect blood glucose levels, and caution is advised.

Initial signs of overconsumption often involve digestive issues, such as stomach pain, bloating, or a change in bowel movements like diarrhea. These symptoms are usually caused by the high fiber content.

Yes, annonacin is found in other fruits of the Annonaceae family, such as soursop (graviola) and cherimoya. As with custard apples, these fruits should be consumed in moderation, and the seeds and skin should be discarded.

Yes, it can. While potassium in moderation helps regulate blood pressure, an excessive intake can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure, especially for people with hypotension or kidney disorders.