Cherimoya is loaded with antioxidants, which fight free radicals in your body. High levels of free radicals can cause oxidative stress, which is associated with chronic illnesses, including cancer and heart disease (6, 7Trusted Source, 8Trusted Source).

Certain compounds in cherimoya — including kaurenoic acid, flavonoids, carotenoids, and vitamin C — have powerful antioxidant effects (3Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source).

One test-tube study found that both the peel and pulp are excellent sources of antioxidants — with compounds in the peel especially effective at preventing oxidative damage (9).

However, note that you should not eat the peel of cherimoya due to health concerns. This is explained in more detail below.

Cherimoya’s carotenoid antioxidants may be particularly powerful. Research shows that foods rich in carotenoids may boost eye health and reduce your risk of heart disease and certain cancers (10Trusted Source, 11Trusted Source).

Cherimoya is loaded with antioxidants, which fight free radicals in your body. High levels of free radicals can cause oxidative stress, which is associated with chronic illnesses, including cancer and heart disease (6, 7Trusted Source, 8Trusted Source).

Certain compounds in cherimoya — including kaurenoic acid, flavonoids, carotenoids, and vitamin C — have powerful antioxidant effects (3Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source).

One test-tube study found that both the peel and pulp are excellent sources of antioxidants — with compounds in the peel especially effective at preventing oxidative damage (9).

However, note that you should not eat the peel of cherimoya due to health concerns. This is explained in more detail below.

Cherimoya’s carotenoid antioxidants may be particularly powerful. Research shows that foods rich in carotenoids may boost eye health and reduce your risk of heart disease and certain cancers (10Trusted Source, 11Trusted Source).