Introduction

The unfamiliar fruit “Canistel.” This tropical yet highly beneficial fruit is so unknown that many have not even heard of canistel. Does this secretive fruit contribute to skin health and vitality?

Regarding the contents and nutritional values packed in these tasty “egg fruits”¹, (canistel is the same as egg fruit), the short answer is: YES! The benefits of canistel fruit to our skin health and vitality are noticeable. It has anti-skin photo-ageing properties, such as protection against pigmentation and damage to skin elasticity.

Additionally, the potential to eradicate cellular damage caused by oxidative stress is evident due to the antioxidants present in canistel fruits that scavenge free radicals. As a result, the potential to reduce fine lines and the appearance of wrinkles is appealing.^{1,2,3,4,5,6,7,15}

A lack of research focuses solely on canistel compared to many other tropical fruits. So, there are research development opportunities for food, dietary, and skincare departments to contribute and provide greater understanding. With direct involvement in developing skincare products, interest in this article certainly enhanced. Let’s explore together!

Canistel: description, characteristics, nutritional values, varieties and antioxidant composition

What Is canistel? 

Canistel, with scientific nomenclature Pouteria campechiana⁸, is a little-known fruit that is underappreciated.¹¹ Member of the Sapotaceae family⁸, full of nutrients and flavour.^10,12 It is a superfood with comparable protein values as avocados and gives 1/2 as much more energy than a banana.¹⁶

Did you know: You may be asking yourself, what does canistel smell like? Well, the aroma is very similar to pumpkin.

Genetic diversity of canistel

Although lacking in research, 30 Tra Vinh 10 Taiwan samples identified high genetic diversity. For analysis with morphological traits, the Shannon index of 0.83. 

Where does canistel grow?

Canistel plants are mainly native to Central America, such as Guatemala and El Salvador. It is distributed to nearby locations such as Jamaica, Cuba and Brazil. The tree plant is even grown in Florida, USA and widely distributed in various regions in East Africa (such as Uganda), Middle East, South Asia and South East Asian countries, including Egypt, India, Thailand, and Malaysia.⁸

Appearance and flavour of canistel

Canistel fruits can vary in shape and size, mostly oval and nearly round. The ripened canistels are usually yellow, orange-yellow, with yellowish flesh. The edible flesh is firm enough and dry. It resembles the egg yolk of a boiled egg; however, the flavour is nowhere near the taste of eggs.¹

Is canistel fruit sweet? This deceiving fruit is sweet and musky.¹ Many have described it as a sweet potato on a sugar high. Mousse cheese has an eggy texture, but the taste is so sweet. Ranked as one of the sweetest fruits, canistels are even compared to custard and pumpkin. Products such as jam, cake and ice cream are made with this delicious and healthy fruit.¹⁰

Is the canistel skin edible? No.¹

Canistel nutritional values

Let us identify the key compounds in canistel fruit to focus on skin health and vitality. Canistel is rich in niacin. The vitamin C values, Ascorbic acid, are fairly high. Canistel contains high carotenoids as well.⁹

Why Is canistel good for skin vitality?

Extensive studies still need to be included for canistel fruits. However, as a tropical fruit, the studies that demonstrate^2,3,4,5,6,7 such species of fruits that contribute to the protection and health of skin vitality mainly focus on antioxidant levels.

Antioxidants remove oxidising agents that are damaging to skin health. Severe oxidative stress contributes to the appearance of wrinkles. Why? As oxidation inhibitors, they may protect the skin cells from free radical damage sourced from UVR (Ultraviolet Radiation), air pollution, and even smoking. It is these wrinkles that indicate damaged skin cells. Canistel includes such antioxidant compounds that may aid skin protection, with vitamin C and niacin displaying high levels (58.1mg and 3.72mg per 100g, respectively).¹

Vitamin C, L-ascorbic acid, high in canistel fruits, are most abundant in the skin, with highly protective properties against oxidative-mediated inflammation. It acts as an antioxidant, scavenges the ROS (reactive oxidative species), and is a crucial element in collagen production. Collagen is a protein for skin elasticity. It nourishes and boosts the skin's vitality, reduces fine lines and wrinkle appearance, and revitalises bright, even skin tone.

It also aids in anti-skin photo-ageing properties, demonstrated by rough and dry skin, usually visible from the face and hands. As vitamin C aids in sun damage prevention, those exposed areas of the body to the sun may be protected from pigmentation.^4,5,6,7,15 Vitamin C maintains great skin vitality, complexion and glow, a perfect addition to any skincare routine.¹⁶

Canistel includes high levels of vitamin A (carotenoids). With canistel identifying itself as a rich source of carotenoids, it has to be understood that carotenoids are converted to provitamin A in the body. This is essential for regulating cell growth, including various regulation reactions of the immune system. It is known that vitamin A is a great treatment for dry eyes. It is also beneficial for skin vitality.

Vitamin A helps hydrate the skin, promoting a natural dermis moisturisation and radiant glow. Vitamin A is widely used in skincare routine products. Canistel shows high levels of carotenoids, essential vitamins to apply and consume for daily skin health, maintaining skin firmness and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.^1,7,16

Niacin levels (vitamin B3) are high in these delicious canistel fruits. B3 helps detoxify the body and may cleanse the skin from impurities. Niacin helps control blood sugar levels, which may aid in reducing certain diabetic symptoms, such as foot ulcers.^1,14,16

Lysine levels are high in canistel fruits (84 mg per 100g).¹ A randomised study in 2023 by Shashikumara et al. identified that lysine, an essential amino acid in 15% of ointments for diabetic foot ulcer treatments, helps wounds heal quicker than without the compound.¹³ Canistel may be introduced to aid in healing cuts and wounds. The body can not produce lysine, so it relies on the consumption of lysine via food. Lysine may be utilised for collagen formation as well. This delicious fruit also aids in reducing inflammation in the body.¹⁴

Summary

Recap of the appearance and skin vitality benefits of Canistel fruits! 

• Eradicates free radicals from oxidative stress
• Protects the skin from oxidative stress
• Canistel fruits have distinctive colours and tastes and pumpkin-like odour with hints of musk.
• Canistels, also known as eggfruits, are cultivated in Central America, South Asia and other tropical regions
• Vitamin C and niacin antioxidant activity are relatively high in value scavenge ROS
• High levels of vitamin A promote moisturisation and a radiant glow on the dermal layer, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and maintaining skin firmness
• Potential to heal skin wounds and reduce appearances of fine lines and wrinkles
• Protects the skin from photo-ageing properties
• Canistels are not only delicious and filling. They are packed with essential amino acids such as lysine and antioxidants that aid in maintaining and improving skin vitality

With the available studies and benefits indicated, canistel fruits may be introduced into skincare routines. The sweet and delicious flesh is consumed with appealing custard textures. They are less popular and, thus, not as widely available worldwide. However, if one does get their hands on them, they are delicious and potentially beneficial for skin vitality.

Further studies are required to understand the consumer's nutritional attributes and capabilities and how canistel can be utilised for daily skincare routines. Stay safe and share this article to spread the word and possibly trigger an influx of research in applying tropical fruits for skin vitality.