Did you know that custard powder was a creation of love? When Alfred Bird discovered that his beloved wife could not enjoy traditional custard because she suffered from an egg allergy, he made the custard powder. He created a mixture of cornstarch and some flavourings as a substitute for eggs. This mixture is now used by people all over the world to prepare the dessert of custard quickly and easily.

How can something that was prepared with care not be healthy to consume? Yes, custard is not just a simple, delicious dessert, but it can also offer several health benefits. Let us explore some potential benefits that custard can offer to us:

Health Benefits of Consuming Custard

Here are some potential health benefits that custard may offer to us:

Rich in Calcium:

Custard is often made with milk, a great source of calcium. Calcium is vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth and supporting muscle function and nerve signalling. Regularly consuming custard can help meet your daily calcium requirements, contributing to better bone health and reducing the risk of bone-related conditions such as osteoporosis. It’s an easy way to integrate this essential mineral into your diet, especially if you enjoy dairy products.

Provides Protein:

Eggs are an important ingredient in custard. They are packed with high-quality protein. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, immune system support, and the production of important enzymes and hormones. By incorporating custard into your diet, you can enjoy a tasty way to boost your protein intake, which can be particularly beneficial if you are looking to build or maintain muscle mass or enhance your overall bodily functions.

Supports Digestive Health:

Custard can be beneficial for digestion, particularly when it includes fibre-rich ingredients like fruits. Fibber helps promote healthy digestion by preventing constipation and maintaining regular bowel movements. A serving of custard that includes ingredients such as fruit can enhance digestive health and support a well-functioning gastrointestinal system, contributing to overall wellness.

Contains Vitamins:

Custard made with eggs and milk provides essential vitamins such as Vitamin A and Vitamin D. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, immune system function, and skin health. Vitamin D, which is important for calcium absorption and bone health, is also present. Including custard in your diet can help you meet your needs for these important nutrients and support overall health.

Source of Energy:

The carbohydrate content in custard makes it a good source of energy. Carbohydrates are the primary fuel for physical activity and cognitive functions. Eating custard can provide a quick and satisfying energy boost, especially when enjoyed as part of a balanced meal. It’s a delicious way to fuel your day and maintain energy levels throughout various activities.

Supports Brain Function:

Custard ingredients, particularly eggs, contain nutrients like choline that are beneficial for brain health. Choline supports cognitive functions, including memory and learning, and helps maintain healthy brain cells. Including custard in your diet can contribute to your intake of choline, supporting overall mental performance and cognitive well-being.

Enhances Mood:

Custard’s comforting, sweet, and creamy qualities can have a positive impact on mood. The pleasure derived from enjoying a favourite dessert can contribute to emotional well-being. Additionally, custard’s ingredients, like eggs, provide nutrients that support brain health and mood stability, potentially helping to improve overall mood and reduce stress.

Promotes Skin Health:

The vitamins and minerals in custard, such as Vitamin A and antioxidants, can support healthy skin. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining skin integrity, promoting cell regeneration, and protecting against damage. By including custard in your diet, you can benefit from these nutrients, contributing to a healthy complexion and overall skin health.

Hydrating:

Custard has a high water content, especially when made with milk. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining healthy skin, optimal digestion, and overall energy levels. Enjoying custard can help contribute to your daily fluid intake in a flavourful and enjoyable way, supporting hydration and overall wellness.

Contributes to Balanced Diet:

When enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, custard can provide a range of nutrients that support overall health. Its combination of protein, vitamins, and minerals can complement other foods and contribute to a well-rounded diet. Eating custard in moderation can help you enjoy its health benefits while maintaining dietary balance and nutritional variety.

Here are some tips to ensure that custard provides the maximum health benefits

Use Good Quality Milk: Start with high-quality milk to make your custard. Fresh, whole milk is a great source of calcium and vitamins, enhancing the nutritional value of your custard.

Choose a Trusted Custard Powder Brand: Select reputable brands of custard powder that use natural ingredients and avoid unnecessary additives or artificial flavours. Trusted brands like Bird often maintain higher standards for quality and nutrition.

Incorporate Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Add ingredients like fresh fruit or nuts to your custard to boost its nutritional value. These additions can provide extra fibre, vitamins, and minerals.

Monitor Sugar Content: Be mindful of the amount of sugar you add to your custard. Excessive sugar can diminish health benefits, so use it in moderation or opt for healthier sweeteners if needed.

Avoid Excessive Cream: While cream adds richness, it also increases fat content. Use it sparingly to keep your custard balanced and avoid excessive calories and fat.

Use Whole Ingredients: Whenever possible, choose whole, natural ingredients instead of processed ones. Whole ingredients often retain more nutrients and offer better health benefits.

Consider Fortified Options: Look for custard powders or recipes that include fortified ingredients, such as added vitamins or minerals, to enhance the nutritional profile of your custard.

Maintain Balanced Portions: Enjoy custard as part of a balanced diet. Moderation is key to maximizing health benefits while avoiding overconsumption of calories and sugar.

When custard is made with good ingredients and eaten in moderation it provides several health benefits. It is a tasty way to get essential nutrients and can fit well into a balanced diet.