By Bisols Adeyemo
The African star apple is commonly known as agbalumo among the Yoruba people and Udara/ Udala among the Igbos.
Its scientific name is called Chrysophyllum africanum or Chrysophyllum albidum, which is power-packed with vitamins.
The African Star Apple is a native fruit in West Africa and is particularly prolific in Nigeria, the Republic of Benin, Togo, and Ghana.
The fruit has a bright orange/brown color with edible skin & dark brown seeds covered with creamy pulp which is usually eaten up.
It occurs seasonally in West Africa between December to April.
The African star apple is usually very sweet and is not usually harvested from the trees, but left to drop naturally to the ground where they are picked.
Back in the days, the seed was commonly used as a local game called (Ayo) among children, while its flesh can chew so hard to turned into gum.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, has several important functions, which help to protect cells and keep them healthy, maintain healthy skin, blood vessels, bones, and cartilage, and boost the immune system.
African star apple is also rich in calcium with each serving providing up to 10 percent of the recommended daily allowance, iron potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, tannin, flavonoids, terpenoids, and phytochemicals.
According to research, the African star apple is said to have the capacity of lowering blood sugar and cholesterol and could be useful in preventing and treating heart diseases.
The fruit is known to have anti-oxidant properties that help fight against cancer.
Diverting into traditional benefits of Agbalumo fruit, the roots, barks, and leaves have been employed in the treatment of diseases.
The bark is used for the treatment of yellow fever and malaria, while the leaf is used as an emollient and for the treatment of skin eruption, stomach ache and diarrhoea.
Below are parts of the amazing health benefits of African star apples.
1) Boosts Immune system
These vitamins present in star apples help produce collagen that promotes immune health and moderates sugar levels in diabetic patients. Africa Star apple consumption helps boost immunity due to the presence of vitamin C and carotene in it.
2. Natural Antioxidants
African Star apple serves as a natural source of antioxidants which helps to remove damaging oxidizing agents in the body system and keep the immune system healthy.
Antioxidant-rich foods like star apple can prevent free radicals like heart attack and cancer. Regular and moderate eating of star apples can help reduce the development of dead cells by removing free radicals.
3) Aids in Digestive Health
The active fiber content, which is mainly a carbohydrate in star apple, helps keep the digestive system healthy and helps to overcome constipation and other digestive problems.
It helps in normalizing your bowel movements and aids in getting rid of constipation as well as other problems of the digestive system. Consumption of star apple helps in preventing the most dangerous health problem like cancer of the colon.
4. Prevents Anemia
Iron deficiency is a type of anemia that occurs because of insufficient iron in the body. It has a content of iron that is necessary for the body to produce hemoglobin and prevent iron deficiency anemia. It can lead to dizziness, loss of appetite, weakness, rapid heartbeat, headache, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
5. Strengthens Bones
Important minerals such as calcium and phosphorus that are important for maintaining strong bones and teeth are contained in African star apples.
6. Helps in Weight Loss
Proper consumption of Africa star apples helps in managing weight loss and maintaining complete body health and beauty.
Quality journalism costs money. Today, we’re asking that you support us to do more. Support our work by sending in your donations.
The donation can be made directly into NatureNews Account below
