FRUIT YOU MAY NOT KNOW - AFRICAN BUSH APPLE AND HEALTH

Achicha, bush apple 

 INTRODUCTION: Growing up in the Eastern part of Nigeria in the 70s, and going to the farm with my mother or fetching firewood from the bush,  this fruit is what we see in the bush and consume with relish,  without knowing its composition or the health benefits. One sure thing however, is that it is a tropical fruit found in Nigeria, with special reference to South and Eastern Nigeria.

Half shelled or open 

The name of this fruit has been a point of controversy, there has not been a conclusive research as to its nomenclature, component or health benefits. This post is based on personal findings, research and experiences as handed down by elders in my community as well as sellers of this fruit, the general knowledge of fruits and their benefits also formed a part of this research. 

The Igbos in Eastern Nigeria call it ACHICHA; Interviewing some of the fruit sellers I purchased it from, I was told it is called BUSH CARROT,  some say it is called CAPRICORN FRUIT, while some called it MONKEY KOLA. Some even said it is called LOCAL APRICOT FRUIT, 

However, apart from the name apricot fruit which I don't think the fruit could be called, all the other names could actually fit in.  For those that called it MONKEY KOLA, I guess, it could be because monkeys eat this fruit in the forest, and also because, the fruit itself bears a physical resemblance to the kolanut, both when shelled and unshelled.  It's fruit however is bigger than that of kolanut, and it is CRUNCHY  and SWEET to the taste.

The name CAPRICORN, I think could also be as a result of the noise or sound the fruit makes when it is being  eaten. Nevertheless, since there hasn't been any conclusive research, not much could really be said about this fruit, except that it is a crunchy, yummy fruit that is rich in fiber, vitamins,
minerals and antioxidants,  just like any other fruit.

Shelled Crunchy bush apple

HEALTH BENEFITS:

(1) HEALTHY EYES: Orange coloured fruits are said to be rich in antioxidants, BETA -CAROTENE,  which is one of the carotenoids responsible for the orange or yellow colour of fruits. The beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A by our human body which maintains healthy mucus membrane and healthy eyes.

(2) RICH IN LUTEIN: Orange or yellow coloured fruit such as the bush apple above is also rich in LUTEIN. LUTEIN is another carotenoid that is stored in the eye.  It helps prevent cataracts and age related macular degeneration, hence looking out for an orange or yellow coloured fruit and making it a part of our daily fruit intake will make a difference in our eye health.

(3) HEALTHY SKIN: Orange coloured fruits are also rich in another carotenoid called ALPHA -CAROTENE, this is also converted to vitamin A by the body. This vitamin A helps to maintain a healthy skin.

(4) HEALTHY BONES :The antioxidant quality of the alpha carotene in orange fruits such as found in the bush apple can help maintain healthy bones

(5) ROBURST IMMUNE SYSTEM: Consuming orange coloured fruits such as bush apple can help boost the immune system since it is rich in alpha carotene.

(6) MAY HELP PREVENT CANCER: Orange or yellow coloured fruits may help prevent cancer, due to its ALPHA CAROTENE content, this is because alpha-carotene as an antioxidant has the ability to stimulate cell to cell communication within the body system

(7) HEART FRIENDLY: Generally, fruits are great sources of minerals  and certain vitamins especially vitamins A and C, and these are heart friendly vitamins, hence the African bush apple is rich in these vitamins, and as such good for the heart.

(8) RICH IN FIBER: The African bush apple is rich in fiber; crunchy and sweet to taste. It is filling when eaten and can keep you going for longer,  just like any fiber rich food or fruit. If you get full eating an English apple, you will even get fuller eating the African bush apple.

(9) AIDS DIGESTION: Fiber rich fruits and vegetables facilitates digestion because they act as roughages or bulk to the digestive system, hence prevents constipation. Eating African bush apple can improve your bowel movement, hence free emptying of bowel with no difficulty.

(10) GOOD FOR WEIGHT LOSS: As stated in previous posts. Fiber rich fruits and vegetables are excellent for weight loss. The African bush apple is not exempted. It is filling when eaten and can keep you full for longer hours, thereby,  helps you keep your weight under control.

(11) RICH IN VITAMINS C AND A: The African bush apple is rich in vitamins C and A,  just like any other fruits.

(12) RICH IN ANTIOXIDANTS: The African bush apple is rich in carotenoids which has antioxidants qualities such as BETA-CAROTENE, APLHA -CAROTENE and LUTEIN, these as stated above aids vision and protects from cellular damage.

(13) RICH IN MINERALS: Having stated earlier that there is no conclusive research as to the health benefits of this fruit,  suffix it to state here that based on the fact that there is hardly any fruit that is not rich in minerals, the African bush apple is also rich in minerals,  such as phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, calcium etc.

Finally, the African bush apple is high in fiber,  rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants as explained in the post.  It is fleshy, crunchy, yummy and sweet to the taste.  It's orange colour and flavor is due to the flavornoids in the alpha carotene content. To improve vision, reduce the risk of macular degeneration, boost the immune system, orange and yellow coloured fruits and vegetables should form part of our daily fruit intake.