12 HEALTH BENEFITS OF AFRICAN STAR APPLE YOU MAY NOT KNOW

Star apple(agbalumo, udara) 

INTRODUCTION: The African Star Apple, called "UDARA" in Igbo, "AGBALUMO" in Yoruba, and "CIWOH" in Hausa is another highly nutritious and yummy fruit found in tropical Africa in general with special reference to Nigeria and in the Western, Southern and Eastern Nigeria in particular. Scientifically it is called "CHRYSOPHLLUM ALBIDUM", it has up-to 4-6 seeds when opened, and it's shaped like star, hence the name "Star Apple".

The African Star Apple, just like any other fruit is rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. It is normally found in great abundance between the months December to April every year. It could be of a sweet sour taste in which case, you will hear  the sellers shouting (Nwa nnu nwa nnu) or a sour harsh taste which is (Nwa ose), but they will  never shout that,  because If they do,  it will attract bad sales for them.

At the end,  both species, the Sweet soured tasty ones and the harsh soured tasty ones are bought and enjoyed by all and sundry. The very sweet ones are so sweet that you will want to eat everything about it both flesh and skin alike.

12 HEALTH BENEFITS OF AFRICAN STAR APPLE:

(1) HEALTHY FOR EYES: African Star Apple, belongs to the group of fruits that has an orange coloured inside; Bearing in mind however,  that, orange and yellow coloured fruits are rich in antioxidants BETA-CAROTENE and ALPHA-CAROTENE, which are eventually converted to vitamin A by the body. This vitamin A is healthy for eyes and maintenance a healthy mucous membrane.

(2) RICH IN ANTIOXIDANT LUTEIN: African Star Apple (udara,  agbalumo) is rich in LUTEIN, since it is orange coloured. This means eating this fruit may help prevent cataracts and other age related macular degeneration.

(3) RICH IN ALPHA-CAROTENE: Alpha -carotene is another carotenoid found in African Star Apple, because it has an orange coloured inside as stated earlier. The body converts the alpha carotene to vitamin A.  This vitamin A is also important for a healthy skin,  strong immune system and good vision. Below is a picture of an opened African Star Apple;

Opened agbalumo 

(4) RICH IN BETA-CRYPTOXANTHIN: This is another carotenoid found in yellow and orange coloured fruits. This goes to say that African Star Apple is rich in this carotenoid since it belongs to this class of fruit. This carotenoid is said to have strong antioxidant qualities that is linked to cancer prevention and reduced risk of developing inflammatory disorders such as Rheumatoid arthritis. Ensure to incorporate African Star Apple in your daily fruit meal intake when in season to help curb these ailments.

(5) RICH IN VITAMIN C: It is a common knowledge that almost every fruit is rich in vitamin C,  though the vitamin C content may vary.  African Star Apple is equally rich in vitamin C; hence that slapping soured taste as you take a bite of it.  Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help in combating the formation of free radicals that are known to cause cancer. This means that vitamin C protects the cells by neutralizing free radicals in the body. Taking African Star Apple (udara) may help in preventing these.

(6) GOOD FOR BONES AND TEETH: African Star Apple(agbalumo) is rich in calcium. Studies has it that the calcium content in this fruit is about 10% the amount needed by the body.

(7) PREVENTS CONSTIPATION: The African Star Apple is rich in dietary fiber; and fiber rich fruits act as bulk within the digestive system, thereby facilitating digestion, reducing constipation and enhancing free bowel movement. Also,  this star apple is said to provide about 3g of the recommended 25g to 38g daily intake of fiber needed by the body.

(8) GOOD FOR PREGNANCY: The African Star Apple tends to be good for most pregnant women, this is basically due to its acidic taste, hence it helps to reduce and forestall vomiting and spitting in pregnant women. It equally helps their bowel movement and reduce constipation in pregnancy.

(9) HELPS IN DIABETIC TREATMENT: Studies has it that, the African Star Apple otherwise called CHRYSOPHYLLUM ALBIDUM is rich in ELEAGNINE (an alkaloid isolated from the seed cotyledon of agbalumo or udara) it is said to exhibit antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The eleagnine works against microbes. The above is basically saying that the cotyledons contained in the African Star Apple Seeds( that's udara seeds) has antihyperglycemia effect that has an effect on the decrease in high sugar levels and the hypolipidemic that is lowering the blood cholesterol. ( All this grammar,  simply means that it is used in the treatment of high levels of fat such as cholesterol in the blood).

(10) GOOD FOR WEIGHT LOSS: African Star Apple is rich in fiber, this fiber provides bulk to your diet. This can make your stomach fuller for longer, thereby causing you to reduce your meal intake and hence loose weight.

(11) FACILITATES DIGESTION: The African Star Apple aids digestion within the digestive system,  this is because it is rich in dietary fiber,  and fiber rich fruits add bulk in the digestive process.

(12) GOOD FOR HERBAL TREATMENT: Studies have shown that the roots, bark and leaves of the African Star Apple can be used in the treatment of certain common ailments such as cough, yellow fever, high blood pressure etc.

Finally, as stipulated above, the benefits of this little common fruit cannot be overemphasized, it is rich in vitamins A, C,  fiber and other minerals and antioxidants,  which are eye and heart friendly. It is good for the general well being of the body.. Endeavor to incorporate fruits in season to your daily fruit meal intake in order to enjoy the benefits thereof.  Agbalumo or udara or the African Star Apple,  whichever you like to call it, is seasonal, just like any other fruit in tropical Africa. Enjoy fruits in season for a glowing healthier happy life and lifestyle.

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