African Star Apple is known by various names by Nigerians but the famous is Agbalumo among the Yoruba people and Udara among the Igbos. While its scientific name is Chrysophyllum africanum or Chrysophyllum albidum.
Chrysophyllum albidum is a popular tropical fruit tree and widely distributed in the low land rain forest zones and frequently found in villages. The fruits are sub-spherical in shape, about 3cm in diameter, usually 5-celled and contain an edible, sweet pulp. Africa star apple belongs
to the Sapotaceae family. It's been associated with the dry season and can be gotten mostly everywhere in Nigeria towards the end of November till later in March when it would have gone out of season. It has been enjoyed over the years by Nigerians as a fruit.
More studies are supporting it's folklore use for treating/managing diseases such as diabetes, heart diseases and drug resistant bacteria, but let us now discuss the health and nutritional facts about the African star apple.
1. Helps You Lose Weight
The fruit contributes 3g of fiber to the recommended daily intake of 25 to 38g. Fiber provides bulk to your diet, a factor that can make your stomach feel fuller for longer. This can keep you from eating too much, and it may help you lose weight.
2. It Contains Vitamins
African star apple contains more Vitamin C and ascorbic acid than Orange. This vitamin helps prevent scurvy, a mouth gum disease. This nutrient can also protect you from some forms of cancer.
3. Medicinal Uses
The different plant parts like the roots, barks and leaves are used for healing, cough, yellow fever, high blood pressure and much more. The seeds may be useful to reduce fevers and treat diarrhea and treat skin infections. The seed cotyledon has been reported to possess anti-hyperglycemic (lowers high blood sugar) and hypolipidemic (lower blood cholesterol) . Other uses, includes treatment for hypertension, tooth abscesses, diabetes, heart problems, intestinal issues and some people also eat this fruit to reduce the inflammation associated with laryngitis and pneumonia. But do not eat Africa star apple for any medical condition without first consulting your physician.
4. All-Round Basic Nutrition
1-cup serving of fresh star apple contains 67 calories. Eating Africa star apple as a snack is a good choice because the calories are low and it provides no fat. One serving of star apple also has 15 g of carbohydrates,
or 11.5 percent of the 130 g suggested for daily consumption by the Institute of Medicine.
5. Good Source Of Minerals
One serving of star apples serves up 2 percent of the iron, a mineral vital for oxygenating your body. The fruit is also a good source of calcium, with each serving providing you with 10 percent of the amount you require each
day. The calcium lends strength to your bones and teeth, and it may also lessen symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, such as cramping and abdominal bloating. Tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, proteins, carbohydates and resins are the phytochemicals that have been reported in this awesome fruit.
6. Anti-Oxidant
The fruit contains eleagnine which exhibit anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and ant-ioxidant activities which helps to remove free radicals from oxidative stress disorders.
7. Lower Blood Sugar
Africa star apple could lower blood sugarand cholesterol, and could be useful in preventing and treating heart diseases and fight cancer.
8. Raw Materials
It is also an excellent source of raw material for industries.
Despite it's benefits it is advised however to be consumed in moderation due to the acidic nature in the mouth, since it is actually alkalizing when it gets into the body except on contact with our mouth and delicate stomach
lining and that's why it slaps.
How is this special fruit beneficial to you? Leave a comment.
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