Popularly called Agbalumo, Udara, and Otien in some parts of Nigeria, the African cherry fruit has lots of health benefits that will surprise anyone. The exotic fruit which has a chewable edible skin that ranges in color from green to orange, depending on the stage of ripeness.
The tender, sweet inner flesh is off-white with seeds making the inner to look like a star-shaped fruit. This obviously shows where it got the nickname ‘star apple’. purple and white and has a star shape formed by seeds through the middle of the fruit. The beautiful fruit can be gotten mostly everywhere in Nigeria towards the end of November till later in March when it would have gone out of season. African star apple is both delicious and low in calories, making it a power-packed favourite.
Helps weight loss
For people who count their calories, Agbalumo might be the fruit you’ve been waiting for. Studies have shown that a serving of Agbalumo contains just 67 calories; thus making it a good option for people with weight issues as they get fewer calories intake in the process of consuming it.
Rich in vitamin C
Agbalumo contains a high Vitamin C content i.e. 100g of the fruit gives about 25mg of vitamin C. This helps protect the body against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye disease, and even skin wrinkling. It is also helpful in maintaining the healthiness of your gum, preventing sprue and gum disease.
Natural anti-oxidant
Antioxidants help prevent the damage to the system caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that are produced in your cells during your own metabolism. Their production increases in response to stress or injury. Intake of foods and drinks that can neutralise these free radicals are highly encouraged, and Agbalumo does just that.
Good for expecting mothers
The acidic taste of Agbalumo helps prevent the urge of vomiting during pregnancy. However, they should consult their doctors on an ante-natal diet. African cherry has a sour-like taste that hits the palate of the mouth and stops one from throwing up or spitting excessively. It is arguably the reason why some pregnant women crave it.
Useful in folk medicine
The sweet and sour taste of agbalumo acts as a natural remedy for common issues such as constipation, toothache, sore throat, and indigestion. Herbal practitioners are also known to use the bark of the tree to treat yellow fever and malaria, while the leaves are useful for treating wounds, stomachache, and diarrhea.
The calcium lends strength to your bones and teeth, and it may also lessen symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, such as cramping and abdominal bloating. This fruit also contains 5 percent of the daily recommended value per serving of vitamin C and vitamin A.
Additionally, one serving of star apples serves up 2 percent of the iron, a mineral vital for oxygenating your body, that you need every day. Helps Diabetic conditions Star apples may have particular benefits for diabetics. Pharmacology” indicates that the leaves of this fruit may reduce glucose levels in diabetic rabbits, the same function that insulin serves. Take note, however, that consuming star apple leaves appears to have a toxic affect when eaten in large quantities. More research is needed to determine the effectiveness of star apple leaves to control diabetes in humans.
Udara contains antioxidants. These are substances that protect your cells against the effects of free radicals molecules produced when your body breaks down food or when exposed to smoke and radiation. This means that frequent consumption of cherry can help lower blood sugar and cholesterol thereby preventing or managing heart diseases. Doctors recommend that it is great for patients with heart problems.
Udara contains antioxidants. These are substances that protect your cells against the effects of free radicals molecules produced when your body breaks down food or when exposed to smoke and radiation. This means that frequent consumption of cherry can help lower blood sugar and cholesterol thereby preventing or managing heart diseases. Doctors recommend that it is great for patients with heart problems.
However, the leaves have been proven to be toxic when taken in excess quantities.
