The Underdog Fruit: African Star Apple
By Khadijat Aroyehun
Fruit Of The Season: African Star Apple.
The African Star Apple, African Cherry (chrysophyllum Albidum) also known as Agbalumo in Yoruba and Udara in Igbo, Agwaluma in Hausa, is a fruit that appears insignificant compared to many other fruits, due to its size and looks. Yet health and nutrition experts have repeatedly affirmed its efficacy in the prevention and management of diabetes and heart disease among some of its numerous benefits.
The African Cherry is a power packed fruit, it is delicious, nutritious and low in calories. It is very high in vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid and ascorbate. Vitamin C, is a vitamin found in various foods and sold as a dietary supplement. It is used to prevent and treat a lot of diseases, such as scurvy.
Benefits of African Star Apple
The African Star Apple has so many beneficial attributes, virtually every part of the fruit has its use.
These benefits are thus:
1. It is packed with Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient involved in the repair of tissue and the enzymatic production of certain neurotransmitters. It is required for the functioning of several enzymes and is important for immune system function. It also functions as an antioxidant. However, as important as Vitamin C is, humans, unlike other animals, cannot make it.
Humans are one of the few mammals unable to manufacture ascorbic acid in their liver. The only way humans can make up for this inborn Vitamin C deficiency is to include foods rich in Vitamin C in their diet.
2. It is a good source of calcium
Calcium lends strength to human bones and teeth, and May also lessen symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, such as cramping and abdominal bloating. A serving of African Cherry provides 10 percent of the daily requirement of calcium for an individual.
3. It contains vitamins and minerals
The African Star Apple, contains five percent of the daily recommended value per serving of vitamin C and A.
One serving of cherry serves up to two percent of iron, a mineral vital for oxygenating the body.
4. It helps treat diabetes
Experts say, based on research, that the leaves help treat diabetes by reducing glucose levels, just as how insulin performs in the body.
5. It helps prevent heart diseases
Study shows that the local cherry fruit lowers blood sugar and cholesterol, and it could be useful in preventing and treating heart diseases.
6. Enables weight loss
The African Star Apple, because of its high fiber content, helps aid weight loss.
7. It aids digestion
Consuming the fruit eases digestion, thus preventing bloating and constipation.
8. It helps with pregnancy nausea
The acidic taste of the fruit, helps prevent nausea during pregnancy.
9. It is used as herbal medicine
The Western part of Nigeria, it is used to treat malaria and yellow fever. The seeds are used to treat skin infections, while the cotyledons of the young seedlings are helpful in treating vaginal infection.
10. Recipes
The African Star Apple can be used for interesting recipes such as juices and sauces.
The African Star Apple, is like an underdog fruit that its potential has not been tapped, but with this educative write-up, I believe we all have learned, how amazing this fruit is.
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