It’s the season of one of your favourite African fruits, ‘Agbalumo’ in Yoruba , ‘Idara’ in Igbo and ‘African white star apple’ in English. A lot of people only savour the sour and milky taste of the fruit but have no idea what the fruit actually offers in nutrients and benefits. Botanically called chrysophyllum albidum, the fruit is mostly cultivated in the rural areas and is very common between the months of December to April. Here are seven facts you should know about this fruits:
1– High Vitamin C Content: Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin. Unlike most mammals and other animals, humans do not have the ability to make ascorbic acid and must obtain vitamin C from their diet. Agbalumo presents a good source for vitamin C, 100g gram gives 25mg of vitamin C and White star apple had been suggested to contain more vitamin C than orange and guava, the friut is also rich in calcium, iron potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, and phytochemicals
2– Natural Anti-Oxidant: Antioxidants are substances that may protect your cells against the effects of free radicals — molecules produced when your body breaks down food or is exposed to tobacco smoke and radiation. What this means is that by consumption of agbalumo you give your body a better chance of fighting and avoiding heart disease, cancer etc. The fruit is known to have anti-oxidant properties that help fight cancer and treatment of diabetes.
3– Low Calorie fruit: A serving of agbalumo contains just 67 calories. This fruit is very good for those who want to loose weight because you consume more and get less calories intake. It is also a good snacking fruit which can be used to stop hunger pangs.
4– Natural Remedy: The agbalumo/udara is a natural remedy for toothache, constipation, sore throat, and much more. Also the bark of the tree according to research was used traditionally to treat yellow fever and malaria, while the leaf treated wounds, stomach ache, and diarrhea. In some parts of Nigeria the seeds are used to treat vaginal and skin infections.
5– Prevents Heart Disease: Frequent consumption of the fruit can help lower blood sugar and cholesterol thereby preventing or managing heart diseases. It is a very good recommendation for patient with heart problems.
6– The bark of the tree according to researcher was used traditionally to treat yellow fever and malaria, while the leaf treated wounds, stomachache, and diarrhea.
7– The agbalumo/udara is a natural remedies for toothache, constipation, sore throat, and much more. Also in some parts of Nigeria the seeds are used to treat vaginal and skin infections
But like everything else in life, moderation is key… So go on guys and enjoy your agbalumo/udara.
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