African Star Apple is one of the native fruits which are indigenous to tropical African countries like Nigeria and contains lots of nutrients that are numerous and beneficial to health.
Growing African Star Apple
African Star apple grows only in the subtropical or tropical climate. It can be cultivated easily from seeds and would take 10 years for the young seedling to mature and bear fruits.
That is why grafted trees from air-layered cuttings or local nursery are better as they bear fruits from 1 to 2 years after cultivating in the ground. Its botanical name is Chrysophyllum albidum and it is usually available from December to April.
African Star apple is a very popular fruit in Nigeria. It is called Utieagadava in Urhobo; Agbalumo in Yoruba; Udala in Igbo, Efik and Ibibio; Ehya in Igala, Agwaluma in Hausa tribes of Nigeria. In southern Benin, it is called Azongogwe or Azonbobwe in local language. The color ranges from green (when unripe), and orange (when ripe).
Some do have a yellow color too, and this kind of African star apple is most common than the purplish-green or purple star apple which is cultivated in other parts of the world like the ones grown in Southeast Asia which have extended to Central America.
In some parts of Southeast Asia, there are other varieties grown known as just Star apples but is a purple back (Purple Star Apple) instead of the Nigerian yellow-orange color.
Interesting Fact About African Star Apple
The interesting fact about this fruit is that people love taking it before falling of the on the ground. It has an acidic taste when they eat that. When the African star apple falls to the ground it means that it is ripe already with a dark orange color and will have a very sweet taste. So it depends on the one you prefer ; Acid or Sweet? A sweet African star apple fits you as a dessert or can be one of the ingredients to add to a cocktail.
Nutritional Values of African Star Apple
African Star Apple contains several nutrients such as protein, energy, carbohydrates, moisture, lysine, niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, dietary fiber, amino acids, methionine, tryptophan, calcium, iron , phosphorus, vitamin A, C, B3, B2 and B2 in moderate quantities added to other traces of elements like tannins, terpenoids, flavonoids, and others that are beneficial to human health.
Health Benefits of African Star Apple
Below are the amazing 12 health benefits of African star apples.
1. Boosts Immune system
These vitamins that are present in star apples help to produce collagen that promotes immune health and moderates sugar level in diabetic patients. Africa Star apple consumption helps in boosting immunity due to the presence of vitamin C and carotene in it.
2. Aids in Digestive Health
The active fiber content which is mainly a carbohydrate in star apples helps to keep the digestive system healthy as well as helps to overcome constipation and other digestive problems.
It helps in normalizing your bowel movements and aids to get rid of constipation as well as other problems of the digestive system. Consumption of star apple helps in preventing the most dangerous health problem like cancer of the colon.
3. Natural Antioxidants
African Star apple serves as a natural source of antioxidants which helps to remove damaging oxidizing agents in the body system and keep the immune system healthy.
Free radicals like heart attack and cancer can be prevented with antioxidant-rich foods like star apple. Regular and moderate eating of star apple can help in reducing the development of dead cells by removing free radicals.
4. Good Source of Vitamin C
Vitamin C is known to be a water-soluble nutrient which is important to assist several essential functions in the human body.
Vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant and is controls the production of collagen, protection of heart, healing wounds, enhancing vision, improving immune health and decreases blood sugar levels.
Vitamin C antioxidant properties help in neutralizing the harmful effect of free radicals and prevent fatal diseases like heart diseases and cancer.
Since the human body cannot produce vitamin C itself, we can easily get it from outside by consuming African star apple because is one of those foods with a high content of vitamin C.
5. High Water Content
African star apple is a fruit that has a high water content. Other than that, the fruit is also low in carbohydrate, protein, crude fiber and very low in fat.
According to a research, the longer you store african star apple that has been picked, the more nutrients you will get. So, for the next time, make sure that you will try this fruit that full of benefit.
6. Strengthens Bones
Important minerals such as calcium and phosphorus that are important for maintaining strong bones and teeth are contained in African star apples.
Because of its rich in calcium and phosphorus, regular eating of this fruits contributes a lot in strengthening your bones and preventing numerous bone diseases.
7. Prevents Diabetes
Another essential benefit of African star apple is that it aids in controlling sugar levels in the blood and this is the best food for people suffering from diabetes.
Star apple fiber aids in keeping the blood sugar level under control. It’s rich in antioxidants helps in protecting the body against health problems such as cancer, diabetes and heart problems .
8. Prevents Anemia
It has a content of iron that is necessary for the body to produce hemoglobin and prevent iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency is a type of anemia that occurs because of insufficient iron in the body and can lead to dizziness, loss of appetite, weakness, rapid heartbeat, headache, shortness of breath and fatigue.
All these can be prevented by consuming foods with high iron content such as African star apples and vegetables.
9. Helps in Weight Loss
Proper consumption of Africa star apples helps in managing weight loss and maintaining complete body health and beauty.
African Star apple is one of the best fruits for weight loss due to its low in fat and also it contains a high amount of dietary fiber that improves satiety; making you feel more satisfied even after a long time.
It is an excellent fruit to take when you are trying to lose weight.
10. Low Calories
African Star apple is known for its low calories. One portion of this fruit contains 67 calories making it good for those trying to lose weight. Star apple is rich in fiber which can make you get satiated easily.
11. Good For Pregnant Women
African Star apple has an acidic taste and is mostly liked by women during pregnancy because it helps in preventing the urge to vomit. Star apple helps a lot in some problems faced by women during pregnancy like treating sore throat, constipation, and indigestion.
Therefore it is advisable you consume this fruit during pregnancy because it will be of great help.
12. Can be used as Medicinal Drugs
The leaves, seeds, and fruits are good herbal medicine for treating various health issues. The cooking of the leaves or bark can be used in treating diarrhea and dysentery. The shell of star apple tree aids in treating yellow fever and malaria.
African Star apple leaves are used in treating skin rash, stomach pain, diarrhea, and stomach pain. The seeds of star apple are also used in preparing ointments for treating skin infections and virginals.
Cautions of African Star Apple
Do not eat too much african star apple. This can cause stomach chills. For those of you who suffering heart disease, make sure you contact your doctor to discuss how much you should consume this fruit.
African Star Apple Recipes
1. Nigerian Agbalumo Drink Recipe
Ingredients
▪︎ 6 African star apple
▪︎ Half cup of white sugar
▪︎ 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
▪︎ Pinch of saffron – 10 to 15 strands
▪︎ Seeds of 6 green cardamom pods, crushed
Instructions
▪︎ Put all the ingredients in a bowl
▪︎ Add water into it
▪︎ Let it heat for about 12-15 minutes
▪︎ Remove it from it and let it cool
▪︎ Decant (straining if you like)
▪︎ Add ice and serve it.
2. African Star Apple Fruit combining with Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
▪︎ 50ml of soda water
▪︎ 4 table spoon honey
▪︎ Ice
▪︎ 400g of African star apples
▪︎ 60ml of cognag hennessy
▪︎ 2 table spoon brown sugar
▪︎ A little pinch of salt
Instructions
▪︎ Peel and slice the African star apple into half, remove all the seeds and discard them.
▪︎ Get the whitish sap-like stuff around the seed while removing the flesh and put them in a bowl.
▪︎ Add honey, salt and sugar, mix it very well and cover it with a clean cling and keep it in the refrigerator for 48hrs.
▪︎ At the end of this process, pour the liquid into a clean glass. Add water, ice and serve it.
Conclusion
Generally, African star apples are quite nutritious and the leaves exhibit some palliative properties that have been proven as remedies to certain ill health conditions such as skin rashes, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
It serves as a source of important daily vitamins recommended for health which are vitamins A and vitamin C which support many important functions of the human body.
Regular consumption of this fruit star apple will definitely boost your health in many ways. Whу nоt tаkе аdvаntаgе of іt bеіng іn ѕеаѕоn аnd еnjоу not juѕt its ѕwееt taste but also аll thе hеаlth benefits it hаѕ tо оffеr?
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