This post will provide information on "What are the health benefits of udara/agbalumo or African star apple fruit (Chrysophyllum africanum)?" as well as provide answers to questions like: What is the English name for Agbalumo fruit? What type of fruit is Agbalumo? Is Agbalumo a cherry? What does Agbalumo mean? Is Agbalumo fruit good for pregnant woman? What fruits are native to Nigeria? What is Udara Agbalumo? Where is Agbalumo grown? What is the English name of Chrysophyllum Albidum? What are the health benefits of Udara fruit? What is the health benefits of Star Apple? Is star fruit good for health?
Chrysophyllum africanum (commonly known as African star apple) is a forest fruit tree commonly found throughout tropical Africa. Amongst the Yoruba of Nigeria, it is called Agbalumo while it is called Udara in the eastern and southern parts of Nigeria, and in the northern (Hausa-Fulani) Part of Nigeria popularly known as Agbaluma . It is closely related to the African star apple(Chrysophyllum africanum) which is also common throughout West Africa. Some schools of thought feel that they may just be a variety of the same species. Also in the family is the purple star apple (Chrysophyllum cainito). The bright orange colour darkens as the fruit ripens, so it is best to look out for darker orange-skinned African star apples as these will most likely be sweeter and less tart than its brighter coloured counterparts. The African Star Apple tree and fruit secretes a whitish sap which gives the flesh of the fruit a chewing gum-like texture. The taste of the African Star Apple is quite complex. Depending on the stage of maturity of the fruit, it can be terribly sour or amazingly sweet. Ripe African Star Apples are savoury-sweet and tart in taste. This complex taste lends itself well when paired in sweet dishes as a dessert or added to a cocktail. From a nutritional perspective, the African star apple is a rich source of calcium, with each serving providing up to 10% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA). The fruit also contains good amounts of vitamins A and C (higher, in fact than levels found in oranges or guava). Star apples are also quite rich in iron. In addition, the African star apple has been found to be beneficial in lowering blood pressure and for diabetes.
- Helps weight loss
- Vitamin C present in the fruit 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
- Intake of foods and drinks that can neutralise these free radicals are highly encouraged, and Agbalumo does just that
- The acidic taste of Agbalumo help prevents the urge of vomiting during pregnancy
- 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 only side effect of Udara/Agbalumo fruit or African Star Apple fruit is that it contains a compound that could affect male fertility.