The African star apple only grows in subtropical or tropical climates. It is easy to grow from seed and it would take ten years for the young seedling to mature and bear fruit.
For this reason, grafted trees from cuttings or local nurseries are more suitable, as they bear fruit just 1 to 2 years after being grown in the ground. Its botanical name is Chrysophyllumcainito, which is usually available from December to April.
In the Igbo language, the African star apple is a common fruit in Nigeria, called Agbalumo in Yoruba and Udala; the colour ranges from green (when unripe) to orange (when ripe).
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Some also have a yellow colour, and this type of African star apple is more common than the purple-green or purple star apple grown in other parts of the world, such as Southeast Asia, which has spread to Central America.
In some Southeast Asian countries, other varieties are known as star apples, but they are purple (Purple Star Apple) instead of the Nigerian yellow-orange colour.
They contain various nutrients such as protein, lysine, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, fibre, amino acids, methionine, vitamins A, C, B3 and B2 in moderate amounts as well as other trace elements such as tannins, terpenoids, flavonoids and others that are beneficial to human health.
Below are the Interesting Facts and Health Benefits Eating African Star Apple, called agbalumo or udara in Nigeria.
Helps with digestion
The active fibre content, which is mainly a carbohydrate in the African star apple, helps to keep the digestive system healthy and overcome constipation and other digestive problems.
It contributes to the normalisation of bowel movements and helps to get rid of constipation and other digestive system problems. Eating African star apple helps to prevent the most dangerous health problem like colon cancer.
Natural antioxidants
African star apple is a natural source of antioxidants that help remove harmful oxidising agents in the body and keep the immune system healthy.
Antioxidant-rich foods such as star apple can prevent free radicals such as heart attacks and cancer. Regular and moderate consumption of star apples can help reduce the formation of dead cells by removing free radicals.
Strengthens the immune system
These vitamins in African star apples help in the production of collagen, which promotes immune system health and lowers blood sugar levels in diabetics. Eating African star apples helps strengthen the immune system due to vitamin C and carotene.
Prevents anaemia
Iron deficiency is anaemia that occurs due to a lack of iron in the body. It has a level of iron that is necessary for the body to produce haemoglobin and prevent iron deficiency anaemia. It can lead to dizziness, loss of appetite, weakness, palpitations, headaches, shortness of breath and fatigue.
All this can be prevented by eating foods with a high iron content, such as African star apples and vegetables.
Strengthens the bones
The African star apple contains important minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, which are important for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Due to its high calcium and phosphorus content, regular consumption of this fruit strengthens your bones and prevents numerous bone diseases.
Helps with weight loss
Proper consumption of African star apples helps in weight loss and maintaining the health and beauty of the whole body.
African star apple is one of the best fruits for weight loss as it is low in fat and also contains a large amount of fibre, which improves the feeling of satiety, making you feel satisfied even after a long time.
It is an excellent fruit to eat if you are trying to lose weight.
Good source of vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble nutrient that supports several important functions in the human body.
Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, controls collagen production, protects the heart, heals wounds, improves vision, strengthens the immune system and lowers blood sugar levels.
The antioxidant properties of vitamin C help to neutralise the damaging effects of free radicals and prevent deadly diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
As the human body cannot produce vitamin C itself, we can quickly obtain it from the outside by eating the African star apple, as it is one of the foods with a high vitamin C content.
Prevents diabetes
Another major benefit of the African star apple is that it helps control blood sugar levels, which is the best food for people with diabetes.
The fibres of the star apple help to keep blood sugar levels under control. It is rich in antioxidants and helps protect the body from health problems such as cancer, diabetes and heart problems.
Low in calories
The African star apple is known for its low calorie content. One portion of this fruit contains 67 calories and is therefore suitable for anyone who wants to lose weight. The star apple is rich in fibre, which can easily satiate the body.
Can be used as a remedy
The leaves, seeds and fruit are a good herbal medicine for treating various health problems. Boiling the leaves or bark can be used to treat diarrhoea and dysentery, while the peel of the star apple tree helps treat yellow fever and malaria.
The leaves of the African star apple help with skin rashes, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and stomach pain. The seeds of the star apple are also used to make ointments for the treatment of skin infections and hymens.
Good for pregnant women
The African star apple has a sour flavour and is particularly appreciated by women during pregnancy because it prevents nausea. The star apple helps with women's problems during pregnancy, e.g. sore throat, constipation and indigestion.
You should therefore consume this fruit during pregnancy, as it helps considerably.
In Conclusion:
The African star apple is one of the indigenous fruits native to tropical African countries such as Nigeria and is called Agbalumo (Yoruba) or Udara (Ibo). It contains many nutrients that are numerous and beneficial to health.
The African star apple helps with high blood pressure, diarrhoea, digestive problems and fever.