African star apple is a West African origin exotic fruit. In Nigeria, it is predominant in the southeast and South West and locally known as udara and agbalumo respectively.
African star apple is a seasonal fruit and can be found in markets around November to March when they are in season.
African star apples have a great nutritional profile.
They are a rich source of calcium, contain good amounts of Vitamin A and C (higher, in fact than levels found in oranges and guava). The vitamins help prevent scurvy, a mouth gum disease. Star apples are also rich in iron (a mineral the body needs daily).
According to a report published by the African Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology, the leaves of the star apple tree and to some extent the flesh of the fruit itself, possess some chemical nutrients which have similar properties to insulin found in the body and are believed to effectively reduce blood sugar levels. This property makes the leaves and fruits useful medically, for the treatment of type two diabetes though further research is being carried out.
African star apples are rich in dietary fiber. Eating up to 3-5 fruits daily can give a feeling of being full and keep dieters from over-eating and consequently controlling calorie/food intake thereby helping control/manage weight.
African star apple also has antimicrobial properties. The active components usually interfere with the growth and metabolism of microorganisms negatively.
SOLOMON ANUNOBI
Aahhh...so udara is Africa star apple 🤣 thought that was a company name not until I read through...thank you for this piece 🙌
ReplyDeleteGood read
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