TOP 5 HEALTH BENEFITS OF AFRICAN CHERRY (AGBALUMO, UDARA)

Popularly called Agbalumo,
Udara, and Otien in some parts
of Nigeria, the African cherry
fruit has lots of health benefits
that will surprise anyone! It is also referred to as star apple.
The exotic fruit which has a

chewable edible skin that ranges
in color from green to orange,
depending on the stage of
ripeness. The tender, sweet inner
flesh is off-white with seeds
making the inner to look like a
star-shaped fruit. This obviously
shows where it got the
nickname 'star apple'. purple and
white and has a star shape
formed by seeds through the
middle of the fruit. The beautiful
fruit can be gotten mostly
everywhere in Nigeria towards
the end of November till later in
March when it would have gone
out of season.
According to NurseRita, here are
a few out of the countless
benefits of African Cherry:
Vitamins and Minerals
Star apples serve as a good
source of calcium, with each
serving providing you with 10
percent of the amount you
require each day. The calcium
lends strength to your bones and
teeth, and it may also lessen
symptoms of premenstrual
syndrome, such as cramping and
abdominal bloating. This fruit
also contains 5 percent of the
daily recommended value per
serving of vitamin C and vitamin
A. Additionally, one serving of
star apples serves up 2 percent
of the iron, a mineral vital for
oxygenating your body, that you
need every day.
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Helps Diabetic conditions
Star apples may have particular
benefits for diabetics. Research
published in the September 2009
edition of the "African Journal of
Pharmacy and Pharmacology"
indicates that the leaves of this
fruit may reduce glucose levels in
diabetic rabbits, the same
function that insulin serves. Take
note, however, that consuming
star apple leaves appears to have
a toxic affect when eaten in large
quantities. More research is
needed to determine the
effectiveness of star apple leaves
to control diabetes in humans.
Medicinal Uses
The star apple is a folk remedy in
several countries, although no
research exists to confirm these
uses. The seeds of this fruit may
be useful to reduce fevers and
treat diarrhea. Some people also
eat this fruit to reduce the
inflammation associated with
laryngitis and pneumonia. Other
uses, including treatment for
hypertension, tooth abscesses,
heart problems, intestinal issues
and cancer exist, but do not eat
star apple for any medical
condition without first
consulting your physician.
Helps You Lose Weight
Eating a serving of star apple
contributes 3 g of fiber to the
recommended daily intake of 25
to 38 g. Fiber provides bulk to
your diet, a factor that can make
your stomach feel fuller for
longer. This can keep you from
eating too much, and it may help
you lose weight. This nutrient
can also help protect you from
diabetes and some forms of
cancer.
All-Round Basic Nutrition
1-cup serving of fresh African cherry
contains 67 calories. Eating star
apple as a snack is a good choice
as the calories are low and it
provides no fat; however, this
may not be enough calories to
ease hunger pains and boost
energy levels, as between-meal
snack are meant to do. The Diet
Channel notes that 100 to 200
calories per snack is best;
consider eating an oz. of cheese
or a tsp. of peanut butter to
boost the number of calories into
this range. One serving of star
apple also has 15 g of
carbohydrates, or 11.5 percent of
the 130 g suggested for daily
consumption by the Institute of
Medicine.