The
African star apple is a native fruit that grows in tropical countries of Africa
like Nigeria and Uganda. It contains many nutrients that are beneficial for
your health. Its scientific name is Chrysophyllum albidum, and it belongs to the Sapotaceae family. The African star apple trees bear
ripe, yellow fruits from December to March.
In
Nigeria, the African star apple is known as Agbalumo in the southwest and
Udara in the southeast. African star apple fruits are sweet and sour and are
enjoyed by people of all ages. They can be eaten fresh or stewed. They have a
pink-colored pulp that is used to make juice, jams, syrup, marmalade, and soft
drinks. The oil from African star apple seeds is used for medicinal purposes,
as it is rich in nutrients and natural antioxidants.
What Is the Nutritional Content of African
Star Apple?
African
star apples are rich in water, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. 100
grams of fresh African star apple pulp contains:
- 3.9 to 4.1 grams of protein
- 5.5 to 5.6 grams of fat
- 4.1 to 4.5 grams of fiber
- 8.0 to 10.4 grams of carbohydrates
- 116.5 to 122.6 calories
- 666.21 to 700.81 milligrams of potassium
- 365.50 to 425.00 milligrams of calcium
- 211 to 228 milligrams of phosphorus
- 8.24 to 8.27 milligrams of zinc
- 86.80 to 99.63 milligrams of vitamin C
- 336.27 to 347.47 micrograms of beta-carotene, which
forms vitamin A
- 2.23 to 2.29 milligrams of iron
Apart
from this, African star apples contain vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, and E and
antioxidants like flavonoids.
What Are African Star Apple Health
Benefits?
In
Nigeria, African star apples are often used as a home remedy and herbal
treatment. They are used in medicine because of their beneficial properties:
- Antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help detoxify your body. They hunt for
toxic molecules called free radicals, which can cause oxidative damage to
your cells. African star apples contain antioxidants that get rid of free
radicals and protect your organs from damage.
- Anti-inflammatory properties. African star apple fruits are abundant in anti-inflammatory substances
like alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenols. These reduce inflammation in your
body and prevent long-term health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and
heart problems.
- Antimicrobial properties. Lab studies have shown that extracts from African
star apple seeds have antibacterial and antifungal properties. However,
more studies are required to determine dosage and effect on humans.
Furthermore,
the African star apple:
1.
Improves heart health. African star apples are a rich source of natural
antioxidants such as flavonoids and
vitamin
E,
C,
and A. They prevent oxidative damage of cells and promote heart health.
Studies
have also shown that the African star apple contains glycosides. They are
antioxidants that help fight heart disease. The fruit also contains low
levels
of
sodium
and high levels of
potassium,
which
makes it a healthy snack for people with
high
blood pressure.
It
also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help prevent
heart
disease
and
stroke.
2.
Helps manage and control diabetes. Evidence suggests that African star
apple pulp can lower
blood
sugar levels
and act as an effective dietary supplement to
manage diabetes. The fruit contains high amounts of fiber, which lowers blood
sugar. It also contains natural
antioxidants
that fight oxidative damage and prevent
diabetes.
African
star apple also lowers the levels of enzymes such as alpha-amylase and
alpha-glucosidase, which break down carbohydrates and increase blood sugar
levels.
This suggests that the fruit can be consumed to help manage diabetes.
3.
Prevents cancer. A high-fiber and antioxidant-rich diet can prevent
different types of cancer, such as
colorectal
cancer.
Research
shows that African star apples may play an important role in preventing the
growth of cancerous cells. African star apples are rich in pectin,
a
type of fiber, and antioxidants such as beta-carotene and vitamin E. It also
has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help prevent cancer growth.
4.
Lowers bad cholesterol levels. High levels of
bad
cholesterol
can increase your risk of developing blockage
in your arteries. This can lead to heart problems and stroke. Chrysophyllum
albidum or African star apple
fruits
contain compounds called saponins. They bind to bad cholesterol and prevent it
from entering your bloodstream. African star apples also have high
levels
of pectin or fiber, which improves
good
cholesterol levels.
Research
also shows that
vitamin
C
in food can increase the levels of good
cholesterol. Snacking on African star apples can increase your vitamin C levels
and, in turn, improve cholesterol levels.
