Amazing Health Benefits Of The African Star Apple

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.

  

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Deadly New COVID Variant Not Yet In Nigeria - NCDC

Amidst growing global apprehension over a resurgent of a deadly variant of COVID 19 in China and the refusal of the federal government of Nigeria to impose restrictions on travelers from that country, the  Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has said the Omicron sub-variants partly responsible for the rise in COVID cases and deaths in other countries, have not yet been detected in Nigeria.

The agency, in its COVID genomic surveillance report published on Wednesday, said its emergency operations centre (EOC) is monitoring COVID trends in China, the United States, the United Kingdom and other countries with a high volume of traffic to and from Nigeria.

It said before the recent case increase in China and other countries, genomic surveillance has shown that the Omicron variant and its lineages continue to dominate in recorded infections worldwide.

The NCDC said while the rise in the new Omicron sub-lineages XBB.1.5 in the UK and the US, and BF.7 in China raises concern, they have not been detected in Nigeria.

“The sub-lineage seen with cases in China, B.5.2.1 and BF.7, are responsible for the surge in China and does not appear to be increasing unusually in other countries. The NCDC continues to strengthen genomic surveillance of the COVID-19 virus in Nigeria. Since the detection of the Omicron variant in December 2021, its sub-lineage (BQ.1/BQ.1.1) has been dominant in Nigeria,” the report read.

It went on to add:“None of these dominant sub-lineages in Nigeria that are also circulating elsewhere has been associated with any increases in case numbers, admissions, or deaths locally.

“The sub-lineages partly responsible for the current increase in COVID-19 cases in other countries i.e., XBB.1.5 and BF.7 have not yet been detected in the country but B.5.2.1 has been seen here since July 2022 and the others are most likely here already. BF.7 and XBB have also been circulating in South Africa since October 2022 but without any accompanying increase in cases, severe illness, or deaths.”

The agency said regardless of COVID variants in different parts of the world, unvaccinated people and those with established risk factors are vulnerable to severe disease and death.

It, therefore, asked Nigerians to get vaccinated as the vaccine is the most important intervention for preventing severe disease and hospitalization.

The development comes amid concerns over the federal government’s refusal to impose restrictions on travelers from China following a surge in the country’s COVID cases. Other countries that have imposed mandatory COVID tests on travelers from China include Ghana, the UK, Spain, France, Italy, the United States, Japan, India, South Korea, Taiwan and Malaysia.

 

  

 

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NAFDAC Warns Against Use Of Poisonous Weight Loss Supplement From UAE

The management of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has warned the public Against purchasing and using a product made by Ingi Oman called Weight Rapid Loss Capsule.

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH) has also advised against using the Weight Rapid Loss Capsule due to its potential to cause cancer, according to a notification posted by the management on the Agency’s website on December 20, 2022, and titled Public Alert No. 049/2022 – Alert on the UAE health authority warning against consumption of weight loss pills.

According to the alert: "The product is being marketed as the most effective weight loss supplement and is being illegally sold through social media platforms like Instagram.

“Laboratory testing revealed that the pills contain phenolphthalein, a chemical that is illegal and that the US Food and Drug Administration has deemed hazardous. Additionally, it has microbial development that is beyond what is allowed.

Genes have been proven to be prone to harm by phenolphthalein because it can harm or change DNA. Additionally, studies have revealed its possible carcinogenic dangers.

Further, the management noted, “NAFDAC implores consumers to stop the purchase and use of the product. Members of the public in possession of the product should discontinue sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.”

  

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Study Shows Stress Can Speed Up Vision Loss

An ongoing state of stress can gradually impair your vision, according to a recent mouse study published in the journal Aging Cell. According to recent research work, chronic stress prematurely ages eye cells and causes them to degenerate.

The cells in your eye age just like all other cells do. Nevertheless, a significant risk factor for glaucoma is the mass ageing and degeneration of retinal ganglion cells in the eye. Since people are living longer, it is predicted that by 2040, there will be over 110 million glaucoma patients worldwide.

Retinal tissue is subjected to stress, such as increased intraocular pressure, which causes epigenetic and transcriptional alterations akin to those associated with ageing. The authors of the study demonstrated that repetitive stress caused the eye tissue to age more quickly in younger retinal tissue. The discoveries might make it possible to target and maintain cellular activity in glaucoma patients.

“Our work emphasises the importance of early diagnosis and prevention as well as age-specific management of age-related diseases, including glaucoma,” said study author Dorota Skowronska-Krawczyk, an assistant professor of Physiology and Biophysics and Ophthalmology and the faculty of the Center for Translational Vision Research at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, in a statement. 

“The epigenetic changes we observed suggest that changes on the chromatin level are acquired in an accumulative way, following several instances of stress. This provides us with a window of opportunity for the prevention of vision loss, if and when the disease is recognised early.”

When the UCI-led team examined the optic nerve head of eyes that had minor pressure elevation, they discovered that there was no evidence of axon loss in the juvenile optic nerve head. However, a considerable sectorial loss of axons was found in the optic nerves of aged animals, which is similar to the phenotype frequently seen in glaucoma patients.— UCI School of Medicine 

In healthy people, the intraocular pressure in the eye oscillates between 12 and 21 mmHg on a daily basis. Nearly two-thirds of people experience it more frequently at night. A single measurement of intraocular pressure is insufficient to forecast glaucoma patients' disease progression due to the large range of intraocular pressure. 

Long-term variations in intraocular pressure are regarded as a reliable indicator of the evolution of glaucoma. This prediction is strengthened by the study's findings. Authors contend that the ageing of retinal tissue is accelerated not just by oscillations but also by the effects of frequent, mild fluctuations.

According to Skowronska-Krawczyk, even mild increases in intraocular pressure cause the death of retinal ganglion cells and the resulting visual impairments in old animals. In order to identify possible treatment targets, researchers are still investigating the mechanism of accumulative ageing alterations. They are also experimenting with various methods to stop the stress-related acceleration of ageing.

  

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The Link Between Caffeine And High Blood Pressure

Coffee and tea are incredibly healthy beverages.

Most types contain caffeine, a substance that may boost your mood, metabolism and mental and physical performance. Studies have also shown that it’s safe for most people when consumed in low-to-moderate amounts.

However, high doses of caffeine may have unpleasant and even dangerous side effects.

Research has shown that your genes have a major influence on your tolerance to it. Some can consume much more caffeine than others without experiencing negative effects (5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source).

What’s more, individuals who aren’t used to caffeine may experience symptoms after consuming what is typically considered a moderate dose (4Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source).

Overall, caffeine doesn’t seem to increase the risk of heart disease or stroke in most people.

However, it has been shown to raise blood pressure in several studies due to its stimulatory effect on the nervous system (33Trusted Source, 34Trusted Source, 35Trusted Source, 36Trusted Source).

Elevated blood pressure is a risk factor for heart attack and stroke because it may damage arteries over time, restricting the flow of blood to your heart and brain.

Fortunately, caffeine’s effect on blood pressure seems to be temporary. Also, it seems to have the strongest impact on people who aren’t used to consuming it.

High caffeine intake has also been shown to raise blood pressure during exercise in healthy people, as well as in those with mildly elevated blood pressure (37Trusted Source, 38Trusted Source).

Therefore, paying attention to the dosage and timing of caffeine is important, especially if you already have high blood pressure.

Summary: Caffeine seems
to raise blood pressure when consumed at high doses or prior to exercise, as
well as in people who rarely consume it. But this effect may only be temporary,

so it’s best to monitor your response. 

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The Link Between Caffeine And Addiction

Coffee and tea are incredibly healthy beverages.

Most types contain caffeine, a substance that may boost your mood, metabolism and mental and physical performance. Studies have also shown that it’s safe for most people when consumed in low-to-moderate amounts.

However, high doses of caffeine may have unpleasant and even dangerous side effects.

Research has shown that your genes have a major influence on your tolerance to it. Some can consume much more caffeine than others without experiencing negative effects (5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source).

What’s more, individuals who aren’t used to caffeine may experience symptoms after consuming what is typically considered a moderate dose (4Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source).

Despite all of caffeine’s health benefits, there’s no denying that it may become habit-forming.

A detailed review suggests that although caffeine triggers certain brain chemicals similarly to the way cocaine and amphetamines do, it does not cause classic addiction the way these drugs do (30Trusted Source).

However, it may lead to psychological or physical dependency, especially at high dosages.

In one study, 16 people who typically consumed high, moderate or no caffeine took part in a word test after going without caffeine overnight. Only high caffeine users showed a bias for caffeine-related words and had strong caffeine cravings (31Trusted Source).

Additionally, the frequency of caffeine intake seems to play a role in dependency.

In another study, 213 caffeine users completed questionnaires after going 16 hours without consuming it. Daily users had greater increases in headaches, fatigue and other withdrawal symptoms than non-daily users (32Trusted Source).

Even though the compound does not seem to cause true addiction, if you regularly drink a lot of coffee or other caffeinated beverages, there’s a very good chance you may become dependent on its effects.

Summary: Going without
caffeine for several hours may lead to psychological or physical withdrawal

symptoms in those who consume large amounts on a daily basis. 

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Long Use Of Antibiotics May Lead To Cognitive Decline In Middle Age Women

Antibiotics are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the world. They’re used to treat many different bacterial infections. While most people may only be on a course of antibiotics for a week or two at a time, some may take antibiotics for a longer period to treat certain chronic conditions, such as pneumonia or acne.

While antibiotics can be life-saving, long-term use can come with several side effects – not least of which is the risk of bacteria developing antibiotic resistance. And now, a recent study has also linked long-term antibiotic use by middle-aged women to an increased risk of cognitive decline.

To conduct their study, the researchers collected data from 14,542 participants who had taken part in the Nurses’ Health Study II. This study monitored the health and wellbeing of nurses every two years between 2014-2018. The average age of participants at the start of the study was 54.

The researchers recorded the participants’ antibiotic use up to four years prior to the start of the study. Some women had taken long-term antibiotics (two months or more) for a variety of conditions – such as respiratory problems or acne. Others had not been prescribed any antibiotics. The researchers measured cognitive ability using online tests that participants completed, which measured factors such as learning and working memory.

– can have negative effects on cognition up to 11 years later.

Though few studies have measured both antibiotic use and cognitive function in adults, some studies have shown broad-spectrum antimicrobials (including antibiotics) can affect our cognitive function – causing side effects such as confusion, delirium and poorer attention in both men and women, even after short-term use.

While this recent study showed a link between long-term antibiotic use and cognitive decline, the study has some of limitations to take into account. First, the online cognitive test only assessed four functions. This means we don’t have a full picture of cognitive health, and we do not know if there are other cognitive deficits in addition to those measured in the study.

Another shortfall is that researchers did not collect faecal samples. This means we don’t actually know whether the microbiome changed significantly after long-term antibiotic use – and whether this change persisted. Though the researchers were able to show that antibiotic use had a greater link to poorer cognitive function than other lifestyle factors (such as diet, or other health conditions), it will still be important for future research to look at whether the microbiome really plays a role in antibiotic use and cognitive function.

The age of the participants is also an important factor, as the average age was 54 at the start of the study – which is the time most women experience menopause. Menopause causes hormonal changes that can affect everything from how the immune system works, sleep quality, weight, blood pressure and even concentration and thinking.

Some research also shows that the menopause alters the microbiome. As such, it will be important to future studies to include men in mid-life to see whether they show similar effects.

These research findings indicate that it’s important to pay attention to gut health at all stages of life. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to make your microbiome healthier – such as eating a high-fibre diet and using prebiotics and probiotics. Fresh air and exercise also have positive effects on the microbiome. Of course for persistent problems medical attention should be sought

Lynne A Barker

 Associate Professor in Cognitive Neuroscience, Sheffield Hallam University

 

 

  

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High Caffeine Intake And Muscles Damage

Rhabdomyolysis is a very serious condition in which damaged muscle fibers enter the bloodstream, leading to kidney failure and other problems.

Common causes of rhabdomyolysis include trauma, infection, drug abuse, muscle strain and bites from poisonous snakes or insects.

In addition, there have been several reports of rhabdomyolysis related to excessive caffeine intake, although this is relatively rare (26Trusted Source, 27Trusted Source, 28Trusted Source, 29Trusted Source).

In one case, a woman developed nausea, vomiting and dark urine after drinking 32 ounces (1 liter) of coffee containing roughly 565 mg of caffeine. Fortunately, she recovered after being treated with medication and fluids (29Trusted Source).

Importantly, this is a large dosage of caffeine to consume within a short period of time, especially for someone who isn’t used to it or is highly sensitive to its effects.

In order to reduce the risk of rhabdomyolysis, it’s best to limit your intake to about 250 mg of caffeine per day, unless you’re used to consuming more.

Summary: People may
develop rhabdomyolysis, or the breakdown of damaged muscle, after they ingest
large amounts of caffeine. Limit your intake to 250 mg per day if you’re

uncertain of your tolerance. 

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The Link Between Caffeine And Digestive Problems

Many people find that a morning cup of coffee helps get their bowels moving.

Coffee’s laxative effect has been attributed to the release of gastrin, a hormone the stomach produces that speeds up activity in the colon. What’s more, decaffeinated coffee has been shown to produce a similar response (19Trusted Source, 20Trusted Source, 21Trusted Source).

However, caffeine itself also seems to stimulate bowel movements by increasing peristalsis, the contractions that move food through your digestive tract (21Trusted Source).

Given this effect, it’s not surprising that large doses of caffeine may lead to loose stools or even diarrhea in some people.

Although for many years coffee was believed to cause stomach ulcers, a large study of more than 8,000 people didn’t find any link between the two (22Trusted Source).

On the other hand, some studies suggest that caffeinated beverages may worsen gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in some people. This seems to be especially true of coffee (23Trusted Source, 24Trusted Source, 25Trusted Source).

In a small study, when five healthy adults drank caffeinated water, they experienced a relaxation of the muscle that keeps stomach contents from moving up into the throat — the hallmark of GERD (25Trusted Source).

Since coffee can have major effects on digestive function, you may want to cut back on the amount you drink or switch to tea if you experience any issues.

Summary: Although small
to moderate amounts of coffee can improve gut motility, larger dosages may lead
to loose stools or GERD. Reducing your coffee intake or switching to tea may be

beneficial. 

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Stress: The Silent Killer

Stress is a normal reaction that comes from our evolutionary past. The so-called "fight or flight" reaction served our ancestors well, but in our times it is triggered too often by emotions, simple problems, and situations that pose no threat. The grinding pace of modern life streams with repeated "stressors" that build up. Our body reacts to the stress as it distracts our minds and affects our health for the worse. We know when we are "stressed-out," and it's a loud and clear message — we're slowly killing ourselves.

Stress is the body and mind's reaction to new situations and problems. The body turns up the metabolism with a burst of energy and then braces to react. The mind becomes focused and vigilant. If there is danger it is a good thing; if there is no danger the result is unnecessary wear-and-tear. The damage is both psychological and physical when the body's reactions don't match the situation.

During stress the nervous system reacts with chemical releases, hormones prepare the brain for action as it draws more oxygen, muscles tighten, the heart beats harder, and breathing accelerates. The body also suppresses the immune, excretory, and reproductive systems, and it's all to prepare for action.

A return to a normal state is drawn out when stress becomes routine, for example, with job and family problems. Recurring and overlapping difficult events can easily become chronic stress. Normal function does not return easily and in time health deteriorates.

Constant stress takes its toll with headaches, sleeping problems, and back and stomach pain — if you're lucky. Over a lifetime, it can cause debilitating and life threatening disease. Existing conditions worsen as the immune system weakens. Mood disorders become more common and daily living suffers.

Anxiety, lack of motivation, anger problems, depression, and anti-social behavior can become problematic. Using drugs, alcohol, and tobacco is a poor way to cope, and they more often add to the stress. The downward spiral begins to destroy personal and work relationships, and as long-term stress progresses it physically manifests as disease. The most common result, as research shows, is high blood pressure that leads to heart disease over time.

When stress seems overwhelming or unmanageable, there are solutions. If stress is dominating your lifestyle, it's time to reach out.

Nurturing and maintaining social contacts can help you cope. Family relationships give outlet to frustrating life dilemmas, and friends can also be a source of support. Also, church and community organizations can be a path to insight and relief. Paying attention to good health helps the body's resilience, and maintaining mental hygiene makes stress episodes shorter lived.

Exercise and meditation have proven to be good stress reducers as well. Incorporating more physical activity in daily living can be as simple as taking walks. Regular meditation can settle the mind and help you remain calm in situations that usually cause a lot of stress.

Emotional maturity is about knowing yourself and how you should react to stress. We all have to take on some stress; it's important to know when to avoid a bad situation. In other words, if you see a train coming, get off the tracks! Take the first step and focus on examining what the sources of your stress are. Sometimes you need to change (or end) bad relationships or situations.

How you internalize and view personal stress has consequences, and your perception of any situation creates positive and negative emotions. Stress can be completely in the mind, but most likely it's a combination of environment and perception. Knowing what you can change and what stress is appropriate can help keep your life in your hands.

  

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