The white star apple is a dark yellowish
fruit with semi- circular seeds, a popular seasonal fruit normally consumed
with the flesh in the West Africa region. Botanically called chrysophyllum
albidum, the fruit is mostly cultivated in the rural areas and is very common
during the months of December to Aril. The fruit is mostly found in African
countries like Nigeria, Cameroon, Cote d’ivorie, Uganda and Niger Republic.
However, here in Nigeria the Yorubas and Igbos popularly refer to the white
star apple as Agbaluma and Udara respectively. Africans pick this wonderful
fruit on their way to the farm, during the era of our forefathers. Nowadays you
get it from the market place, as it has become a source of income to the people
mostly living in the rural areas.
During white star apple season, you will see both adult and
children savoring the great taste of this indigenous fruit. Have you ever cared
to know the health benefits of the white star apple? Anyway, in case you do not
know, the fruit is highly nutritional and can help a lot in many ways. Below
are some of the benefits of Agbaluma.
1. The bark of the tree,
according to researchers, was used traditionally to treat yellow fever and
malaria, while the leaf treated wounds, stomachache and diarrhea.
2. The Agbalumo/Udara is a
natural remedy for toothache, constipation, sore throat and much more. Also in
some parts of Nigeria, the seeds are used to treat virginal and skin
infections.
3. White star apple has been
suggested to contain more vitamin C than orange and guava; the fruit is also
rich in calcium, iron potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, tannins, flavonoids,
and phytochemicals.
4. When the Udara/Abalumo is consumed
for its flesh, it can help lower blood sugar, control cholesterol, prevents and
treats heart diseases.
5. The fruit is known to have
anti-oxidant properties that help fight cancer and treat diabetes.
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