The Amazing Benefits Of Agbalumo You Don’t Know
OSHIGBOLADE JANET
Posted On January 22, 2019
It’s that time of the year again when Agbalumo is the fruit in season and everyone is excited. Some love it so much that they can take as it is – whether sour or sweet, others like it sweet but slightly sour. The fleshy pulp is usually eaten as a snack and it has been found to have high contents of ascorbic acid. It is also said to be an excellent source of vitamins and iron.
The African Apple, otherwise known as Agbalumo (Yoruba Language), Udara (Igbo Language) Its scientific name is Chrysophyllum albidum and it is usually available around December to April. It is rich in Vitamin C, Calcium, flavonoids, terpenoids, proteins, carbohydrates and resin.
Findings have it that when it’s plucked from the tree, it is acidic and very sour but when allowed to fall to the ground, it is very sweet. A lot of people call African Star Apple, ‘African Cherry’ which is incorrect.
The many benefits of this fruit are unknown to most people and as such, they just consume the fruit because of it in season. However, we have compiled the various benefits of this fruit for you so you know.
- A GOOD SOURCE OF VITAMIN C
Vitamin C provides protection against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye disease, and even skin wrinkling.it might interest you to know that Agbalumo is an incredible source of vitamin C as 100g gives 25mg of vitamin C.
- IT IS A NATURAL REMEDY
Toothache, constipation, sore throat, mouth gum disease and indigestion can be tackled by the sweet-sour taste of Agalumo. Herbal practitioners are also known to use the bark of its tree to treat yellow fever and malaria, while the leaves are useful for treating wounds, stomach ache, and diarrhoea. Stories even have it that the seeds are used to treat vaginal and skin infections in some part of the country. Therefore it is accurate to say Agbalumo is a natural remedy.
3. IT IS A NATURAL ANTI-OXIDANT
Antioxidants are substances such as vitamin C or E that removes potentially damaging oxidizing agents in a living organism. It is also said to be those substances that help protect our cells against the effects of free radicals. Free radicals, on the other hand, are produced whenever the body breaks down food or is exposed to tobacco smoke and radiation. Agbalumo helps the body with a better chance of tackling any possibility of heart diseases and cancer; owing to its anti-oxidant properties.
- IT HELPS TO REDUCE WEIGHT
As funny as this may sound it is what it is: Agbalumo can be very useful when it comes to weight reduction. Studies have shown that a serving of Agbalumo contains just 67 calories; thus making it a good option for people with weight issues as they get fewer calories intake in the process of consuming it.
5. IT IS GOOD FOR PREGNANT WOMEN.
It is not a coincidence that Agbalumo is liked by some pregnant women. As a matter of fact, the acidic taste of Agbalumo help prevents the urge of vomiting during pregnancy.
So while Agbalumo is still in season do yourself a favour by enjoying it.
