It’s a well-known fact that fruits are great for the health
Eating fruits regularly will enhance your health and keep you fit. Various studies have shown that fruits are immensely beneficial for healthy living. Here are some common fruits in Africa that are rich in vitamins and nutrients.
1. African Star Fruit- Agbalumo
is one of the best Nigerian fruits! It’s rich in dietary fibre, calcium, iron and vitamin c. It can also relieve you of diarrhoea. If you’re on a diet or trying to lose weight, then Agbalumo is great for you because it’s low in fat and calories.
2. Garden eggs
Garden eggs are amazing because you can have it in a variety of ways. It’s great for weight loss and dieting as well because of its low-calorie content. Studies also indicate that garden egg is heart-friendly due to the properties it contains, and can help to improve the function of the nervous system. Healthy nutrients contained in garden eggs are dietary fibre, manganese, magnesium and potassium, aside from vitamin B.
3. Watermelon
Watermelon is one of the most popular and easily accessible fruits in Nigeria. It’s sweet, and there’s really nothing like cold slices of watermelon on a hot day. Watermelon is rich in Vitamin B, potassium, magnesium, and is a powerful anti-oxidant. Studies have also linked watermelon with a reduction in high blood pressure and cancer risk. It’s also great for the heart and the kidney.
4. African Pear (Ube)
Corn and Ube is the perfect combo. Asides the great taste of this fruit, it holds a number of nutritional benefits. Ube is rich in healthy oil. It also contains vitamin D, ascorbic acid, folic acid, magnesium and calcium. It also has ingredients that can be helpful in treating certain skin conditions.
5. Pawpaw
Every part of the pawpaw fruit is packed with nutrients. It contains ingredients that can make your skin glow. It is also a great source of fibre and can improve digestion. Pawpaw skins are also great for treating wounds. It is good for balancing heart blood pressure and can boost the body’s immune system. It is a rich source of vitamins A and C, potassium, calcium and magnesium, as well as phosphorous, and iron.
6. Banana
Bananas contain properties that can be helpful in calming the nerves and suppressing depression. They also contain zero cholesterol and are good for your heart. It is also rich in essential vitamins and fibre, magnesium and potassium, and can help to regulate blood pressure and lowers risk of conditions like stroke.
7. Guava
Guavas are delicious. They are effective in treating male infertility and helpful in the treatment of bleeding nose, gums and some internal haemorrhaging. Guava contains active antimicrobial properties that can help in the treatment of dysentery. It can also help to boost the body’s immunity and prevent and treat certain conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, cataract and Alzheimer’s.
8. Mango
Mangoes are a great source of essential nutrients such as iron, vitamins and fibre that are good for enhancing body metabolism. Also, mangoes contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as pectin, which is good for lowering blood cholesterol levels. It helps prevent anaemia and is very good for pregnant women.
9. Oranges
Oranges are a great source of vitamin C, a powerful anti-oxidant, and is great for boosting the immune system. Oranges enhance blood circulation around the body and are great for the heart. They contain ingredients that can improve cell rejuvenation process in the body and enhance healing of damaged tissues. They also help in the prevention of breast and prostate cancer.
10. Pineapple
Pineapples contain a high amount of thiamine (vitamin B1) which is important in energy-producing enzymes. They are also really good for maintaining your eye health, as studies have shown. Pineapples contain iron and calcium, ingredients that are good for bones and gum strengthening.