African star apple (Chrysophyllum albidum), which is also known as Cherry is a common fruit in Nigeria which is called Agbalumo in Yoruba and Udara in Igbo. African star apple as 4,5 or 6 seeds in it that look like star shape which gives the fruit the name African Star Apple.
Most people always look at the fruit as a fruit for children in which people don't know the health benefits of this fruit to us and most importantly to the pregnant women. African star apple tasted acidic if it pluck from it tree (if it as not falling naturally to the ground) but when it has fall which shows that it as ripe with dark orange colour, it is very sweet.
Nutrients in African Star Apple
Nutrients per one fruit that is around 100 grams:
- Vitamins (B1, B2, B3) – less than 1 milligram
- Vitamin C – around 25 milligrams
- Carbohydrates – around 10 grams
- Proteins – about 7 grams
- Fat – less than grams
- Potassium – up to 700 milligrams
- Calories – about 60-70. Source
Benefits to the Pregnancy
- It prevents them against malaria because it contain chemical substances that protect development of malaria
- It help pregnant women to stop the urge to vomit because of it acidic taste
- It reduces constipation
- Helps in overcoming sore throat
- It aid digestion
- It improve their skin.
Other benefits are
- The leaves can be used in treatment of:
- high blood pressure
- dermatological infections
- malaria
- diarrhoea
- stomach ache
- anaemia.
- The roots are used in the treatment of:
- sexual weaknesses
- asthma
- sterility
- The bark are used in treatment of:
- cough
- yellow fever
Source
- The seeds are used in treatment of:
- intestinal worms
- haemorrhoids
- vaginal infection
- dermatological infections
- Extracts from seeds and roots are used in
- stopping of blood from fresh wounds
- promote wound healing
NOTE:
Traditional consumption of the pulp by pregnant women does not suggest any harm to the mothers or their babies. Also, the results of the oral acute toxicity test show the pulp to be considered safe. Source
Cautions of African Star Apple
Do not eat too much african star apple. this can cause stomach chills. For those of you who suffering heart disease, make sure you contact your doctor to discuss. Source
Other ideas gotten from
Nigerian Tribune DrHealthBenefits Naij