Health benefits of UDARA ( African star apple)

The Chrysophyllum genus of plants consists of
almost 80 different species of fruits all
exclusively grown within the tropical region .
African star apple ( Udara) is a very popular
fruit here in Nigeria . Its fleshy pulp is often
eaten as a snack and it is equally common in
both the urban and rural areas , particularly
around Southern Nigeria . Being a seasonal
fruit ( produces during the dry season between
December and April) , it is currently in peak
abundance flooding the market places and
street walkways at about this time of the
year . Now , allow me introduce you to some
really good news about the nutritious load of
Udara/ Agbalumo goodness !
Health Benefits of Udara /Agbalumo ( African
Star Apple )
1 . As with most fruits, it has low calorie
because of its little fat content so it is
definitely a healthy food .
2 . It is a superb snack because its high fibre
content provides food bulk which both
increases satiety and aids digestion so it is
very ideal for weight watchers .
3 . It has a surprisingly decent amount of
Ascorbic Acid ( Vitamin C ) . Clearly , Vitamin C
sources are not exclusive to the citrus fruits
family - in fact, Guava has much more!
4 . Recently published researches done here in
Nigeria about Udara /Agbalumo leaves carried
out on rats showed two possible medicinal uses :
5 . It could serve as a natural source of Anti-
Oxidant booster to remove free radicals from
oxidative stress disorders, and
6 . Its leaf extract contains Hypoglycemic ( to
treat Diabetes) and Anti - Platelet activities ,
although it also had toxic effects on some
organs.
Basic Nutrition
1 - cup serving of fresh star apple contains 67
calories. Eating star apple as a snack is a good
choice as the calories are low and it provides
no fat ; however , this may not be enough
calories to ease hunger pains and boost energy
levels , as between - meal snack are meant to
do. The Diet Channel notes that 100 to 200
calories per snack is best ; consider eating an
oz. of cheese or a tsp. of peanut butter to
boost the number of calories into this range .
One serving of star apple also has 15 g of
carbohydrates, or 11 . 5 percent of the 130 g
suggested for daily consumption by the
Institute of Medicine .
Nutrient Content per 100g edible Udara /
Agbalumo pulp
Nutrient Quantity
Energy ( Kcal ) 91. 09
Carbohydrate ( g) 10. 49
Protein ( g) 6 . 99
Fat ( g ) 2 . 49
Moisture ( g) 73
Vitamin C ( mg ) 25