Agbalumo (African Star Apple): Nutrition Facts, Health Benefits, And More

Agbalumo, also known as African Star Apple, is a tropical fruit native to West Africa. It has a sweet and sour taste and is often eaten fresh. The fruit is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious fruit to your body. In this article, we will discuss the nutrition facts, health benefits, and other interesting facts about agbalumo.

The African star apple, also known as the African Star Apple, “cherry,” agbalumo (Yoruba), udara (Igbo), and otien (Edo), is a popular tropical fruit tree that is native to Nigeria. It is typically associated with the dry season and is commonly found in both urban and rural areas of the southern part of the country. The fruit is known for its chewable, edible skin that can range in color from green to orange depending on the stage of ripeness.

The botanical name for the African star apple is Chrysophyllum albidum and it belongs to the Sapotaceae family. It is typically available from December to April. The fruit is highly sought after for its sweet and juicy flesh and is enjoyed by many people in Nigeria.

This fruit is a popular tropical fruit that is widely cultivated in rural areas of Nigeria and other African countries such as Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Uganda, Cameroon, and Niger. It is typically in season from December to April and is known for its bright orange/brown color, edible skin, and dark brown seeds covered with creamy pulp.

When unripe, the African star apple has a sour taste, but when it is ripe, it is sweet and juicy. The sweet fruit is often left to drop naturally from the tree, where it is then picked up off the ground. To prepare the fruit for eating, the skin and seeds are removed to reveal the fleshy, creamy pulp.

Nutrition Facts

Agbalumo is a nutrient-dense fruit that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It contains high levels of vitamin C, dietary fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.

1. Vitamin C

Agbalumo is an excellent source of vitamin C , with 100g of the fruit providing up to 40% of your daily recommended intake. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that helps to boost the immune system, protect against oxidative stress, and reduce inflammation.

2. Dietary Fiber

Agbalumo is also a good source of dietary fiber, with 100g providing up to 10% of your daily recommended intake. Dietary fiber helps to promote healthy digestion and can help to lower cholesterol levels.

3. Calcium

Agbalumo is a good source of calcium, with 100g providing up to 8% of your daily recommended intake. Calcium is important for bone health and helps to regulate muscle contractions and nerve impulses.

4. Iron

Agbalumo is also a good source of iron, with 100g providing up to 6% of your daily recommended intake. Iron is an essential mineral that helps to transport oxygen throughout the body and is important for energy production.

5. Magnesium

Agbalumo is a good source of magnesium, with 100g providing up to 5% of your daily recommended intake. Magnesium helps to regulate blood pressure and can help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Health Benefits

The African star apple has many health benefits due to its high nutrient content. Here are some of the potential health benefits associated with consuming agbalumo:

1. Boosts Immune System

The high levels of vitamin C in agbalumo can help to boost the immune system and protect against infections and illnesses.

2. Helps In Weight Loss

One serving of Agbalumo has been shown to contain only 67 calories, making it a low-calorie option for individuals trying to manage their weight. This fruit is a good choice for those looking to reduce their caloric intake while still getting the nutrients and benefits of the fruit.

3. Natural anti-oxidant

Antioxidants are substances that help protect our cells from the damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that are produced during our own metabolism or as a result of stress or injury. They can cause harm to our cells and contribute to the development of certain diseases. To protect ourselves from the harmful effects of free radicals, it is important to consume foods and drinks that contain antioxidants.

One example of a food that is rich in antioxidants is agbalumo. Agbalumo, like other fruits, contains polyphenols and flavonoids which are powerful antioxidants that can help protect our cells from damage.

4. Good for expecting mothers

Agbalumo is a great choice for expecting mothers, as it is rich in essential nutrients that are important for the health of both mother and baby. The high levels of folate, iron, and calcium found in agbalumo can help to support the development of the baby’s nervous system and bones. 

The Agbalumo fruit is known for its acidic taste, which may help to prevent the urge to vomit during pregnancy. 

During pregnancy, it is common for some people to experience morning sickness or nausea. This can be caused by various factors, such as hormonal changes and an increase in the production of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The fruit can help to reduce the feeling of nausea and vomiting, as its acidic taste can help to reduce the urge to vomit.

5. Used Well In Traditional Medicine

In addition to its antioxidant properties, agbalumo has a number of other potential health benefits. Its sweet and sour taste is thought to act as a natural remedy for various common ailments, including constipation, toothache, sore throat, and indigestion.

The Agbalumo tree is a valuable resource for traditional herbal practitioners, who use its various parts to treat a range of ailments. The bark of the tree is commonly used to treat yellow fever and malaria, while the leaves are effective in treating wounds, stomach aches, and diarrhea. However, it is important to note that the leaves can be toxic if consumed in excess.

In addition to its bark and leaves, the roots of the Agbalumo tree are used to treat sexual weakness, asthma, and sterility. The cotyledons on the young seedlings of the tree are also believed to be helpful in the treatment of vaginal infections.

However, it is important to note that these uses of agbalumo are not backed by scientific evidence and should not be relied upon as a primary form of treatment for these conditions. It is always important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment of any health concerns.

Conclusion

Agbalumo is a nutritious and delicious fruit that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is low in calories, rich in antioxidants, and provides essential nutrients for expecting mothers. it has been used in folk medicine to treat various ailments such as constipation, toothache, sore throat, and indigestion.

So go ahead and enjoy this delicious fruit – your body will thank you for it!