The African Star Apple is a common fruit in Africa, yet not many of us know the immense benefits of eating the fruit.

Known to the Yorubas as Agbalumo, to the Igbos as Udara, and the Hausas as Ciwoh, this fantastic fruit (African Star Apple) has many benefits that would amaze you when compared to its size.

Agbalumo has a sweet-sour taste with milky juice coming out, when squeezed or sucked, before consuming its flesh. It also has a chewable edible skin that is usually orange in colour. When the skin is over chewed it becomes elastic like chewing gum.

Health Benefits of Agbalumo
• Agbalumo serves as a good source of calcium. The calcium content in one Agbalumo fruit is about 10%the daily requirement, and calcium serves as a source of strength for the bones and teeth.
• It is also an excellent source of Vitamin A and C. A single Agbalumo fruit provides about 5% of the daily requirement, which helps to prevent gum diseases, such as scurvy and also helps fight other infections in the body.
• According to the locals, this amazing fruit can be used as a natural remedy to treat sore throat, toothaches, and constipation.
• Its parts (the leaves, roots and barks) have also been said to be used, in times past, in preparing traditional herbs to treat cough, yellow fever and high blood pressure.
• It has also been said to help in weight management. Agbalumo contains fibre, which helps in reducing appetite and prevents overeating. One to two Agbalumo fruit provides 3g of the recommended 25 to 38g daily intake of fibre needed in the body.
• It helps in lowering blood sugar and cholesterol, thus, could be useful in preventing heart-related diseases.
• It is suitable for pregnant women. Researchers say that Agbalumo can help some of the problems that are faced by women, who are pregnant, such as, reducing constipation, overcoming sore throat, and assisting with digestion.

Agbalumo Drink Recipe
Ingredients;
1. Skin and seeds of 6 Agbalumo
2. 1/2 cup of white, brown sugar (to taste)
3. Seeds of 6 green cardamom pods, crushed
4. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (optional)
5. Pinch of saffron – 10 to15 strands
Instructions;
1. Combine all ingredients in a pan
2. add a litre of water
3. Bring to boil and then turn down the heat and allow to simmer for 12 – 15 minutes
4. Remove from heat and let it cool down
5. Strain into a glass cup
6. Serve on ice
It is the season of this beautiful fruit. Try as much as possible to take an adequate amount of this fruit to obtain its maximum benefit.

By – Temitope Onafowokan