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Popularly called Agbalumo, Udara, and Otien in some parts of Nigeria, the
African cherry fruit has lots of health benefits that will surprise anyone!


The exotic fruit which has a chewable edible skin that ranges in color from
green to orange, depending on the stage of ripeness. The tender, sweet inner
flesh is off-white with seeds making the inner to look like a star-shaped fruit.

This obviously shows where it got the nickname ‘star apple’. purple and white
and has a star shape formed by seeds through the middle of the fruit. The
beautiful fruit can be gotten mostly everywhere in Nigeria towards the end of
November till later in March when it would have gone out of season.
According to NurseRita, here are a few out of the countless benefits of African
Cherry:

Vitamins and Minerals
Star apples serve as a good source of calcium, with each serving providing
you with 10 percent of the amount you require each day. The calcium lends
strength to your bones and teeth, and it may also lessen symptoms of
premenstrual syndrome, such as cramping and abdominal bloating.
This fruit also contains 5 percent of the daily recommended value per serving of vitamin C and vitamin A. Additionally, one serving of star apples serves up 2 percent of the iron, a mineral vital for oxygenating your body, that you need every day.

Helps Diabetic conditions
Star apples may have particular benefits for diabetics. Research published in
the September 2009 edition of the “African Journal of Pharmacy and
Pharmacology” indicates that the leaves of this fruit may reduce glucose levels
in diabetic rabbits, the same function that insulin serves.
Take note, however, that consuming star apple leaves appears to have a toxic affect when eaten in large quantities. More research is needed to determine the effectiveness of star apple leaves to control diabetes in humans.

Medicinal Uses
The star apple is a folk remedy in several countries, although no research
exists to confirm these uses. The seeds of this fruit may be useful to reduce
fevers and treat diarrhea. Some people also eat this fruit to reduce the
inflammation associated with laryngitis and pneumonia. Other uses, including
treatment for hypertension, tooth abscesses, heart problems, intestinal issues
and cancer exist, but do not eat star apple for any medical condition without
first consulting your physician.

Helps You Lose Weight
Eating a serving of star apple contributes 3 g of fiber to the recommended
daily intake of 25 to 38 g. Fiber provides bulk to your diet, a factor that can
make your stomach feel fuller for longer. This can keep you from eating too
much, and it may help you lose weight. This nutrient can also help protect you
from diabetes and some forms of cancer.

All-Round 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.

Noted