Whatever name you choose to call it ; agbalumo or udara,Cherry or star apple has its nutritional benefits

Emobileclinic Trending Issue:Te Health Benefits of Udara/Agbalumo (African StarApple).

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Emobileclinic Reporter: Femi Fayomi

The star apple, also known as the caimito, is an exotic fruit with a tough, inedible skin that ranges in color from green to purple, depending on the stage of ripeness. The tender, sweet inner flesh is purple and white and has a star shape formed by seeds through the middle of the fruit. The star apple is not commonly available in grocery stores, although specialty stores may carry it.

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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

Its nutritional values are expressed below:

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.

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Fiber

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.

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.

Sources

MyFitnessPal: Fresh – Star Apple

The Diet Channel: Calories: What’s An Ideal Daily Intake?

Institute of Medicine: Dietary Reference Intakes

Livestrong.com

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