Health Talk: Five Health Benefits Of African Cherry (Agbalumo)

African Star Apple popularly known as agbalumo by the Yoruba people and udara by the Igbos is a seasonal fruit which is beneficial to one’s health in several ways.


Most people just know of it’s sweet, lush tastes that sensitise the taste buds of the eater without knowing it is highly nutritious to the body.

We are currently in agbalumo season now so it is important you know the benefits of those luscious fruit.

1. Contains high 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 is a good source of Vitamins C and 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.

2. It is a natural anti-oxidant:
Antioxidants protects the cells against free radicals produced when the body breaks down food or is exposed to, agbalumo gives your body chance of fighting and avoiding diseases like cancer, heart disease etc.


3. 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.

4. It is a natural Remedy:
It is a natural remedy for toothache, sore throat, constipation, stomach ache, diarrhoea and the bark of agbalumo tree can be used to treat fever and malaria.

5. Agbalumo prevents heart disease:
Eating agbalumo frequently will help lower your blood sugar level and cholesterol thereby preventing heart disease.

• Agbalumo is high in fibre content which increases satiety and aids digestion.

• Agbalumo has low calorie because it contains little fat content so it is definitely a healthy food.