African star apple

AFRICAN STAR APPLE 

African star apple (Agbalumo) as it is called in southwestern Nigeria is scientifically known as chrysophyllum albidum The berrylike fruit originates from the tropical forests of West Africa and some 

parts of east Africa. it is commonly found in Nigeria, Niger, Ghana, Cameroon and Uganda 

Health benefits

 It is a natural source of Vitamin C which is essential for normal growth and functioning of the body 

 It reduces the risk of heart disease 

  It contains natural antioxidants like α-Tocopherol, β-carotene, which reduce the signs of aging. 

 It lowers the risk of cancer and other degenerative diseases 

  It lowers total body fat, the high fiber content is good for weight loss

Who can consume it? 

 It can be consumed by any healthy person

 It can be consumed by hypertensive and diabetic patients 

 The ascorbic acid is high in this fruit hence, people suffering from ulcer should take it in small amount 

 Uses

It is mostly consumed as a fruit however it can be used to make jellies juice, smoothies, jam, ice-cream, cake, sorbet, bread, pudding and many more.

 It also has some pharmaceutical applications

REFERENCES 

1) Ganiyu Oboh and others, ‘Starch Composition, Glycemic Indices, Phenolic Constituents, and Antioxidative and 

Antidiabetic Properties of Some Common Tropical Fruits’, Journal of Ethnic Foods, 2015 

<https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jef.2015.05.003>. 2) J.A. Ugwu and V.C. Umeh, ‘Assessment of African Star Apple (Chrysophyllum Albidum) Fruit Damage Due to Insect 

Pests in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria’, Research Journal of Forestry, 2015 <https://doi.org/10.3923/rjf.2015.87.92>. 

3) Sebastian J. Padayatty and others, ‘Vitamin C as an Antioxidant: Evaluation of Its Role in Disease Prevention’, 

Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 2003 <https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2003.10719272>.

 4) O. J. Oyelade and others, ‘Some Physical Properties of African Star Apple (Chrysophyllum Alibidum) Seeds’, 

Journal of Food Engineering, 2005 <https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2004.05.046>. 

5) Gabriel A. Agbor and others, ‘Antioxidant Capacity of Some Plant Foods and Beverages Consumed in the Easter 

Region of Nigeria’, African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 2011 

<https://doi.org/10.4314/ajtcam.v8i4.4>. 

6) Adepoju, ‘Nutrient Composition and Micronutrient Potential of Three Wildly Grown Varieties of African Star 

Apple (Chrysophyllum Albidum) from Nigeria’, African Journal of Food Science, 2012 

<https://doi.org/10.5897/ajfs12.045>. 

7) Olufunmilola Adunni Abiodun and A. S. Oladapo, ‘Physico-Chemical Properties of African Star Apple 

(Chrysophylum Albidum) Components’, Nutrition & Food Science, 2011 

<https://doi.org/10.1108/00346651111102847>. 

8) Johnson O. Aina and Adetokunbo A. Adesina, ‘Quality Attributes of Jams from Low-Usage Tropical Fruits’, Food 

Chemistry, 1991 <https://doi.org/10.1016/0308-8146(91)90118-8>.