The African star apple (chrysophyllum albidum) is an indigenous fruit found in Nigeria and Ghana. It is an unusual fruit that has been proven to have several health benefits.
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The African star apple is known as Alasa, Alasma mba or Adasa mma in Ghana.
According to a study by Dr. Christopher Larbi and his research team from the College of Science at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Alasa has medicinal benefits because it contains many vitamins.
Dr. Christopher Larbi and his team say that the bright orange coloured fruit is sweet or sour depending on the size and intensity of its colour. It is edible except the seeds. Dr. Larbi says that the African Star fruit is rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C, and has low-fat content.
The benefits of vitamin C include protection against cardiovascular diseases, prenatal health problems, immune system deficiencies, eye disease and wrinkling of the skin.
He said vitamin C is a natural antioxidant which protects cells against the effects of free radicals.
Free radicals, he explained, as unstable molecules that can cause harm if their levels become too high in the body. They are associated with multiple illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
The research suggests that consuming 100g of the African Star Apple offers 14.65g of carbohydrates, 9.1mg of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), 0.049 mg of vitamin B1, 0.038mg of vitamin B2, 1.1137mg of vitamin B3 (Niacin), 0.49mg of iron 1,92g of total dietary fibre (1.52g of protein), 18.85mg phosphorus, crude fibre (4%) Lipids 3% and calcium(17.11ppm).
On health or medicinal benefits, Alasa contains alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids and terpenoids. These are proven to have numerous medicinal properties. It is a natural remedy for toothache, constipation, sore throat, mouth/gum disease and much more.
According to the study, the entire fruit is good herbal medicine for treating various health issues.
