Are you familiar with this tasty and zesty fruit known as the African Star fruit, aka Agbalumo or Udara in Nigeria? I’m going to reveal to you its numerous health benefits, especially if you’re expecting a baby. Stick around, will you?
The origins of the African Star Fruit
The African Star fruit is a local Nigerian favorite that’s as tasty as it is beneficial. This small, round fruit has a tough, leathery orange or reddish-brown skin and a juicy, sweet-sour pulp inside. When you bite into it, you get a mix of tangy and sweet, with a slight stickiness that makes it unique. It’s native to West Africa, where it’s been enjoyed for generations, especially in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon.
Many Nigerians and other Africans in the diaspora relish this fruit, and you can find it in African shops in the US and Europe, especially when it’s in season.
Nutritional and Health Benefits of African Star Fruit in Pregnancy
The African Star fruit isn’t just a tasty snack – it’s also packed with nutrients, and has a ton of medicinal properties, especially for pregnant women.
Immune Booster
First off, it’s rich in vitamin C, which is great for boosting the immune system and helping the body absorb iron. Pregnant women need that extra vitamin C to stay healthy and support their baby’s development.
Fights Nausea
The African Star fruit is known in traditional medicine to help relieve nausea, especially morning sickness. Its slightly sour taste can help settle the stomach and reduce that queasy feeling many women experience during pregnancy.
Provides Energy
Pregnant women often need an extra boost of energy, and the African Star fruit delivers. It’s packed with natural sugars like glucose and fructose, which can provide a quick, healthy energy boost to help combat pregnancy fatigue.
Prevents Malaria
In some regions of Africa, the African Star fruit is used in folk medicine as a preventive measure against malaria, which can be particularly dangerous during pregnancy. The fruit is believed to have anti-malarial properties, though it’s always important to combine traditional remedies with modern medical advice when dealing with this disease.
Prevents Anaemia
Anaemia is common during pregnancy due to increased blood volume, and the African Star fruit helps combat this with its rich supply of vitamin C. This vitamin boosts iron absorption, which is crucial for maintaining healthy blood levels and preventing anaemia.
Aids in Digestion
The fruit is rich in fiber, which helps keep the digestive system regular. Constipation is a common issue during pregnancy, and the African Star fruit’s high fiber content can ease digestion and prevent discomfort.
Improves Skin
Pregnancy hormones can sometimes cause skin issues like acne or dullness. The African Star fruit is loaded with antioxidants and vitamins, particularly vitamin C, which promotes healthy, glowing skin by protecting it from oxidative stress and boosting collagen production.
Normalizes Blood Sugar and Pressure
Maintaining normal blood sugar and blood pressure levels is crucial during pregnancy to avoid conditions like gestational diabetes and hypertension. The African Star fruit has a low glycemic index and is believed to help stabilize both blood sugar and pressure, making it a healthy, safe option for pregnant women looking to manage these risks naturally.
The African Star fruit is a perfect example of how something delicious can also be really good for you—especially if you’re expecting! Take advantage of its numerous health benefits today, for you and your growing baby’s benefit.
Dosage
Take 2 fruits daily, morning and night, during the early pregnancy period. Your body will thank you for it. Don’t forget to check out our herbal solution for fetal malposition. It might help someone.
Conclusion
Did you get some value from this article? To be honest, the full health benefits of African Star fruit in Pregnancy cannot be over-emphasized. Share this article and subscribe to push notifications on this website (you should get a prompt, or simply click the bell icon to your left, bottom of the page).
We have tons of other herbal treatments and remedies like a herbal treatment for breast cancer, and how to fix irregular menstruation with herbs. You should see them. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Nature heals.