Star Apple for Bone Health and Diabetes Prevention

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The star apple, is also known by the name caimito. It is an exotic fruit that has a tough, in-edible skin whose color ranges from purple to green, depending on the stage of ripeness.

Its sweet and tender inner flesh is white and purple, and contains a star shape that is formed by seeds through the middle of the fruit. It is not commonly available in grocery stores, but specialty stores may carry it.

Health Benefits of Star Apple:

Anemia Prevention

Iron deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia. It occurs due to insufficient amounts of mineral iron in the body. Iron is important for the body in producing hemoglobin, which is a protein molecule in red blood cells which is responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body.

Iron deficiency anemia is characterized by symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, headache and loss of appetite. This condition can be corrected by consuming foods with high iron content including green leafy vegetables, apple star and taking iron supplements.

Bone Health

What do you need to maintain bone health? The answer is easy, phosphorus and calcium. Most of you believe that the source of calcium is mostly dairy products such as cheese or milk.

But how about those who people who are are allergic to such products? There are a lot of fruits and vegetables sources that contain calcium in high amount, and star apple is on the list.

Diabetes Prevention

It has been proven that the fiber present in star apple is effective in controlling the blood sugar level. Researches published in African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology last 2009, reported that the leaves of star apple has the same function with insulin, which could help in reducing the glucose level in the blood stream.

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Filled with Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water soluble nutrient, that is essential in providing support to various important functions in your body. This vitamin acts as an antioxidant and responsible for the production of collagen, protecting the heart, healing wounds, enhancing vision, improving immune health and decreasing blood sugar levels in diabetics.

The antioxidant properties of vitamin C helps neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals and helps in preventing many fatal diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Also, it helps delay the aging process.

The human body cannot make vitamin C itself, therefore, it is important to eat this nutrient rich food. Star apple is one of those foods that have high content of vitamin C.

Rich in Vitamins and Minerals

Star apple is a good source of calcium, with each serving containing 10% of the amount required daily. Also, this fruit contains 5% of the daily recommended value per serving of vitamin A and C. Additionally, just 1 serving of star apples serves up to 2% of iron, which is a mineral essential for oxygenating your body, that is needed daily.

Weight Loss

Star apple is low in calories and fat. It is one of the best food choices to include in a weight loss diet.

The high amount of dietary fiber that is in this fruit helps in improving satiety and makes you feel full for long periods of time. This helps prevent over-eating, which is very important when you are on a weight loss plan.

Read More:
1. 7 Healthy Reasons to Eat Orange Everyday
2. 6 Healthy Reasons to Eat Atis (Sugar Apple)
3. How Healthy are Green Bananas

photo credit: pixabay

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