10 Amazing Health Benefits of African Pear (Ube)
African pear is a fruit that originates from West Africa and today we will be discussing Amazing Health Benefits of African Pear (Ube). It is called Ube by the Igbos of Nigeria. It is a delicious fruit that is eaten with cooked or roasted corn. Its botanical name is known as Dacryodes edulis. It is dark purple when ripe and the skin is eaten with the pulp while the seed is discarded.
Health Benefits of African Pear: Reasons why It is Good for You
In this article, you shall learn of the Health benefits of African pear also known as ube.
1. Rich in nutrients
African pear is rich in various nutrients that are beneficial to the body. Approximately 100gm of the fruit will give you
Protein: 20 grams (g)
Fats: 48 g
Dietary fiber: 3 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Vitamin C: 3 g
Calcium: 133 milligrams (mg)
Potassium: 65 mg
Sodium: 10 mg
Zinc: 13 mg
African pear contains a huge amount of protein that is uncommon in many fruits. It is also rich in vitamin C, potassium, calcium, zinc, magnesium, folate and sodium.
2. Anticancer properties
African pear contains fibre which reduces the risk of colon cancer. It also contains antioxidants and phytochemicals that help destroy tumours and free radicals that can cause cancer
3. Bones and teeth
Another benefit of African pear is that it strengthens bones and teeth. It contains phosphorus and calcium that helps to maintain bone and tooth health. It also prevents stiff joints and bone aches.
4. Immune system
African pear contains vitamin C and other essential minerals that help to boost the immune system. The immune system is a complex network of cells and proteins that defend the body against infections and harmful radicals.
They protect against diseases and attack free radicals, preventing them from developing chronic diseases in the body. The immune system keeps a record of every microorganism it has ever attacked so that it can recognise and destroy the organism quickly if it enters the body again.
The immune system fights pathogens like bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, and removes them from the body. It also recognises and neutralizes harmful substances in the body and fights disease-causing changes in the body, for instance, cancer cells. Eating African pear regularly helps to improve the immune system and makes it work effectively.
5. Synthesis in the body
African pear contains vitamin B5 that helps in the synthesis and metabolism of protein, carbohydrate, fat and coenzyme A. Coenzyme A is a cofactor responsible for cellular oxidative pathways, including fatty acid oxidation, carbohydrate and amino acids oxidation.
The liver also needs coenzyme A to metabolize some drugs and toxins properly. Vitamin B5 also contributes to the production of adrenal hormones, converts food into glucose, synthesize cholesterol, form sex hormones and red blood cells. Vitamin B5 is a water-soluble vitamin that also promotes healthy skin, hair, eyes and liver. Another name for vitamin B5 is pantothenic acid or pantothenate.
6. Healthy skin
Another benefit of African pear is that it contains vitamin C which is good for skin health. It protects the skin from free radicals, protects the skin from ultraviolet damage, helps smoothen wrinkles, lighten dark spots, promotes healing and boosts collagen production.
It also contains fibre that helps in getting rid of yeast and fungus from the body, thereby preventing them from causing acne on the skin.
7. Allergy-free fruit
African pear can be eaten by everyone, young or old, black or white. They are known as hypoallergenic because they do not cause any form of allergy. Allergy is a situation in which the body reacts abnormally to a foreign substance. Many foods are allergic to different individuals.
These types of food cause allergic reactions in the body. During allergic reactions, a chemical called histamine is released in the body which produces allergic symptoms. These symptoms include itching, nausea, vomiting, hives, diarrhoea, breathing difficulties and swelling around the mouth. African pear is a type of food that does not cause any allergic reaction to anyone. What a wonderful fruit this is!
8. Healthy pregnancy
African pear contains folate that is beneficial to pregnant women. Folate is a B vitamin. When a baby is developing early in pregnancy, folate helps to form the neural tube. The neural tube is the precursor to the central nervous system, which comprises the brain and spinal cord.
Folate helps prevent birth defects to the brain and spinal cord of the baby. These birth defects include spina bifida, whereby the baby’s spinal cord and brain are unable to develop properly; and Anencephaly, whereby the baby’s brain and skull are unable to develop properly.
Folate also creates new cells and produces DNA. All women of reproductive age should consume African pear regularly as most of the time, pregnancy is unplanned, and the baby needs folate from as early as possible in the pregnancy.
9. Blood pressure
African pear contains potassium that helps regulate the blood pressure of the body. It helps to balance out the negative effects of salt in the body and hence prevents high blood pressure and reduces the risk of stroke.
Potassium is an electrolyte that helps your body maintain fluid and blood volume so the body can function properly. Consuming too little potassium can raise one’s blood pressure and increase one’s risk of heart disease.
Potassium lessens the effect of sodium which increases blood pressure. The more you eat potassium, the more you lose sodium in the urine. Potassium also helps to ease tension in the blood vessel walls, which helps to further lower the blood pressure.
Most people do not consume enough potassium, hence, adding African pear to the diet is ideal for maintaining healthy blood pressure and reducing the risk of stroke and heart disease.
10. The body system cleanser
Another benefit of African pear is that it contains various antioxidants that cleanse the body and protect the body from chronic diseases like hypertension, obesity, diabetes, arthritis and cancer.
With regular consumption of African pear fruit, the whole body is cleansed of harmful substances. The fibre in the fruit also helps with regular bowel movement and good conditioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
Conclusion
African pear (Ube) is a wonder fruit that needs to be added to everyone’s food regimen. It contains various beneficial nutrients and helps the body get refreshed, energised and rebuilt. Add African pear to your diet today and enjoy the wonderful Health Benefits of African Pear it provides for your body.
