Several fruits and their seasons of harvest, one of such is the African Pear, popularly known as Ube; in Nigeria, precisely the southeast part of the country.
I love this fruit! African pear is also called bush pear. The name sounds absurd, but it sure has some health benefits you would like to know.
You can enjoy this fruit with mainly roasted or cooked corn, or even alone. It is pink in color when unripe but turns dark purple when ripped.
It has a butter-like nature when roasted or dipped in hot water, covered for a few minutes and you enjoy. Some people add salt to it, but I would advise that you should eat it as it is; pure and natural.
Let us check out the amazing health benefits that this Ube has. Some are known to us, but you would find it surprising that it has more health benefits than you could have imagined.
It is rich in antioxidants
The fruit plays an important role in microbial activities’ role as an antioxidant, anti-microbial and anti-sickle cell disease.
These antioxidant and anti-microbial properties contained in bush pears are very active and effective at the fresh state and even when boiled.
They help to slow the effects of microorganisms on the body as well as ward off disease-causing organisms in the human body.
It helps to boosts immune system
Ube helps to improve immunity due to the presence of vitamin C which helps the immune system to resist certain diseases and also maintain healthy immunity.
The African bush pear comes from vitamin C and essential minerals that act as antioxidants that help to strengthen immunity and improve the infection-fighting ability of the immune systems.
It promotes skin health
They are rich in oil which contains several nutrients in the green-coloured part when you peel off the purple flesh to treat some skin diseases such as ringworm, craw-craw, and related others.
The pulpy pericarp can be eaten raw or boiled and exhibits butter qualities, rich in minerals and oil according to nutritionists and are good for the skin.
Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant and a dietary supplement just as riboflavin; both nutrients help to keep the skin glowing.
It also reduces constipation
Soluble fiber content on bush pear is a good property that gives it the ability to reduce constipation, aid to a normal bowel movement.
This fiber contains pectin, cellulose, and lignin that resist the action of the digestive enzyme. Pectin helps to control diarrhea and binds substance in the intestine.
It lowers High Blood Pressure
Bush pears have small clustered seeds enclosed by mesocarp which is also nutritious and helps to reduce blood pressure and risk of stroke.
It is advisable to be eating at least 5 portions of fruits per day; including African pears or related due to its potassium contents that help to lower high blood pressure and prevent the risk of stroke.
It promotes healthy bones and teeth
Who would believe that Ube promotes healthy bones and teeth? Yes, it does. Some important minerals such as calcium and phosphorus present in the fruit are the central players for healthy teeth and bones.
These minerals have key roles to play in the skeletal system; calcium helps in maintaining bone health, muscle contraction immune system and blood clotting.
Phosphorus on its own is very important for the formation and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth in both adults and children.
It also prevents cancer
This is one of the anti-cancer fruits. A regular consumption of this fruit helps to fight against cancer because of the presence of phytochemicals which is a micronutrient that fights against diseases in the human body.
They are Allergy-Free Fruits
Bush pears is a native African fruit eaten by all ages both children and adults; they are being classified as hypoallergenic fruit because they don’t cause any allergic reactions.
African pear reduces the risk of diabetes
African pears are rich in vitamins and minerals that play important roles in controlling the blood sugar level.
Carbohydrate content in African pears has a low glycemic index (GI) and is slowly digested and metabolized in the sense that hinders the spiking of blood glucose levels which causes diabetes.
African pear reduces Age-Related Diseases
Studies have shown that regular consumption of this fruit slows the risk of macular degeneration in aged people.
The above statement is true for African pears because they exhibit strong antioxidants properties that help to prevent some age-related illness which causes poor vision.
It is good for Pregnancy
Don’t be surprised when you hear that this African pear; called “Ube” in Igbo part of Nigeria is a pregnancy super fruit. It contains natural folic acid which is very good in pregnancy. It is used as supplement.
The presence of folic acid in bush pears (African pears) helps to prevent deficiencies in the baby’s brain and spinal cord.
Are you worried that Ube could add fat to your body, it doesn’t. African pear doesn’t cause overweight. It is not fattening because it contains healthy lipids without any measure of cholesterol.
On the other hand, it has natural carbohydrates and sugar in a low amount which are not linked to overweight.
How best do you want to enjoy this natural butter fruit? Don’t let this season of Ube pass you by…Visit the market, Mall or grocery store to buy yours, wash them, eat them raw or heat up with hot water and enjoy all the health benefits.
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