Consistent intake of fruits has been linked to reduced risks of stroke, cardiovascular disease, cancer, cataracts, neurodegenerative disease and some of the functional degenerations linked with ageing. However, poor awareness and research supporting the intake of fruits and vegetables amid diabetics have experienced low adherence in developing countries.
Now, experts say that African star apple fruit can be of great benefit as a functional dietary supplement to manage or control diabetes-related disorders due to its low glycaemic indices and the inhibitory effects of the fruit on the key enzymes related to diabetes mellitus. These are enzymes in the body that slow the rate at which glucose is released into the bloodstream.
The notion of glycaemic index is not new, and the adoption of drugs to slow the absorption of carbohydrates, most especially using glycoside inhibitors, is currently recognised in diabetes management.
The study, which assessed how African star apple fruit works on the key enzymes related to diabetes mellitus in the pancreas tissue, said the fruit is a possible source of functional foods to lower blood sugar levels.
The 2020 study, in the BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, involved Olubunmi B. Ajayi, Folake L. Oyetayo, and Seun F. Akomolafe and examined and compared the inhibitory abilities of water extracts of African star apple fruit parts (pulp, cotyledon, seed coat, and pulp coat) on selected key enzymes related to diabetes mellitus in the pancreas tissue of rats.
It also assessed their starch composition, estimated glycaemic index, and other properties.
Dietary changes are often essential for controlling type-2 diabetes, regardless of the insulin requirement. The estimated glycaemic index was expressed to help those who are diabetic with their choices of food based on the recommendation that they select foods with a low GI.
Low-GI diets have the tendency to increase glycaemic control in people who have low tolerance to glucose and type II diabetes by reducing fasting blood glucose and also causing insulin sensitivity to improve.
African star apple, commonly known as agbalumo in Yoruba and Udara in Igbo, is a traditional fruit that has a fresh pulp highly rich in iron and ascorbic acid. This is consumed by the populace and used in folklore to manage diabetes.
According to reports, the fruit pulp can be freshly consumed and processed into stewed fruit, syrup, jam, soft drinks, and jelly.
In folkloric medicine, the plant bark is valuable in treating malaria and yellow fever, while the leaf has been used for treating stomach aches and diarrhoea as well as a palliative.
Also, its leaves, barks, and roots are widely used for treating wounds, sprains, and bruises in the southern part of Nigeria. The root and seed extracts are useful in arresting bleeding from fresh wounds and helping to prevent wound contamination, thereby hastening the healing process.
In the study, the pulp coats of African star apple, which are usually disposed of by many people, recorded the lowest glycaemic index in comparison to other parts of the fruit. Thus, it may be suggested for consumption by those who are diabetic; it may serve as an important food supplement for health promotion.
Previously, evidence supported the abundance of anti-inflammatory substances like alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenols in African star apple fruits, helping the body to prevent long-term health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and heart problems.
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Studies have also shown that the African star apple contains glycosides. They are antioxidants that help fight heart disease. Additionally, the fruit has high potassium content and low sodium content, making it a nutritious snack for those with high blood pressure.
The risk of blood vessel blockage may increase due to high levels of poor cholesterol. Strokes and cardiac issues may result from this. Saponins are substances found in African star apple fruits. They attach themselves to harmful cholesterol and stop it from getting into the blood. High fibre or pectin content in African star apples also raises beneficial cholesterol levels.
High-fibre diets are advised by doctors to help people lose weight and avoid obesity. Fibre decreases appetite and prolongs feelings of fullness, which aids in weight loss. African star apples are high in fibre and low in calories. They can assist in maintaining weight control and avoiding obesity.
Citrus fruits, including oranges, grapefruits, and lemons, have been found to have anti-diabetic properties. Citrus fruits are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals without the added carbohydrates.
Guava has a low glycaemic index, making it an excellent snack for diabetics. The high dietary fibre content of guava can reduce the risk of type-2 diabetes and relieve constipation, a typical diabetic problem.
