AFRICAN Pear Could Boost Your Immunity.
African pear or bush pear is a native fruit of the West African popularly found in South East Nigeria popularly called Ube.
It is mainly eaten with roasted or cooked corn. It is pink in colour when unripe but turns dark purple when ripped; It has a butter-like nature when roasted or dipped in hot water and is enjoyed by all.
- Rich in Antioxidants
The fruit plays important role in microbial activities role as an antioxidant, anti-microbial and anti-sickle cell diseases.
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 organism in the human body.
- Boosts Immune System
Bush pears help to improve immunity due to the presence of vitamin C which helps the immune system to resist certain diseases and also maintain a healthy immunity.
Immune boosting property in African bush pear comes from vitamin C and essential minerals that act as antioxidants that helps to strengthen immunity and improve the infection-fighting ability of the immune systems.
- Helps in Protein Synthesis
Pantothenate known as vitamin B5 is an essential nutrient found in bush pears which helps to synthesize protein, fats and carbohydrates and as well contributes to the production of adrenal hormones and red blood cells.
- Promote Skin health
They are rich in oil which contains several nutrients in the green coloured part when the purple flesh is been peeled helps to treat some skin disease 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.
- Reduces Constipation
Soluble fibre content on bush pear is a good property that gives it the ability to reduce constipation, aid to a normal bowel movement.
This fibre contains pectin, cellulose and lignin that resist the action of the digestive enzyme. Pectin helps to control diarrhoea and binds substance in the intestine.
- 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.
- Promote Healthy Bones And Teeth
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.
- Prevents Cancer
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 a hypoallergenic fruit because they don’t cause any allergic reactions.
- 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 metabolised in the sense that hinders the spiking of blood glucose levels which causes diabetes.
- 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.
- Good For Pregnancy
You may be surprised to hear that African pear; called ube in Igbo is a pregnancy super fruit. It contains natural folic acid which is very good in pregnancy. supplement.
The presence of folic acid in bush pears (African pears) helps to prevent deficiencies in baby’s brain and spinal cord.
African pear (ube) is rich in sugars, carbohydrates, fibre, folate, pantothenate and vitamins such as vitamin B6, thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, the antioxidant vitamin (vitamin C) which helps to fight the free radicals in the body.
African pears contain some medicinal properties that make them useful for alternative medical doctors to treat various illnesses such as fever, wounds, dysentery, skin diseases and others.
