Star (star) Apple - Useful Properties

The star apple  is a plant common in tropical countries, whose fruits are round with red or green color, and the inside is of a jelly-like texture. After an incision in the fruit, stripes in the shape of a star can be seen, hence its name. Years ago, it was called the "milk apple" because of the milk-like juice it contains.

The taste is very pleasant, sweet and resembles coconut. Only the flesh is edible, the skin contains toxins and has a bitter taste.

Composition and health benefits

The fruit is rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals, contains amino acids such as tryptophan, lysine, methionine and is a source of calcium and phosphorus. The composition also includes vitamin B1, B2, B3, C, iron.

The fruit is rich in vitamin C, and it is essential for the human body because it acts as an antioxidant and is responsible for the production of collagen. The vitamin improves and protects the heart, vision, immunity, and also regulates blood sugar levels. The properties of the vitamin neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals and prevent the appearance of carcinogenic cells.

The fruit is rich in iron, so it is a suitable food for iron deficiency anemia. Iron is involved in the formation of red blood cells, which are responsible for transporting oxygen to the cells. With anemia you suffer from fatigue, headache, dizziness, loss of appetite. All of this can be improved when you eat properly for anemia with foods rich in iron, so the star apple is a great choice.

In addition to these health benefits, as a low-fat, low-calorie fruit, the apple is one of the most valuable foods used in diets. Thanks to the fiber and you will feel full for a longer time, which prevents overeating.

Star apple contains dietary fiber, which helps maintain a healthy digestive system and balance the intestinal microflora. Fiber gives a feeling of satiety and thus prevents possible overeating. By consuming the fruit, you also provide prevention against constipation, as fiber helps the movement of the intestines.

In combination with calcium and vitamin A, which are found in the star apple, you provide a rich set of substances necessary for bone health. The balance of calcium and phosphorus is essential for bone health, and the star apple has enough of the two minerals.

Fruits and seeds, as well as leaves and bark are used in the treatment of various diseases. Decoction of the leaves is still prepared today as a method of treating dysentery, diarrhea, skin rashes and stomach cramps. The seeds of the plant are used to prepare ointments for the treatment of skin, genital and other infections. The benefits of using the star apple are many, so it is recommended to eat more often.

Some traditional applications of the star fruit are:

• for the treatment of pneumonia, laryngitis;
• for treatment for diabetes and angina pectoris;
• for the treatment of skin inflammations and rashes;
• for the treatment of diarrhea;
• as a diuretic;
• for the treatment of open wounds;
• for the treatment of fever.

How to consume a star apple

The apple is also used in cooking for desserts, sherbet, ice cream, canned food and alcohol.

You always need to peel the apple to remove the inside, as the peel is inedible. The fruit can be eaten raw or added to juices and desserts. For many people, frozen is an alternative to ice cream because its consistency is creamy.

From the leaves you can make tea, which has various health benefits.

Contraindications to the consumption of star apple are not known.