Ube is the common name for the African pear, also known as the bush pear. It is a West African fruit that is primarily found in southeast Nigeria.
It adds a new dimension to the flavor when eaten with roasted or boiled maize. When it is unripe, it has a pink color, but when it is ripe, it changes to a dark purple color. All people take pleasure in eating African pear, which, when roasted or heated in hot water, take on the texture of butter and have a complex flavor. it is traditionally consumed alongside corn that has been cooked or roasted.
The Nigerian pear is referred to by its scientific name, Dacryodes Edulis.
However, in addition to being an exceptionally tasty fruit, the Nigerian pear has been shown to have positive effects on human health, and as such, it is recommended that people of all ages and backgrounds consume it on a regular basis.
You are going to learn about the nutritional value of Nigerian pears today, in addition to the benefits they provide to your health.
Nutritional Contents Of Nigerian Pear
The nutritional value of African pears cannot be overstated. You will receive the following from around 100 grams of the fruit pulp:
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Potassium: 65 mg
- Zinc: 13 mg
- Protein: 20 grams (g)
- Fats: 48 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Dietary fiber: 3 g
- Vitamin C: 3 g
- Calcium: 133 milligrams (mg)
Health Benefits Of Nigerian Pear
1. African Pear Prevents cancer
Because it contains phytochemicals, which are a type of micronutrient that helps the body fight off diseases, eating this fruit on a regular basis can help reduce the risk of developing cancer.
2. African Pear Promote Skin health
They have a high concentration of oil, which contains a variety of essential nutrients, and its purple flesh is known to be beneficial in the treatment of a variety of skin conditions, including ringworm, craw-craw, and others of a similar type.
The pulpy pericarp, which nutritionists say can be consumed raw or boiling, possesses butter-like properties, is abundant in nutrients and oil, and is good for the skin.
Riboflavin, like vitamin C, is a dietary supplement and a powerful antioxidant; both of these nutrients contribute to glowing skin by keeping it healthy and supple.
3. African Pear Reduces Constipation
If you are someone who experiences issues with constipation on a regular basis, you should seriously consider incorporating African pear into your regular diet in order to obtain relief from these issues.
These hypoallergenic fruits include a heavy amount of soluble fiber, which contributes to the maintenance of normal bowel movement by increasing the volume of stool.
In addition, the fiber has lignin, pectin, and cellulose, all of which are compounds that inhibit the activity of digestive enzymes. Pectin is also useful for preventing and treating diarrhea.
4. African Pear Promotes Healthy Pregnancy
Both the pulp and the skin of the fruit are loaded with beneficial elements such as protein, calcium, folate, and vitamin C, all of which contribute to the healthy growth and development of infants.
Consuming nutrient-dense fruits such as ube may also assist in the prevention of neural tube abnormalities and the occurrence of miscarriages.
5. African Pear Enhances Bones And Teeth
The African pear contains a number of essential minerals, the most significant of which are calcium and phosphorus. Both of these minerals serve a pivotal role in the maintenance of strong teeth and bones. These minerals are essential to the skeletal system because of the roles that they play.
Calcium has a role in the maintenance of healthy bones, as well as the immune system and the ability of muscles to contract and clot blood. Phosphorus has a critical role in the development of healthy bones and teeth in both children and adults, as well as in their ongoing maintenance.
6. African Pear Is Rich In Antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds that assist the body in its defense against free radicals, which are known to cause disease.
Carotenoids are powerful antioxidants that are found in the purple skin and greenish pulp of the African pear. These carotenoids have been shown to have a potential role in the prevention of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
The leaves have a particularly high concentration of flavonoids, which are potent antioxidants that help protect the body from the harm caused by free radicals.
7. African Pear Prevents Mouth Odor
Because it includes antimicrobial characteristics, it helps to prevent mouth odor and tooth decay by warding off the germs that are responsible for both conditions. Mouth odor and tooth decay are both caused by bacteria.
8. African Pear Reduces Age-Related Diseases
Studies have also shown that older persons who consume this fruit on a daily basis have a lower risk of developing macular degeneration. [Citation needed]
Additionally, African pears have powerful antioxidant qualities, which assist in the prevention of some age-related illnesses that might lead to impaired vision.
9. African Pear Reduces the Risk of Diabetes
The sugar level in the blood can be more effectively regulated thanks to the abundance of vitamins and minerals included in African pears.
The glycemic index of the carbohydrate content of African pears is relatively low (GI). Because it is digested and processed slowly, it prevents the spike in blood glucose levels that is the primary cause of diabetes.
10. African Pear Boosts your immunity
The African pear helps to improve your immune system and enables it to fight against a variety of infections since it is loaded with vitamin C and other key minerals that function as antioxidants.
Carotenoids are vital antioxidants that can help prevent diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. These carotenoids can be found both in the greenish pulp and the purple skin of the fruit.
Flavonoids, which protect cells from harm caused by free radicals, are also found in the leaves.
Best Method to enjoy African Pear
The recipe for Nigerian pear does not require a lot of effort and is quite simple to put together. Simply putting it in hot water for a few minutes or boiling it for a couple of minutes will be enough to make it more pliable. It is possible to consume the fleshy pulp in its uncooked state after it has been melted. Roasting the Nigerian pear is another option, however the fruit’s seed is inedible. The combination of a roasted pear and roasted maize is a popular choice among many Nigerians.
If you want to try something different and fascinating with pears, try spreading the fleshy pulp over bread instead of butter or margarine. You can eat Nigerian pear with rice, salad, yam, boiled plantain, and roasted yam. You can also eat it with roasted yam.
