By Gloria Agugua
African Walnuts: This black shell nut popularly known Ukpa, asala kaso or conophor. It has a close to bland taste but if you drink water after eating nut it gives a very bitter taste.
Apart from the nuts, other parts of the walnut plant have also been found to be very useful for health purposes. It has anti-inflammatory content, anti-antioxidants /anti aging and is a fertility booster. The nut has also been found to contain a wide range of vitamins that are needed by the body for day to day function. It contains ascorbic acid, Tocopherted, Vitamin C, E, B1, B2, B3, B6,B9,and B12.
Hibiscus Tea or Drink: Nigeria it is known as soborodo (Zobo drink)Hibiscus flowers have various local names, and it might be called by its other rather common name, “Roselle”. Also is known as karkade, red tea, red sorrel, Jamaica sorrel, rosella, and sour tea in. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, hibiscus tea can reduce blood pressure, by up to 10 points, according to research done at Tufts University in Boston. For this drastic improvement to occur, you need to consume three cups every day for a few weeks.Hibiscus drink also has impressive antioxidant properties. It helps to lower levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol from the body, thereby helping to protect against heart disease and protecting blood vessels from damage. It also protects liver, anti-Inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Hibiscus tea is rich in ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C. It is an essential nutrient required by your body to boost and stimulate the activity of your immune system.
The health benefits of hibiscus drink also include antidepressant properties and relief from cramps and menstrual pain. It helps in restoring hormone balance as well, which can reduce other symptoms of menstruation like mood swings, depression, and overeating. It aids digestion and satiates thirst. Hibiscus tea is also beneficial for losing weight and has a great taste.
African Star Apple: Did you know its proper English name is African Star Apple? It is also called White Star Apple. While the local name is Agbalumo (Yoruba language) or Udara (Igbo language), the botanical Name: Chrysophyllum albidum. It is a very popular fruit here in Nigeria. Its fleshy pulp is often eaten as a snack and it is equally common in both the urban and rural areas, particularly around Southern Nigeria. Now, allow me introduce you to some really good news about the nutritious load of Udara/Agbalumo goodness. As with most fruits, it has low calorie because of its little fat content so it is definitely a healthy food.It aids weight loss, diabetes management, is rich in vitamins and anti-oxidants. So if you are a fan of the black spherical delicacy , zobo drink and Udara you are doing well for yourself. Keep it up. But if you are yet to taste any of ‘em, please make sure you do so before it becomes expensive. Trying out nice healthy delicacy doesn’t kill.
Or does it?
