Health Benefits of Ube Pear

Popularly known in Nigeria as ‘Ube,’ this tropical fruit boasts a purplish hue and thrives in various parts of Africa. Cultivation flourishes across the Gulf of Guinea, Central Africa, Sierra Leone, Uganda, and northern Angola. Its botanical name is Dacryodes edulis, and it has various other names including African pear, bush pear, African plum, nsafu, bush butter tree, or butter fruit, safou, messa, atanga and elumi. It is also called plum in Cameroon. The benefits of ube pear are endless and we highlight some of them in this article.

The pulp (purple fleshy part) of ube is rich in nutrients including fats (healthy fat), potassium, vitamin C, calcium, fiber, protein, zinc and sodium. So what are the health benefits of ube?

Health Benefits of Ube Pear

1. Prevents Cancer: Ube contains antioxidants that fight free radicals in the body and help to prevent or reduce the risk of certain diseases and cancers; an example is colon cancer. Regularly consuming ube can help achieve this.

2. Promotes Skin Glow: The African pear is rich in Vitamin C and healthy fats which help to promote a healthy skin appearance and skin regeneration. It is also believed to help in fighting skin diseases such as ringworm and scabies.

3. Aids Digestion/Reduces Constipation: This pear contains fiber, which we all know to aid digestion. Fiber helps to clean the colon and increase the weight of stool for easier defecation. It also contains pectin which helps to prevent constipation.

4. Lowers High Blood Pressure: Potassium is a mineral that helps to regulate blood pressure by counteracting the effects of sodium in the body. It is readily present in ube pear and consistent and regulated consumption will aid in lowering high blood pressure.

5. Promotes Healthy Bones and Teeth: Ube pears readily offer essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus, crucial for forming, structuring, and strengthening bones. Vitamin C present in the fruit promotes collagen formation, which in turn supports both bone and tooth health.

6. Aids Healthy Pregnancy: Pregnant women can benefit greatly from consuming ube pears, a delicious fruit rich in folate (folic acid), which is an essential nutrient for a healthy pregnancy. Other nutrients like calcium, protein and vitamin C present in ube also assist in boosting pregnancy health.

7. Helps Reduce the Risk of Diabetes: Carbohydrates break down into glucose (sugar) in the body. The African pear is low in carbohydrates and is therefore healthy to consume as it aids in the regulation of blood sugar.

8. Boosts Immune System: Vitamin C helps to stimulate the production of white blood cells which aids in fighting infections. Carotenoids are a type of antioxidants that fight off free radicals that cause damage to the immune system.

Additional Facts About Ube

• You can consume the fruit either boiled, roasted or raw
• It also pairs well with other foods like roasted or boiled sweet corn
• It is anti-allergenic (it does not cause any allergies)
• It can also be dried and served as a snack as seen at GreenBaskit

Read Also, Ten Facts About Carrots