Five common medicinal fruits that are less valued (1)
There some very vital fruits given their high nutritional and medicinal value that are less valued in society, perhaps, because they are very common.
Some of these seasonal fruits that have less attention on the market but have great benefits are Velvet Tamarind, African Star Apple, Tropical Almond, Guava, Soursop and others. The plants of some of these fruits sprout on lands without anyone sowing, and maybe that is why people do not value them.
Using Velvet Tamarind as an example, it could be found in various places without having a sole owner.
In search to find out more about the benefits of some fruits which have less attention, The Ghana Report found five popular fruits that have so many benefits to the human system but are less purchased or valued in Ghana.
Velvet Tamarind is the name, but others prefer to call it Black Velvet Tamarind or African Velvet Tamarind. This fruit originated from Africa, and perhaps that is why others prefer the name African Velvet Tamarind. The scientific name for it is “Dialium Guineense”.
This fruit is commonly known in Ghana as ‘Yooyi’, which is the local name. In Ghana and other parts of the world, Velvet Tamarind is mostly enjoyed by children.
Velvet Tamarind helps in treating hypoglycemia which is commonly known as ‘Low Blood Sugar”.
It is advisable that people suffering from diabetes are encouraged not to take Velvet Tamarind due to the high level of sugar it contains.
Parents should continue to encourage their children to take in more of the fruit when it is due season.
Again, Velvet Tamarind contains Vitamin C, and according to MAYO Clinic, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a nutrient a body needs to form blood vessels, cartilage, muscle and collagen in bones. Vitamin C is also vital to one’s body healing process.
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Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect the body cells against the effects of free radicals — molecules produced when your body breaks down food or is exposed to tobacco smoke and radiation from the sun, X-rays or other sources.
Free radicals might play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases. Vitamin C also helps your body absorb and store iron. These benefits show the reasons why not only children must be encouraged to take in Velvet Tamarind but including adults.
Soursop
The fruit soursop popularly known in the Ghanaian language as ‘Aluguintuguin’ originated from somewhere in America. This fruit is loved by many people but sometimes less valued because it is not usually planted by people but finds its roots in soils belonging to people.
The scientific name for soursop is ‘Annona muricata’. Unlike Velvet Tamarind, which is often loved by children, soursop is often enjoyed by adults mostly.
Soursop is high in Vitamin C, an antioxidant known to boost immune health. Vitamin C strengthens the immune system by improving its ability to defend against pathogens. It also promotes the destruction of free radicals, which can help to protect your skin and cells from environmental oxidative damage.
Again, soursop contains potassium which helps to stabilise high blood pressure. Potassium helps the body to get rid of sodium and eases the tension in the walls of the blood vessels, both of which can help to lower one’s blood pressure.
Research has shown that a whole soursop fruit offers approximately one-third to one-half of the recommended daily allowance of potassium in one’s body. The next time you chance on any fruit seller having soursop, do not hesitate to buy some soursop for yourself and the family due to its health benefits.
