Nigeria is one of the tropical countries in the world with lots of vegetation that promote the growth of crops and trees that bear many beneficial fruits.
Common Fruits in Nigeria and Their Health Benefits
There are a lot of fruits in Nigeria that not only act as appetizers and after-food snacks but offer a lot of health benefits.
In this post, we’ll be looking at a list of popular fruits in Nigeria and their health benefits.
Avocado
The avocado pear is one of the most delicious fruits consumed in Nigeria. The fruit is grown in the central and southern parts of Nigeria and consumed in all parts of the country.
Avocado pear offers a lot of health benefits. It aids in weight loss due to its low-calorie content and the abundance of fiber that promotes weight management.
Avocado is used in beauty products and for skin treatment as it posses several properties that promote skin health. The presence of a good number of antioxidants and vitamins such as vitamins E, A, B, C, and K make it one of the best health-boosting fruits in Nigeria.
Papaya (PawPaw)
Papaya is one of the most popular fruits in the Nigerian market. It is grown in almost all parts of Nigeria. The fruit is one the juiciest and can be eaten raw or mixed into different recipes to make tasty dishes.
Eating papaya comes with a lot of health benefits. The fruit is a good source of vitamins and minerals that aid in many body functions. Benefits of eating Papaya includes
- Easy digestion through the action of the enzyme, papain which supports gastrointestinal health
- Lowers cholesterol and boosts the immune system due to the presence of vitamins, riboflavin, niacin, folate, and many other beneficial nutrients.
- Prevents damage to the body cells through the action of antioxidants
- Boosts skin health and promotes hair growth
Watermelon
The Watermelon is a fleshy fruit that does more than fill you up after eating it. The fruit is grown in the Southern and Northern parts of Nigeria, however, it is consumed in all parts of the country. It is one of the most consumed fruits in the country due to its taste, availability, and the health benefits it offers.
Watermelon contains a lot of vitamins, mineral, antioxidants, and several plant compounds that offer a lot of benefits to the body.
Due to the abundance of these nutrients, it is able to reduce high blood pressure, prevent age-related illnesses, help in better digestion, improve heart health, boost the immune system, and aid in weight loss.
Banana
Banana is grown in commercial scale in the southern and central parts of Nigeria. It is one of the most consumed and health beneficial fruits in Nigeria. Bananas are loved mostly for their sweet taste, but they also provide a lot of health benefits that aid in several important body processes.
Banana is rich in fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and amino acids that provide numerous benefits for the body. Some of these benefits include
- Promotes heart health
- Helps in digestion
- Controls blood sugar levels
- Reduces blood pressure
- Aids weight loss
- Treats ulcers
- Promotes skin health
- Boosts the immune system
Mango
Mangoes are one of the tastiest fruits in the Nigerian fruit market. They can be consumed raw or used to make mango juice.
Mango offers a lot of health benefits which is just the same as you can get from other fruits. Just like most Nigerian fruits, they contain a high amount of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and beneficial plant compounds.
Guava
Guava is grown mostly in the Western parts of Nigeria. It is not one of the most consumed fruits in Nigeria, however, it offers a lot of health benefits that cannot be overlooked.
The fruit maintains bone health by supplying the body with calcium and other nutrients necessary for building and maintaining healthy bones.
It can also prevent some kinds of cancer, boost the immune system function, promote skin health, aid in the normal functioning of the brain and prevent hair loss.
Pineapple
Pineapple is a rough-looking fruit with a juicy taste. It is made of individual berries that grow together around a central core. Pineapple can be consumed raw or crushed and blended to make pineapple juice.
Whichever way you choose to consume this delicious fruit, you’ll still get the same health benefits. Pineapple contains a good number of enzymes, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that promote the overall body health.
Below are some of the benefits you get by consuming pineapple and the nutrients that offer these benefits.
- Boosts the immune system through vitamin C
- Improves eye health through vitamin C and several antioxidants
- Exfoliates the skin through alpha hydroxyl acids
- Proper digestion through several enzymes
- Relieves cold symptoms through vitamin C
- Relieves arthritis symptoms through bromelain enzyme
Cucumber
Cucumber is one of the fruits that are consumed not just because it makes a great addition to a sandwich but because it offers a lot of health benefits.
The fruit can keep the body hydrated as it is mostly made of water. It has antioxidants properties that reduce the risk of cancer. It aids in reducing cholesterol, prevents inflammatory disease, promotes healthy bone, helps in digestion, and aids in weight loss.
Oranges
Oranges are one of the tastiest fruits that can be found in all parts of Nigeria. They are a rich source of vitamin C and other nutrients that are beneficial to the body.
African Star Apple
The African star apple is a fruit that is known for its tart taste rather than the health benefits it offers. If you’re able to overlook the taste of this fruit, you will be able to gain a lot of nutrients contained in the fruit and boost your overall body health. This fruit is rich in vitamin C and serves as a natural antioxidant source.
Green Apples
Green apples are one of the most nutritious fruits in Nigeria, however, they are also one of the most expensive. Green apples contain a lot of vitamins, minerals, plant compounds, antioxidants, and organic acids that boost overall body health.
Coconuts
Coconuts are highly nutritious fruits. They can be consumed raw or used to make coconut milk which also offers a lot of health benefits.
Coconuts are rich in fibre, minerals, vitamins, organic acids, and antioxidants that boost many body functions.
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