Health benefits of fruits grown in West Africa

Daily consumption of fruits is a critical part of human diet since it has been reported that fruits contain fibres, mineral, vitamins and phytochemicals, but several people consume little or none particularly in developing countries (DCs). This might be due to lack of awareness on its importance to health or the high cost implication compared to other staple food. Regular consumption of fruits helps to develop immunity against cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer. In this research, we have selected three fruits out of the numerous fruits grown in West Africa and their health benefits have been highlighted. The fruits include; Dialium guineense (black velvet), doum palm fruit (Hyphaene thebaica Mart.) and Chrysophyllum albidum G Don (African star apple). Dialium guineense commonly known as black velvet tamarind (BVT) has been used for the treatment of ulcer, menstrual pain and also used in agriculture to restore soil fertility. Doum (Hyphaene thebaica) fruit has been used for treatment of hypertension, bilharzias, diabetes and hematuria bleeding. Doum fruit had shown it contains phenolic compounds which have health promoting benefits. Chrysophyllum albidum G Don (African star apple) has also been used in ethno-medicine as emollients in treatment of skin eruptions and to calm stomach upset and diarrhea. The seeds are applied in treatment of dermatological infections. Based on all the various application of these fruits and many other uncommon fruits in Africa, it was concluded that the regular intake of these fruits and many uncommon ones would be beneficial in minimizing or preventing CVDs.