Originally posted on March 16, 2023 @ 8:12 pm

Fruits are an essential part of our balanced diet. They contain vitamins, minerals, and fibres that are essential for healthy living. Research has shown that fruits help boost our immunity, promote good health and they help fight diseases. Nigeria is blessed with numerous fruits, I usually look forward to the dry season because is cheaper and there are diverse kinds of fruits available in the market.

In this article, we will discuss some of the popular examples of fruits in Nigeria, their nutritional value and their Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa name.

Apple

Yoruba Name: apu

Igbo Name: apul

Hausa: aful

Botanical Name: Pyrus Malus

Apples are a low-calorie fruit that is high in fibre, vitamin C, and antioxidants. They are an excellent source of quercetin, a type of flavonoid that has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

Nutritional Value: A medium-sized apple provides around 95 calories, 0.5 grams of fat, and 4 grams of fibre.

Pawpaw

Yoruba Name: Ibepe

Igbo Name: Okwuru-ezi, Okwuru- bekee, Mgbimgbi

Hausa Name: Gwanda

Botanical Name: Carica Papaya

Pawpaw Fruit also known as papaya is a delicious fruit with great nutritional value. It is low in cholesterol, and rich in vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin Vitamin B and antioxidants. It is also one of the few fruits that contain beta-carotene which is responsible for its orange colour.

Nutritional Value: 100 grams of ripe papaya consists of 32 calories, 0.6g of protein, 0.1g of fat, 7.2g of carbs and 2.6g of fibre.

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Pineapple

Yoruba Name: Ope Oyinbo

Igbo Name: akwuolo

Hausa: abarba

Botanical Name: Ananus Sativus

Pineapple is one of more favourite fruits; I don’t think I can get tired of eating pineapple. It is a good source of manganese, vitamin c, and Vitamin B. It also contains the enzyme bromelin which can aid digestion, and help reduce bruising and swelling.

Nutritional Value: 100g of pineapple contains about 61 calories, 33g of vitamin C, 13.2g of carbohydrate, 115mg of potassium, 12g of sugar, and o.52g of protein.

Watermelon

Yoruba Name: Bara

Igbo Name: anyu awusa/ugwu

Hausa: kankana

Botanical Name: Citrullus Vulgaris

Watermelon contains 90% of water, low in calories, fat and protein. It is a good source of vitamin C, which boosts immunity and helps fight infection. Other vitamins and minerals include potassium, copper, Vitamin B5, and vitamin A.

Nutritional Value: 100g of watermelon contains 30 calories, 90% water, 0.6g protein, 7.6g carbohydrate, 6.2g sugar and 0.4g fibre.

Coconut

Yoruba Name: agbon

Igbo Name: aku oyibo

Hausa: kwakwa

Botanical Name: cocos Nucifera

Coconut is one of the fruits that grow on palm trees; it contains white edible flesh. It is rich in iron, manganese, copper, and magnesium.

Nutritional Value: 1 medium-sized coconut contains 159g calories, 9mg sodium, 7g carbohydrates, 4g fibre, 3g sugar and 15g fat.

Mango

Yoruba Name: mangoro

Igbo Name: Ugiri Bekee

Hausa: Mangwaro/mangoro

Botanical Name: Manglifera Indica

Mangoes are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and dietary fibre. They are also a good source of potassium and contain a range of phytochemicals, including carotenoids that are thought to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

Nutritional Value: A medium-sized mango provides around 135 calories, 0.5 grams of fat, and 3 grams of fibre.

Bananas

Yoruba Name: Ogede

Igbo Name: Unere

Hausa: Ayaba

Botanical Name: Musa Paradisicum

Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and supports proper heart and muscle function. They are also a good source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, and dietary fibre.

Nutritional Value: A medium-sized banana provides around 105 calories, 0.4 grams of fat, and 3 grams of fibre.

African Star Apple

Yoruba Name: Agbalumo

Igbo Name: Udara

Hausa: Agwaluma

Botanical Name: Chrysophyllum albidum

African star apple or cherry as it is fondly called is a native fruit common in tropical African countries. It is very beneficial and healthy. It is known to aid digestion, contains antioxidants, boosts the immune system, aids weight loss and is a good source of vitamins C, A, B3, B2 and B1.

Nutritional Value: 100g of star apple contains 91.09 calories, 10g of carbohydrate, 6g of protein, 25g of vitamin c, 1g of vitamin B3, and 18mg of phosphorus.

Cucumber

Yoruba Name: Kukumba

Igbo Name: kukumba

Hausa: kakamba

Botanical Name: Cucumis Sativas

I love cucumbers, especially in smoothies. Cucumber is a green-coloured fruit with white flesh. It has high water content (about 95%) and contains phytochemicals, potassium, vitamin K, magnesium, vitamin c and sodium.

Nutritional Value: 100g of cucumber contains 12 calories, 1.16g carbohydrates, 0.59g protein, 3.2g vitamin c, 2mg sodium, 12mg magnesium21mg phosphorus and 14mg calcium.

Oranges

Yoruba Name: Osan

Igbo Name: Oroma

Hausa: Lemun Zaki, Lemu

Botanical Name: Citrus Aurantium

Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps maintain healthy skin, teeth, and bones. They are also a good source of folate, a B vitamin that is important for proper cell growth and development.

Nutritional Value: A medium-sized orange provides around 60 calories, 0.2 grams of fat, and 3 grams of fibre.

Fruits are essential for our overall health and wellbeing.

Fruits are a vital component of a healthy diet, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Incorporating a variety of fruit into your diet ensures that you are getting a range of essential nutrients that are essential for good health. Enjoy your favourite fruits and experience the benefits they have to offer!