The Healthy Star Of The Fruits (Carambola)
Star Fruit, also known as Carambola is an exotic tropical fruit that is rich in dietary fiber and is a good source of vitamins A, B, and C.
One of the most significant health benefits of the Star Fruit is the fact that it is packed with antioxidants.
The star fruit has a sweet-tart taste that makes for delicious sweet and savory dishes.
It is heavily cultivated in Southeast Asia, although it can also be found in most tropical areas around the world.
It is perfect for making delicious smoothies, juices, or shakes.
The star fruit is green and firm when raw while the ripe one is yellow and juicy.
A nice firm, plump yellowish fruit is ready to eat.
It is shaped like a five-point star and resembles the shape of a star when cut.
Read on and we will tell you more about all the 8 great health benefits of the Star Fruit.
Star Fruit Nutrition And Health Benefits
Nutrition
The star fruit is low in calories and rich in nutrients such a vitamins A, C, B5, and B9 (folate).
It is also rich in potassium, magnesium, minerals, and sodium.
The star fruit is also packed with plenty of antioxidants such as gallic acid, quercetin, epitechin, and proanthocyanins.
Important nutritional facts as per 100g (3.53Oz) serving are:
| Calories | 31 |
| Protein | 1.0g |
| Carbohydrates | 7.0g |
| Fats | 0.2g |
| Vitamin A | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 57% |
| Vitamin E | 0.5% |
| Magnesium | 2% |
| Potassium | 3% |
| Folate | 2% |
8 Great Health Benefits Of The Star Fruit
The star fruit has numerous health benefits. Here are the top 8:
- It is also rich in dietary fiber which makes it ideal for lowering cholesterol.
- It is packed with powerful antioxidants that help reduce inflammation.
- It helps maintain blood pressure thanks to potassium and sodium content.
- It boosts digestion.
- It is diabetic-friendly and can help regulate insulin levels.
- It can help keep the skin looking young thanks to the presence of antioxidants.
- It can help prevent cancer thanks to the presence of antioxidants
- It may aid in weight loss.
How To Eat Star Fruit
Star fruit may be eaten alone or introduced to juices, smoothies, and some sweet and savory dishes.
It is best consumed when ripe.
The ripe fruit takes on a bright yellow color and is juicy.
A good, ripe fruit should remain firm to the touch.
There is no need to peel off the skin before eating.
- Rinse off the fruit and place it on a cutting board.
- Cut it vertically across all the five ‘star points” into small pieces
- Carefully cut out the seeds in the middle and it is ready to use
Different ways to enjoy the star fruit:
It can be included in desserts, jams, savory dishes, or fresh fruit salads.
Growing 10 Different Varieties of Starfruit Carambola! Which Is The Most Delicious?
Star Fruit Medical Research
There are several kinds of research out there that have focused on health benefits of the star fruit as well as the potential toxic affect it can have on some people.
We found these three for you if you are interested in reading more about it:
- Nutritional, Medicinal and Toxicological Attributes of Star-Fruits (Averrhoa carambola L.): A Review
- A preliminary study on the effects of star fruit consumption on antioxidant and lipid status in elderly Thai individuals
- Starfruit: A fruit for healthy life
Known Star Fruit Known Risks And Side Effects
It is not suitable for people with kidney problems as it may lead to kidney damage.
It is best to avoid star fruit if you have kidney problems because, in the worst-case scenario, its toxicity can result in death!
It is not advisable to consume when on prescription drugs as it may alter the way the drug is broken down
Star fruit poisoning can result in hiccups, agitation, feeling confused, numbness, and weakness, as well as having an epileptic fit.
Tee Star Fruit unfortunately didn’t make it to our selection of fruits suitible for dogs.
If you want to know more about which fruits are safe for your dog please read more here.
Studies show that eating starfruit can have a harmful (toxic) effect for people who have kidney disease. The substances found in starfruit can affect the brain and cause neurological disorders. This toxic substance is called a neurotoxin. People with healthy, normal kidneys can process and pass this toxin out from their body. However, for those with kidney disease, this is not possible. The toxin stays in the body and causes serious illness.
