What is Star Fruit?
“Averrhoa Carambola” is the botanical name for this star fruit. The Averrhoa carambola tree is responsible for the production of this fruit. The fruit is shaped like a five-pointed star, which is appropriate given its name. Whenever it’s raw, it’s a dark green color. When the fruit ripens, the color of the fruit transforms into a bright golden shine. You can eat the peel of this fruit, which is edible.
The sweet and sour flavor of the luscious meat is a pleasant surprise. When comparing the smaller fruits to the larger ones, the smaller fruits have a more pungent flavor. The sweeter the fruits are, the larger they are.
The use of star fruit is becoming increasingly popular. Star fruit can be used in a variety of recipes, including diabetic-friendly smoothies and lactation-inducing dishes.
They can be discovered throughout the world, although they are most commonly found in tropical nations such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and India
Health Benefits of Star Fruit
Star Fruit has the Potential to Keep Skin Looking Young
Another good incentive to consume a lot of star fruit! This fruit may be healthy for your skin since it contains antioxidants such as Vitamin C, quercetin, gallic acid, and other polyphenolic flavonoids, among other things.
Antioxidants work to counteract the effects of oxidative stress and eliminate free radicals before they may cause harm to various organs and the skin. As a result, Vitamin C plays a part in the creation of collagen, and as a result, it can help to prevent or decrease the development of wrinkles while also keeping the skin bright and blemish-free as you grow older.
Obesity Control
The skin of the star fruit contains a high concentration of dietary fiber. Because it inhibits the absorption of LDL cholesterol in the gut lining, it has been shown to reduce obesity. Maintaining colon and gut health while eliminating infections and other toxins is the goal of this treatment regimen. As documented by a 2016 study published in the Nutrients Journal by the United States National Institutes of Health’s the National Library of Medicine, star fruit has anti-obesity benefits for the human body.
Star Fruit Has High Water Content and Is Incredibly Hydrating
On some days, drinking eight glasses of water every day feels like an impossible goal to achieve. The need to drink sufficient fluids is still crucial, especially on hot, humid days or after a workout. As a result, here’s the catch: you have to devour star fruit. One of the most hydrating fruits known is Carambola, at 91.4 percent water by weight.
Increases the Rate of Metabolism
Star fruit is high in dietary fiber, which helps to keep your digestive system running smoothly. Additionally, it increases bowel movement, which helps to keep your gut healthy. It is important to have a healthy stomach since it regulates your metabolism and keeps your body free of various hazardous substances.
An article from 2016 published in the journal Clinical Interventions in Aging by the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, found that consuming moderate amounts of star fruit on a regular basis can aid in enhancing metabolic function.
Assists in the Relief of Irritated Eyes
The star fruit’s high magnesium concentration also aids in the relief of discomfort and irritation caused by sore eyes. Eat star fruit, which is high in vitamin B6, to get relief from puffy eyes and to relax the optic nerves. The antibacterial properties of the fruit aid in reducing the source of eye irritation.
It Increases the Amount of Milk Produced
It is given to women who are unable to produce enough milk for their newborn children. It improves the amount of breast milk generated by increasing hormone secretion.
Controls Diabetes
According to research, this insoluble fiber-rich fruit can help to prevent the release of glucose after eating. Because it helps to regulate insulin levels in the body, it is an excellent snack for people who wish to avoid diabetes or for diabetic patients who want to manage their symptoms while they are diabetic.
Immunity Improvement
The extremely high vitamin C content of star fruit confers immunity-boosting properties on the consumer. In order to reap the benefits of star fruits during the cold and flu season, it is highly recommended that you consume them on a regular basis.
Good for Low-Calorie, Low-Carb, Low-Sugar Diets.
Medium-sized star fruit has less than seven grams of carbohydrates and around 3.62 grams of sugar per serving. Star fruits are an excellent choice for folks who are just starting out on a low-calorie ketogenic style diet. There are only 28 calories in a serving of average size. So don’t be afraid to toss these sweet-and-sour pleasures into your next salad or smoothie because they’re delicious.
Maintains the Health of the Heart
The heart is protected by the star fruit. It helps to keep blood pressure stable and harmful cholesterol levels low. It has a high concentration of sodium and potassium, which helps to lower blood pressure while also maintaining normal blood flow.
Possibly Beneficial in the Treatment of Anemia
As thoroughly documented by the World Health Organization (WHO), young children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to anemia. The most prevalent type of anemia is iron-deficiency anemia, which occurs when the body lacks iron. Iron is rather essential for the creation of red blood cells and the transportation of oxygen throughout the body.
Despite their low iron content, medium-sized star-fruits play an important role in iron absorption. Anemia’s hallmark symptoms of weariness and dizziness are lessened as a result of this rise in blood cell production
Inflammation Reduction
Gallic acid, quercetin, and epicatechin are some of the flavonoids found in star fruit. Because of their antioxidant capabilities, these chemicals are able to neutralize free radicals in your body. It can provide some protection against inflammatory illnesses in some cases. The vitamin C included in the star fruit also helps to reduce inflammation and swelling in the joints and other body tissues.
It Increases the Amount of Bone Mineral Density in the Body
With a wide range of nutrients contained within the star fruit (such as iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and calcium), star fruit can assist in promoting improved bone health and minimizing the risk of osteoporosis as we grow older.
Star Fruit Nutritional Values
Now that you know how helpful a star fruit maybe, let’s have a look at what it contains. Nutrition Data provides these values for 90 grams of star fruit:
- 28 kilocalories
- Total carbohydrate content: 6.2 g
- dietary fiber (2.5 g)
- Starch-0.0 g
- Sugar-3.6 g
- Protein: 0.9 g
- Total fat: 0.3 g
- Saturated fat: 0.1 g
- Monounsaturated fat-0.0 g
- 0.1 gram
- Omega-3 fatty acids: 24.6 mg.
- Omega-6 fatty acids (143 mg)
- 0 milligrams cholesterol
The Dangers and Precautions of Consuming Star Fruit
Despite the fact that star fruit does not have any major side effects, you should be aware of the following consequences of taking too much of it:
- While allergic reactions to star fruit are unusual, it is advised that first-time consumers ingest a small amount to determine how their bodies react.
- Individuals suffering from kidney failure or chronic kidney disease should avoid star fruit because their kidneys are unable to filter out specific substances included in the fruit. In rare cases, symptoms such as hiccups, nausea, weakness, low back pain, and fever have been reported. People with kidney stones should avoid it at all costs. Per 100 g serving, star fruit contains between 50000 and 95800 parts per million of oxalic acid. Because it is an anti-nutrient, oxalic acid has the potential to interfere with nutrient absorption and mineral metabolic processes. Overdoing it can also result in oxaluria, a disorder that causes the production of stones in the urine.
- The enzyme CYP3A4, accountable for the metabolism of 50% of all pharmaceuticals and drugs, has been shown to be suppressed by star fruit. As a result, if you are on prescription medication, you should avoid eating star fruit.
How to Prepare and Consume Star Fruit
The first step is to thoroughly rinse a star fruit under running water in order to remove any pollutants. Next, cut it into thin slices and discard the seeds in the middle before serving and enjoying it.
Ripe fruit is a largely bright yellow in color, with only a few green spots here and there. If any of the fruit has brown patches on it, remove them before eating them.
Star fruit can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, beverages, and smoothies. By virtue of their distinctive shape, the slices can also be used as a decorative garnish. Some individuals prepare star fruit syrup for sweets.
FAQs
Is It Okay to Eat Star Fruit Every Day?
However, despite the fact that there hasn’t been much research into the customary consumption of star fruit, people with kidney issues should sidestep it routinely because it may cause kidney damage in addition to star fruit toxicity, which can cause neurological difficulties such as confusion and seizures.
Why is Star Fruit So Exorbitantly Priced?
Star fruit is pricey, especially during the peak season, partly due to the fact that it comes from exotic, far-away countries.
Are Star Fruit Seeds Safe to Consume?
To be sure, the seeds of star fruit are edible, but they have a slightly sour flavor, similar to that of apple seeds.