Health Benefits of Star Fruit (Carambola)

Star fruit, or carambola, scientifically known as Averrhoa carambola, is a tropical treasure in the shape of a star, with a sweet and sour taste that is sure to pique your taste buds.

This exotic fruit hails from Southeast Asia and can also be found in other tropical regions of the world, such as Southern Florida and South America.

Star fruit is a nutritional powerhouse, starting off green and small when unripe, and turning a vibrant yellow when fully ripe.

Packed with nutrients such as vitamin C, antioxidants, gallic acid, flavonoids and epicatechin, this exotic fruit offers a unique blend of health benefits, from decreasing water retention to promoting weight loss.

Let us have a look at the carambola nutrition value per 100 grams.

The power-packed tropical fruit offers various health benefits to individuals. Some of the common star fruit benefits are listed below:

Star Fruit Facilitates Weight Loss

One of the significant health benefits of carambola is weight loss. The fruit is packed with a high amount of fibre, which takes longer to digest. The high fibre intake helps control hunger, which further helps with weight loss.

The fruit is also rich in water content, which helps reduce bloating and water retention. Due to its low calories, star fruit is a good option in weight loss diets.

Star Fruit Manages Cholesterol Level

Another benefit of star fruit is controlled cholesterol levels. The fruit is rich in fibre content, which helps lower fat absorption from the eaten food. Due to this, the bad cholesterol remains within the normal limit.

Further, the fruit contains various plant compounds such as phytosterols, saponins, phytochemicals, etc. These compounds use fat as a source of energy and clear excess cholesterol out of the body, which further helps in lowering the risk of heart disease.

Star Fruit Manages and Prevents Diabetes

Star fruit is known for its high fibre content, which helps decrease the rate at which carbohydrates are absorbed. The reduced absorption rates help control blood sugar levels, which further helps regulate insulin and blood sugar levels.

Not just this, star fruit, because of its preventing spikes in blood sugar properties, makes a suitable guilt-free snack for diabetic people.

Star Fruits Prevents Inflammation

Another popular health benefit of carambola is that it helps prevent inflammation. The fruit is a good source of vitamin C, which prevents inflammation caused by various diseases. It can fulfil 57% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C.

Further, due to its anti-inflammatory qualities, it helps fight various skin conditions. It also flushes out toxins from the body and helps cleanse the body. In addition to this, vitamin C helps build up tolerance levels and fights various infections and common colds.

Star Fruit Prevents Cancer

In various studies, it has been listed as a natural supplement in preventing cancer. The fruit is rich in gallic acid, vitamin C, epicatechin and flavonoids, which help eliminate free radicals from the body and strengthen the immune system.

Due to this, it prevents the formation of cancerous cells in the body. Not just this, fibre contained in the star fruit is known for its prebiotic effect in the intestine. This helps in preventing colon cancer.

Star Fruits Prevents Constipation

Another prominent star fruit benefit is its ability to prevent constipation. The fibre content in star fruit helps add bulk to stool, which eases bowel movements and alleviates constipation.

Further, fibre is present in fruit and is known for its prebiotic properties, which improve the good bacteria flow in the intestines and further enhance the overall stool flow. It also helps ease various constipation symptoms such as cramping, bloating, etc.

The fruit also helps in treating various skin problems, some of which are listed below:

Star Fruit Helps in Fighting Early Signs of Ageing

One prominent benefit of star fruit for the skin is that it prevents early signs of ageing. The fruit is rich in various contents such as gallic acid, quercetin, vitamin C and vitamin B, which help maintain skin nourishment.

Furthermore, the antioxidants present in the fruit help fight free radicals, which are the main reason for ageing and skin damage.

Star Fruits Prevents Skin Problems

Excess oil production, dirt, pollution and more can cause various skin problems. The star fruit is known for its astringent properties, which help tighten the skin pores and improve skin texture.

They also offer a radiant appearance. Furthermore, star fruit also acts as a natural toner, which helps balance the skin's pH levels and control excess oil production.

Star Fruits Promotes Youthful Complexion

Another significant star fruit benefit for the skin is a youthful complexion. It has been found that regular consumption or application of star fruit on the skin helps promote a youthful complexion.

Lowering age spots, fine lines and wrinkles help keep the skin young. Further, the anti-inflammatory properties of fruit also help in soothing irritated skin.

The sweet and sour flavour of star fruit is why many pregnant women crave it. Some of the main star fruit benefits in pregnancy are:

Star Fruits Treat Digestive Disorder in Pregnant Women

Various pregnant women suffer from digestive disorders during pregnancy. The digestive disorder irritates women.

But eating star fruit regularly helps in curing digestive disorders like diarrhoea, constipation, etc. However, before adding a star fruit to your diet, consult with a doctor about the quantity.

Star Fruit Promotes Smooth Urination in Pregnant Women

Frequent urination is another concern among pregnant women. Star fruit has been known for its diuretic properties since ancient times. Adding star fruit into a diet with a dash of honey smoothens the urinary process during pregnancy.

Star Fruit Lowers High Blood Pressure in Pregnant Women

In various studies, it has been reported that high blood pressure during pregnancy can cause hypertension and can lead to heart stroke and attack. Star fruit contains potassium, which is beneficial in lowering blood pressure during pregnancy.

Some of the delicious star fruit recipes to try are listed below:

Star Fruit Salad

Ingredients

• 1 star fruit

• Half a handful of green lettuce.

• Half a handful of cress.

• Half a handful of purple lettuce.

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

• Vinegar (as required)

• Pepper (as required)

• Half a teaspoon of salt.

How to Prepare

Step 1: Take star fruit, lettuce and cress and wash it properly.

Step 2: Next, cut the star fruit into star shapes and set it aside.

Step 3: Now, tear the cress and lettuce leaves properly.

Step 4: In a salad bowl, mix star fruit, lettuce leaves and cress.

Step 5: Mix all the ingredients and season them with olive oil, salt, pepper and vinegar.

Star Fruit Smoothie

Ingredients

• 5 ripe star fruits.

• 400 ml of regular or filtered water.

• Ice cubes (as required)

• Honey (as required)

• 2 tablespoons of honey

How to Prepare

Step 1: Wash the star fruit well in water, and then, after washing, cut it up into cubes.

Step 2: In a blender, blend star fruit, ice, water and honey for about 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 3: Once it is blended, serve it immediately.

Star Fruit Vinaigrette

Ingredients

• 2 star fruit

• ½ purple onion.

• Lemon juice (as required)

• 2.5 tablespoons of wine vinegar.

• Ice (as required)

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

• 2 stalks of coriander.

• ½ teaspoon of salt.

How to Prepare

Step 1: Wash the star fruit and coriander thoroughly and then dry it.

Step 2: Next, cut the onion into cubes and then pour it into a bowl and add ice and vinegar.

Step 3: Let the onion and vinegar mixture rest for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Cut the star fruit into small cubes, dice the coriander leaves and put them aside.

Step 5: Now, strain the onion from the mixture and put it in a bowl. Add star fruit, coriander leaves, lemon juice and olive oil. Add the vinegar and salt mixture and mix it gently with spoons.

Step 6: After mixing it, place a bowl in the fridge for 30 minutes and then serve it.

There are various downsides to eating star fruit, too. These downsides are listed below:

• Star fruit contains oxalic acid, which can be bad for people with kidney problems. Eating star fruit in excessive amounts can cause hiccups, make you throw up and more. For this reason, people with kidney failure and stones should avoid consuming star fruit.

• Further, consuming too much star fruit can cause star fruit toxicity. As a result of toxicity, individuals may experience nausea, stomach aches and other symptoms. These symptoms can make individuals urinate less, which is a sign of improper kidney functioning.

• Star fruit can also cause stomach disorders, which further cause stomach aches and vomiting.

• The fruit can also interact with ongoing medications, which can cause other major health issues. In case of any issues, it is best to contact a healthcare practitioner immediately.

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Star fruit is a nutritional tropical fruit that offers various health benefits to individuals. From weight loss management to controlled blood glucose levels, it is a healthy addition to our diet.

However, consuming too much star fruit can also cause various side effects such as vomiting, nausea, kidney stones and more.

Hence, it should be consumed in proper quantity. In case of any side effects caused by star fruit, it is best to reach out to healthcare practitioners for consultation.

What are star fruit benefits for the liver?

The star fruit's benefits for the liver include reducing fatty liver risks, preventing liver cancer risk, etc.

Who should not eat star fruit?

Star fruit contains oxalates that are harmful to people with kidney disorders. Hence, individuals with kidney problems should avoid consuming star fruit.

Is star fruit high in sugar?

No, Star Fruit is a tropical fruit that is low in calories and sugar and packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, fibre and more.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide on the health benefits of Star Fruit (Carambola). It is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. In severe cases, it is advisable to consult a qualified health professional for treatment.