The starfruit comes from Malaysia. It is also called the Carambola fruit. It is a yellowish color when ripe, has a sweet and sour taste. It tastes like a mixture of all the fruits we love – apple, grape, pear and citrus. It is rather delicious and exotic too.
Starfruit are also found in Latin America, the Caribbean and some parts of the United States. It is worth going out of your way to find the Carambola as it has so many unique health benefits.
The star fruit is rich in antioxidants. It contains Vitamins C and B, folate, riboflavin, lutein, niacin and also the minerals potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc and iron.
What are the health benefits of the star fruit?
Lower cholesterol
The starfruit is rich in fibre which is necessary for your heart. Fibre can help to lower cholesterol and unclog your arteries. It will also increase the good cholesterol, HDL, while changing the bad.
Regulates blood pressure or hypertension
The fruit has a low salt or sodium level which is often the main cause of high blood pressure. It also has good potassium levels which can regulate blood pressure too.
Foetal development
It is high in folic acid and all pregnant women should take folic acid for the first few months of gestation. Folic acid is important for the overall development of the baby, especially the brain. Once your baby has been delivered, folic acid, or the star fruit, is excellent for breast milk production. Eat one ever day after giving birth.
Aid digestion
Anyone struggling with digestion issues should eat the carambola. It is high in fibre making it an excellent natural laxative too. It will also strengthen the immune system and overall bowel health.
Eyesight
The star fruit has Vitamin A which is very good for your eyes and overall health. Try and eat a fruit a day.
Control diabetes
The fruit has a very low sugar content. Diabetics need to be very aware of how much sugar they eat. This fruit will not cause sugar spikes, although diabetics should always check with a doctor before overdoing it. The star fruit is high in fibre which prevents fast glucose absorption from the gut, regulating blood sugar levels.
Immune booster
You only need to look at the high vitamin C content to know that this fruit will boost your immune system. It can protect you from the common cold and influenza.
Fight infections
The star fruit has anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties and can help fight infections especially those caused by E.coli or salmonella.
Skin
Rich in flavonoids, the star fruit can prevent skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. It has a high zinc content, excellent for acne.
Word of warning
The star fruit is high in oxalic acid and carmboxin. It is not a good fruit, and may be harmful, for people suffering from kidney disease. It can cause nausea, vomiting and confusion and if there is any doubt about a kidney problem, do not eat the fruit. It should also be avoided if you are taking statins, benzodiazepines or opiates.