304 | Carambola/Star Fruit

Carambola/Star Fruit is a Tropical Fruit

Carambola/Star Fruit is a tropical FRUIT with smooth, star-shaped skin, edible Averrhoa carambola (family Averrhoaceae). Sour or sour star fruit and closely related bilimbi (A. bilimbi) are thought to have originated in the southeast.

Carambola/Star Fruit Morphology:

The fruit is about 2 to 6 inches (5.1 to 15.2 cm) long and oval in shape. It usually has five prominent longitudinal ridges, but in rare instances may have 4 or 8 or more. It looks like a star because of the cross-shaped division or division. The skin of the kamaranga is thin, smooth, and waxy and turns a dark yellowish light color when mature. The inner fleshy area is clear and light yellow in color. Each fruit may contain 10 to 12 flat light brown seeds that are 0.25 to 0.5 inches (0.64 to 1.27 cm) in width and are soft and sticky.l Once removed from the fruit, they lose viability within a few days.Chuka variety ‘Golden Star’, fruit can also be sweet if given a chance to ripen.

Taste of Carambola/Star Fruit

Star fruit or star fruit is one of the exotic fruits that are appreciated for being rich in nutrients. It is a crunchy and succulent fruit with a sweet and sour taste that comes in two varieties, the smaller one has a sour taste and the larger one has a sweeter taste. It has the scientific name Averrhoa carambola and this species is a plant native to the tropical southeastern countries – Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines and is also widely grown in India. Star fruit is shaped like a five-pointed star, when cut it looks like a star, so it is called star fruit.

Nutrients:

Star fruit is rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins A, C, B5, B9 (folate) and the minerals zinc, sodium, magnesium, copper and potassium. It’s relatively low in calories, providing 28 calories and 6 grams of carbs per serving. Star fruit contains loads of antioxidants such as quercetin, gallic acid, proanthocyanin and epicatechin. The powerful antioxidant properties of star fruit are beneficial for reducing inflammation, lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of fatty liver disease. Health benefits of star fruit

Lower cholesterol

Starfruit contains a lot of fiber that helps eliminate fat and cholesterol. Evidence suggests that the lipid-lowering effects of star fruit are effective in preventing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The host of plant compounds such as flavonoids, phytosterols, saponins and phytochemicals in this star fruit uses fat as an energy source and thus removes excess cholesterol from the body and reduces the risk of heart disease.

Prevent cancer

A study published in the journal Pharmacological Science revealed that star fruit acts as a powerful natural supplement in preventing cancer. Ripe star fruit is a storehouse of antioxidants and even the peel of star fruit has powerful anti-cancer properties. Starfruit is rich in fiber that helps to clean the intestines, eliminate toxins and reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Promotes digestion

High natural fiber in star fruit works to relieve symptoms of constipation, reduce bloating, flatulence, cramps and diarrhea. In addition, star fruit helps in the proper assimilation of nutrients and increases the bioavailability of essential vitamins and minerals. Evidence shows that carom leaf decoction is used to treat inflammation, eliminating toxins and inflammatory bacteria in the intestines. Ripe star fruit and leaves are used as a gut-friendly natural remedy to avoid digestive problems.

Control blood pressure

Clear evidence shows that star fruit extracts inhibit the constriction of blood vessels, improve blood circulation throughout the body and prevent an increase in blood pressure. This is extremely beneficial in maintaining a normal bp range and preventing any fluctuations in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Plant compounds such as flavonoids, phytochemicals, and saponins also have antihypertensive effects.

Maintain weight loss

Starfruit is one of the favorite fruit choices of all dieters because it is low in calories and high in fiber. The presence of a good amount of fiber boosts metabolism, keeps you full for a long time, curbs cravings and helps with weight loss.

Can be Harmful for Kidney

Starfruit is generally not safe for people with kidney disease, as it is high in oxalates which can lead to kidney damage. People with kidney problems should consult a doctor before eating the fruit.