Star Fruit – Amazing Health Benefits

Star Fruit – Amazing Health Benefits

The five-angled star fruit, also known as carambola, is a waxy, yellow-green fruit that originated in the sultry, tropical area of Sri Lanka. The fruit grows on a small, bushy evergreen tree, first bearing clusters of small lilac, bell-shaped flowers which become the oblong fruits. Today, this lovely fruit is cultivated in Australia, South America, Hawaii, and Florida. Because they’re known to be intolerant of cold and actually die in freezing weather, it’s best to grow them in more moderate temperatures.

Obviously, the most unique visual quality of the star fruit is its shape – that of a perfect star when it’s cut across the middle. There are two varieties; the challenge is telling them apart, which you’ll want to do, because one is deliciously sweet – described as a cross between an apple and a grape – and the other puckeringly sour. As a general rule, the sweet type has thicker flesh. Some contain two to five tiny, edible seeds in the center of each angled cell.

One of the great benefits of star fruit is that the entire thing – waxy coat and all – can be enjoyed.

Besides the more common yellow variety, which may have touches of brown on the outer ridges (although there are several sweet types that are white) this is one fruit that can be purchased while it’s still green and set aside for a few days to ripen to perfection. If too ripe, however, the fruit turns yellow and develops brown spots. It refrigerates well, which is a good way to extend their shelf life. Uses for star fruit include juice drinks or blends, smoothies, salsa, chutney, and salads, although they’re also good to eat as is, like an apple. Cooked, the tart varieties work well for imparting a uniquely tart zing to poultry, meat, and seafood dishes, and even cooked desserts. As a garnish, they’re unrivaled.

Because they have a tendency to bruise, it’s best to buy star fruits while they’re firm, and handle with care.

Star Fruit Health Benefits

It’s comes as no surprise that the greatest amount of nutrients in star fruit is derived from vitamin C, providing 76 percent of the daily recommended value in a single one-cup serving.

The C content in star fruit helps ward off colds, flu, and any other type of infection. Science has shown that individuals in extreme arctic climates, such as military personnel, skiers, or researchers, experience a significant risk reduction – as much as 50 percent – for developing a cold when ingesting healthy amounts of vitamin C. Another reason vitamin C is called an essential vitamin is because it’s needed by the body to form collagen in the bones, cartilage, muscle, blood vessels, and aids in the absorption of iron. Also, one of the most notorious consequences of a lack in vitamin C is scurvy, which early sailors discovered and remedied with all types of tropical fruits, including star fruit. Although it’s rare, scurvy can have severe consequences, so treatment for patients with scurvy typically begins with vitamin C.

Smaller amounts of dietary fiber, copper, pantothenic acid, and potassium (which can prevent muscle cramps by increasing blood circulation) are important components of this fruit. B-complex vitamins like folates, riboflavin, and pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) are also present and team up to perform various synthetic functions inside the body, such as forming metabolizing enzymes.

The average star fruit contains around 30 calories (fewer than any other tropical fruit per serving), so with its high fiber content, it’s a great choice for anyone wanting to lose weight, prevent constipation, and keep their system running smoothly. It also helps prevent the absorption of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol while protecting the colon from toxic substances, by binding to cancer-causing chemicals that happen to be passing through.

The antioxidants offer their own benefits, including the neutralization of harmful free radicals that can cause inflammation. Flavonoids such as quercetin, epicatechin, and gallic acid offer this benefit, as well.

Traditional Brazilian folk medicine made use of star fruit as a diuretic, an expectorant, and cough suppressant. The leaves and fruit have been used to stop vomiting; placed on the temples to ease headache; for poultices to relieve chickenpox and rid the body of parasitic infestation. Powdered seeds reputedly have a sedative effect.

Safety profile

However, dialysis patients or those with possible renal failure symptoms have reportedly developed neurological symptoms, and are advised to strictly avoid eating star fruit. Consume star fruits in moderation because they contain fructose, which may be harmful to your health in excessive amounts.

Starfruit contains caramboxin and high levels of oxalic acid. These substances may be harmful to individuals who have a history of kidney problems, or those undergoing kidney dialysis treatment. Individuals suffering from kidney failure can experience hiccups, vomiting, nausea, and confusion.

Like grapefruit, starfruit may interfere with certain drugs. If you are on any medications, it is not recommended to consume starfruit or drink of its juice.

Studies on Star Fruit

Inhibitory effects of tropical fruits on midazolam hydroxylase activity of CYP3A (a major xenobiotic (a chemical compound such as a drug, pesticide, or carcinogen foreign to a living organism) metabolizing enzyme in human liver microsomes were evaluated. Eight tropical fruits – papaw, dragon fruit, kiwi fruit, mango, passion fruit, pomegranate, rambutan, and star fruit –were tested. The juice of star fruit showed the most potent inhibition of CYP3A. The addition of a star fruit juice in testing resulted in the almost complete inhibition of midazolam hydroxylase activity.

Preliminary results of another extensive study supported the use of A. carambola (star fruit) as an anti-inflammatory agent and introduced new possibilities for its use in skin disorders. Star fruit was noted for being rich in antioxidants and polyphenolic compounds, which inhibit reactive oxygen species. O-glycosyl flavonoid components such as quercetin, rutin (a component in fruits shown to protect against heart attack and stroke) and cyanidin were identified, and insoluble fibers slowed the absorption of carbohydrates to significantly reduce blood glucose levels.

The fiber content of star fruit can help prevent cardiovascular disease by reducing serum triglyceride and total cholesterol levels. Selective activity against brain tumor cells also was observed, and an extract from the leaves was shown to be effective against liver carcinoma cells.

The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional  medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text,graphics,images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes  only.

Source foodfacts.mercola.com