Star fruit also known as carambola and balimbing, is the fruit of Averrhoa carambola, a species of tree native to the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia,Vietnam, Nepal, India, Bangladeshand Sri Lanka.
The fruit is popular throughout Southeast Asia, the South Pacific, Micronesia, and parts of East Asia. The tree is also cultivated throughout non-indigenous tropical areas, such as in Latin America, the Caribbean, and the southern United States.
This star shaped tropical fruit is recognized as belimbing manis in many South East Asian regions and kamrakh in India.
When is ripe, has yellowish color with sweet and sour taste at the same time. Its taste is sort of combination of apple, pear, grape and citrus taste and some people love this kind of flavor combinations.
This is a low calorie fruit, contains only 31 calories in 100g. It is very rich in antioxidants, vitamin C and B, lutein, folate, niacin, riboflavin and minerals such as calcium, manganese, potassium, zinc and iron.
Health Benefits Of Star fruit [CARAMBOLA)
Fights Insomnia and Improves Sleep
Star fruit contain high amounts of magnesium, which is a mineral that is directly linked to improving the quality, duration, and tranquility of sleep. It also help regulate the metabolism, to help reduce sleep disorders and the occurrence of insomnia.
Keeps your skin healthy
Because rich in flavonoids, star fruit can help you to get a healthier skin and prevents diseases such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Drinking star fruit juice or eating it would reduce signs of ageing like wrinkling, enlarged pores, acne, etc. For a younger looking and glowing skin, make sure to consume star fruit as much as possible
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Improves eye-sight
The vitamin A which is present in star fruit contributes to a perfect health for your eyes.
Lowers cholesterol levels
Star fruit, as any other fruit is loaded with fiber, and you all know how beneficial they are for your heart’s health. Fibers can help lowering the bad cholesterol, which is the main cause for clogged arteries, and at the same time increases the good cholesterol, HDL.
Beneficial For Fetus Developing
Star fruit contains folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, it can be very beneficial for pregnant women and their babies. It is essential during the first months of gestation, because it is very important for proper developing of the neural tube and baby’s brain. Eating this fruit after giving birth is very beneficial because it helps to increase milk production naturally.
Controls Diabetes
Because this fruit has low sugar content, diabetics can eat it without causing sugar spikes. But not only that. The fiber which is present in this fruit, will prevent fast glucose absorption from the gut, and thus blood sugar level will maintain constant during the day.
Regulates Hypertension
Starfruit is packed with potassium and low amount of sodium that is very beneficial to keep blood pressure normal. Potassium helps in avoiding plaque formation in the arteries that negatively affects the condition of the heart. Potassium also relaxes the veins and blood vessels to avoid constriction and dilation that triggers blood pressure to go up. It is important that potassium is present in the body to normalize the flow of blood in the bloodstream. You must also assure to keep sodium levels in check because sodium primarily causes high blood pressure.
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Aids Digestion
Digestion is an important process that helps the body in assimilating and absorbing the nutrients well. Star fruit is rich in fiber. High amounts of fiber can be an excellent choice for those who have digestive problems. The fibers clear the intestines and bound large amounts of water, thereby preventing constipation. Eating this fruit after heavy meals, can help in better digestion.
Enhances the Immune System
This fruit contains large amounts of vitamin C which contributes to super immune system, protecting us from viral diseases such as influenza, common colds, etc.
It Has Antimicrobial Action
One cup of starfruit contains 76 percent of the vitamin C daily requirements per cup. Vitamin C is a potent natural water-soluble antioxidant that helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and eliminates cancer-causing free radicals in the body.
Reminder:
Star fruit contains high amounts of oxalic acid and caramboxin, it can be harmful for individuals suffering from kidney diseases, kidney failure or those on kidney dialysis. If consumed, in these patients can cause nausea, vomiting or confusion.
Also, be cautious if you are taking any medications, especially statins, opiates or benzodiazepines. This fruit, like grapefruit contains substances which can interfere with these drugs.
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