Carambola, the scientific name for star fruit, is predominantly consumed in parts of Brazil, southeast Asia, South Asia, the United States, and the Caribbean.

Although this fruit is popular in tropical areas, it is also widely exported across the world.

As you can see in the above picture, the star fruit is dark green when it is unripe. These are sour and taste like green apples.

While the ripped ones are yellow and slightly green with brown ridges at the edges. These are a little sweet with a 4% sugar content.

As the name says, these fruits are star-shaped when sliced horizontally.

Taste- These are tangy, sour, and luscious in taste. You can add them to your pickle to make it more zingy spice.

The fruit has two types:

Small– This one is sour and tangy in taste

Large– This is ripped, so the tastes slightly sweeter.

It has edible skin. Skin act as a barrier that prevents the flesh from breaking down as it comes to contact with the air. Once the skin is removed, the fruit will start getting naturally deteriorate.

Nutritional Value Of Star Fruit

Star fruit is Full of nutritious values. It contains 90% of water along with several other nutrients. Here is the list of some nutrients that you can find in star fruit:

Loaded with vitamin C- 41%
Low in calories- 31 calories (per 100 grams)
Low in fat- 0.33 grams (per 100 grams)
Carbohydrates- 6.73 grams
Water- 91.4 grams
Potassium- 3%
Magnesium- 2%

It also contains antioxidants. This fruit is nutritious as it has low-calorie content.

These contain natural antioxidants like vitamin C and Gallic acid.

Antioxidants play a fabulous role in fighting against oxidative stress. Oxidative stress often leads to several diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer.

Star fruit contains iron, zinc, and manganese which help in strengthening the immune system.

The high quantity of fiber in these helps in controlling blood glucose. They even contain some properties that aid in reducing cholesterol levels, lowering the risk of heart problems.

Moreover, it also has anti-inflammatory properties which are very beneficial in treating skin diseases like eczema.

How To Eat Star Fruit?

Excited to try this fruit? But don’t know how to eat it?

Don’t worry! Here is the simplest way to eat it.

Choose a ripped star fruit. Ripe Star Sports are much better in taste as compared to unripe ones. Unripe star fruit is often sour and bitter to taste.

If you have green unripe star fruit. Stop! Keep it at room temperature. Let it get mature until it turns yellow.

Now if your fruit is ready, then follow the following steps:

Wash it in running water.
Peel off the edges.
Don’t peel off the skin.
Slice it horizontally.
Remove the seeds.

If you are not going to consume immediately then refrigerate it. Remember not to peel off the skin if want to consume later.

You can enjoy this in your salad along with several other fruits.

Tip: In the case of unripe star fruit, keep it at room temperature and always turn it every 12 hours. This fruit is very sensitive.

Once it gets ripe on one side, turn it to the other. It is because this may get crushed under its weight.

Zillions Of Health Benefits

Few people know about the health benefits associated with eating the right quantity of star fruit. Star fruit can cause harm if eaten in excess.

But can provide you with endless benefits. Now let’s see various benefits of eating star fruit in your diet.

Helps In Weight Loss

Star fruit contains very fewer amount calories. Munching it in your evening snack can help you in keeping full. Loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals help in boosting the metabolism. Fiber slows down digestion. It means star fruit can lower the chance of overeating.

Improves Heart Health

Antioxidants present in the star fruit help in relieving the stress on blood vessels and arteries. The heart feels relaxed and works more efficiently.

Presence of sodium and potassium act as electrolytes in our body. This ensures proper heartbeat and healthy blood flow.

Overall, star fruit brings down the chances of heart attack or stroke in the human body.

Proper Digestion

The problem of digestion is increasing day by day. This star fruit is a great solution. It elicits the movement of stool through the digestive tract. In turn, providing relief from conditions of constipation, bloating, diarrhea, and cramping.

Maintaining Good Respiratory Health

It has anti-inflammatory properties, which help in soothing your sore throat. For respiratory infections, doctors recommend its juice as it cuts mucus and phlegm present in the throat during infection.

Boost Metabolism

For a strong immune system star fruit, it is a great choice as it is loaded with Vitamin C which produces a high level of white blood cells.

White blood cells help fight against infections.

Anti-Cancer Properties

Study shows that star fruit lowers the risk of cancer. A report states that it is beneficial in preventing liver cancer.

As A Detoxifying Agent

Want to detox your body? The star fruit is a great option for you. It encompasses 91% of water which will stimulate urination.

Thus, this fruit will clean both liver and kidneys. Being a diuretic, it can eliminate several toxins, excess salts, and even fat from the human body.

Starfruit and Diabetes

Starfruit contains hypoglycaemic properties that regulate blood glucose levels.

It rectifies the levels of insulin in the blood. When eaten as a snack, it can prevent the release of glucose into the body after meals.

The fiber content present in star fruit makes digestion slow which in turn prevents rapid spikes in blood sugar levels.

We know star fruit is low in calories, nutrient-dense food which helps in maintaining our body weight. So this will lead to less development of insulin levels, keeping blood sugar in control.

A study conducted in 2004 has shown positive results and states that star fruit is very helpful for diabetic patients due to the presence of specific fiber content (hypoglycemia).

In case a person has diabetes nephropathy, star fruit should not be consumed. Although, you can eat it in moderation.

Starfruit in Pregnancy

When you are expecting, it is quite obvious to crave something unusual to eat.

During your pregnancy time too, you can enjoy eating this tangy juicy fruit. Due to the nutritional content present in star fruit, it will keep you healthy.

A bag full of vitamins like A, C, and E with good sources of potassium, calcium, sodium, folic acid, phosphorous, and fiber is present in star fruit.

Thus, you can eat this fruit during pregnancy but before eating seek advice from your doctor.

Here are some general Health benefits of taking star fruit in your diet during pregnancy:

Ensures healthy fetal development: Star fruit contains the nutrients that are required for a baby’s healthy development. It can potentially boost immunity which will help in fighting against viral infections, mouth infections, and influenza.

Boost stamina: It prevents the production of free radicals in the body. This makes the body strong against bacteria and viruses. Moreover, it also boosts the immune system.

Best for eye health: During pregnancy, most women tend to have sore eyes. Eating star fruit can help in maintaining good eye health. It contains a high amount of vitamin A, which is an excellent source of good eyes. This will nourish your eyes while protecting them from infections or disorders.

Controlling blood pressure: The amount of potassium present in star fruit helps in curbing high blood pressure.

Smooth urination: Drinking star fruit juice with some honey can help in the smooth functioning of the urinary tract. Acting as a diuretic, it can aid in the urinary process.

Reduces cramps and stress: Stress is common in pregnancy. Starfruit helps in alleviating stress by regulating hormones. Plus, it also reduces cramps.

Prevent Risk of cancer: Star fruit contains various antioxidants that prevent the development of cancer cells during pregnancy.

Star Fruit For Skin

Star fruits provide lots of benefits to our skin. It contains vitamin A which reduces the size of oil-producing glands. Adding more helps in removing redness and protecting the skin from acne.

The presence of vitamin C makes the skin shine against pollution. It helps in ameliorating fine lines and wrinkles. Moreover, these also help sun-damaged skin to recover, if used in a mask.

It purifies the blood. Pureblood leads to glowing skin.

The amount of zinc works towards a reduction in acne breakouts.

Antimicrobial properties benefit people of all ages. It rejuvenates your skin.

Here is the easy mask DIY, which you should try at home for super glowy skin.

Things required

2 medium star fruits
2 spoons of lemon juice
1/4 cup honey (warm)

Method

Chop star fruit into small pieces. Now blend it using a spoon or mini blender.
Next, add lemon juice to it, and then add honey.
Keep mixing it till it forms a thick paste.
Now just Apply on the face for 20 minutes.
Wash your face with warm water and see the magic.

You can eat it or can make any face mask. Both ways will help in reducing acne and oily skin.

Fact: This fruit helps in fighting against eczema.

Star Fruit For Hair

With the presence of Vitamin B, it is an excellent food for promoting hair growth and health.

Star fruits are considered great for hair as it contains nutrients that hair needs for maximum growth.

The high amount of antioxidants aids in healing skin and hair cells which ultimately leads to shiny and thick hair.

It comprises a good amount of vitamins C and complex vitamins like riboflavin, thiamine, and niacin. These can delay the natural aging process.

On the same side, antioxidants assist in treating hair loss naturally. It also has natural anti-bacterial properties which deal with bacteria that can lead to infection.

Both vitamin C and antioxidants help in circulating other nutrients in your body. This regulates the release of free radicals in your body.

So, we can say that star fruit is wonderful for our hair. You can mix aloe Vera gel with star fruit extract and apply it to your hair for 20 minutes as a hair mask.

Health Problems Associated With Eating Star Fruit

If eaten in excess, star fruit can cause several health issues too. Yes! You read it right. You should be very careful regarding the usage of this superfood.

These have toxic substances known as neurotoxins. They are capable of causing neurological disorders by affecting the brain.

Several studies conducted on star fruit show that this plant fruit can become harmful to people suffering from kidney disease. Toxins tend to stay in the body which causes illness.

According to a case study published by PMC, US National Library of Medicine, two patients with diabetes ate a large amount of star fruit. Both of them developed acute kidney diseases.

The high amount of oxalates present in star fruit can cause great harm to the human kidney. So it is always advisable to eat this fruit with your doctor’s permission.

The symptoms of star fruit poisoning:

Hiccups
Mentally confused
Large or minor seizures
unpredictable death (severe cases)

Final Say

Star fruit is a magical fruit stacked with a lot of nutrients. Low in Calories makes it an outstanding choice for weight loss.

But it also has the other side. When eaten in excess, it can prove to be fatal for health. People with intense kidney problems should not take this fruit.

Plus, those who are on medications are advised to talk with their doctor before eating this fruit.

Though, this juicy fruit can tackle your tangy desires along with contributing various health benefits.

Disclaimer

This article is purposive for intended general information and does not mark individual circumstances. It is not an alternative to professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. A licensed physician must be consulted to diagnose and treat any medical condition. Any decision you make depending upon the information highlighted here is strictly at your own risk and responsibility.

What Is Star Fruit?

Nutritional Value Of Star Fruit

How To Eat Star Fruit?