The star fruit or carambola is a tropical fruit of Asian origin but cultivated in many parts of the world, which stands out for its acidic and sweet flavor. The name comes from its shape with five ridges that, when cut horizontally, resemble a star. Other names are Chinese tamarind and Chinese fruit.
Thanks to its antioxidants and fibers, it would help with blood pressure and diabetes. You can go on a balanced diet, but not too much, as it could be dangerous. Don’t miss this article to learn all the properties, benefits, and ways of consumption of the carambola fruit.
Nutritional Properties of The Star Fruit or Carambola
From a nutritional point of view, the star fruit or carambola (Averrhoa carambola) stands out for its water content and antioxidants, such as vitamin C. As a Bioinformation review indicates, they help eliminate free radicals in the treatments of hypoglycemia and hypocholesterolemia.
Because of its low calories and carbohydrates, some people incorporate it into their diets to lose weight.
In turn, it is a good source of minerals, especially potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. The first is useful for the functioning of the body and the cardiovascular system. As it helps regulate blood pressure, it is one of the heart-fed fruits.
On the other hand, it should be noted that this fruit also has a significant amount of fiber, capable of regulating intestinal function. In addition, this contribution can help control glucose in the blood.
What Are The Benefits of Carambola Fruit?
As we anticipate, many benefits are attributed to carambola. According to Frontiers in Pharmacology, the fruit is used to prevent and treat diabetes, thanks to its hypoglycaemic properties. Also, its insoluble fiber has the potential as a functional food for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
As for its benefits to hypertension, the fruit flavonoids could reduce systolic, diastolic, and medium blood pressure. At the same time, it would help reduce the skin damage caused by the sun’s rays and present antimicrobial activity.
In Advances in Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, they also suggest that this fruit would reduce the incidence of tumors and tumor burden in liver cancer. Still, all these benefits must be studied in people, since most research only analyzed excerpts.
How do You Eat the Carambola Fruit?
It is possible to consume the star fruit or raw carambola, as well as other exotic fruits. However, it can also be used cooked and with skin. While this fruit may have benefits, you have to moderate your consumption and consult a doctor first if you have any disease.
It’s good to keep your fibers to access the benefits you give. Also, some produce sauces or desserts with the star fruit as the main ingredient. They even add it in salads or use it to make pickles.
A typical way is to prepare jams. To make them, you have to cut the fruit into pieces and cook it along with half of your sugar weight. When you have thickened, it will be time to put out the heat, obtaining a golden jam. Another way is to make juices or smoothies as we will indicate below.
Star Fruit Juice
To prepare a juice with star fruit or carambola, you must take into account the next step by step. It is important to be measured in your consumption and not to adopt it as a daily habit because it could have unwanted effects. If you have any questions, check with a doctor first.
Ingredients for a glass of juice
- 1 washed and chopped fruit
- 200 milliliters of water
- Sugar, sweetener, or honey at ease
- Ice
Step by Step
- Add the washed fruit and cut into pieces to a blender.
- Add the water and process until the smaller pieces are crushed.
- You can sneak it before sweetening and adding ice.
Contraindications
Star or carambola fruit is usually considered a dangerous fruit because it has the presence of oxalates in its composition, such as oxalic acid, and caramboxin. These are toxic substances that can cause problems in the nervous system and kidney function.
People with kidney failure should not consume it.
Excessive, prolonged, and fasting consumption of oxalates or antinutrients may trigger severe symptoms and even death. Especially for those who have kidney disease, as they cannot expel these substances. You can experience the following side effects:
- Vomiting
- Convulsions
- Eructuses or hiccups
- Abdominal pain
- Mental confusion
- Alteration of consciousness
In such a case, it is important to suspend its use and consult. Since there is no safe set dose, the most recommended thing is to ask a doctor before intake. Anyway, it doesn’t mean you can’t show up in your diet if you don’t have conditions. In principle, there would be no danger if consumed occasionally.
A little-known Fruit with Health Benefits
Star fruit is known in some countries of the American continent, though not so much in Europe. It could be good to incorporate it into meals, given its nutritional value capable of bringing health benefits.
Its high content of vitamin C, fiber, and minerals would help improve diabetes, high blood pressure, and some types of cancer. However, further research is needed to determine its possible effects on the body.
Finally, be clear that star fruit or carambola can be consumed moderately both raw and cooked. In any case, it is advisable to consult a doctor before including it in the diet to avoid poisoning, especially if you have diseases.