Star fruit is regarded an exotic fruit due to its odd form, which, when sliced horizontally, resembles a star, thus its English name. Originating in India and the Asian continent, it has been cultivated in Brazil for a very long period due to the tropical environment.
As long as it is taken in moderation, star fruit’s vitamins, minerals, and other qualities are ideal reasons to incorporate this zesty and flavorful fruit in your diet, as it may give a variety of health advantages.
Do you want to know the nutritional value of star fruit, whether it contains vitamin C since it is a citrus fruit, and why it has a negative reputation?
What is carambola?
Star fruit is a citrus fruit, rich in nutrients and liquids. It has a very distinctive form, like a star when seen from the front or perspective, but it is extended, for instance like a tiny sleeve.
The colour of the mature fruit is somewhat greenish yellow. Twice a year, from January to February and June to August, carambola is most abundant in fairs and markets. Still, the tree may yield throughout the year.
Generally, star fruit is picked when around 75% of the fruit is yellow, to avoid it from becoming overripe and not reaching consumers in a timely manner.
What is the use of carambola fruit?
The good news for individuals interested in carambola vitamins is that this fruit is often utilised for both its medicinal and nutritional worth, since it is a regular element in juices, salads, jellies, liqueurs, desserts, and even a gourmet vinaigrette.
It is evident that ingestion in its natural state and as carambola juice are the most popular. The resulting beverage or snack is quite refreshing.
Nutritional value and main vitamins of star fruit
On average, each star fruit weighs between 100 and 300 grammes and contains an abundance of nutrients and vitamins. Considering a 100g serving of this fresh fruit, the following nutritional information is available:
- energy value (calories): 45.7 kcal;
- carbohydrates: 11.5 g;
- 0.75 g of total fat
- protein: 0.9 g
- fibres: 2 g
- vitamin C: 60.9 mg;
- calcium: 4.8 mg;
- phosphorus: 10.8 mg;
- manganese: 0.1 mg;
- magnesium: 7.4 mg;
- zinc: 0.2 mg;
- 0.1 mg of thiamine (vitamin B1)
The star fruit contains vitamin C!
Yes, one of the vitamins in star fruit is vitamin C, which is present in a great concentration of roughly 60.9 mg per 100 g meal in this fruit. This number is over three times that of passion fruit, which has an average of around 19.8 milligrammes per 100 grammes.
Health benefits of carambola
Based on the primary vitamins and minerals of star fruit, this fruit is able to provide a number of health advantages. Among them, the following stand out:
- Antioxidant properties: The presence of minerals and vitamin C enhances the antioxidant properties of this fruit. This feature combats the activity of free radicals in the body, reducing their degenerative effects, which are associated to the onset of neurodegenerative illnesses, different forms of cancer, and premature ageing.
- It serves as a blood sugar regulator, a hypoglycemic activity that aids in the treatment of diabetes.
- Star fruit works as a hypotensive agent, which helps regulate blood pressure and prevents tension surges; this helps reduce high blood pressure.
- Vitamin C is fat-soluble, which means it is diluted in fat, which enables star fruit to aid in the regulation of body fat and cholesterol levels.
- Acts in the management of infections and inflammatory processes: the eating of star fruit also has anti-inflammatory characteristics, making it perfect for controlling and preventing infections and their associated difficulties.
How to make carambola juice?
The production of carambola juice is relatively straightforward, and the resulting beverage is delicious and reviving. In general, the proportion of fruit to pulp and beverage concentration is determined by personal desire.
Keeping this in mind, you will require:
- 2 to 5 yellowish-ripe carambolas;
- 3 cups (about 750 ml) of water;
- Sugar or sweetener to taste;
- Ice (optional).
To produce star fruit juice, you must wash and dice the fruit. Then, place all the ingredients in a blender and mix well. If you like a unique flavour, mix star fruit with lemon or orange.
Precautions when consuming carambola
Even though star fruit is rich in vitamins and has a number of health advantages, it should be ingested with caution since it may create negative side effects in certain individuals and contains a significant amount of toxins.
Those inclined to the production of kidney stones or difficulties of this sort should avoid it, as it contains acids that promote the formation of stones and, if not adequately filtered, might cause nervous system issues.
It also includes the toxin caramboxin, which might have laxative or antidiarrheal effects in the intestines of certain individuals.
Conclusion: moderation is essential
Anything in excess may be detrimental, which is especially true in the case of star fruit, which contains poisons among its constituents. Due to its nutritious worth, refreshing flavour, and proven advantages, some individuals may overconsume it and incur adverse effects.
A helpful approach is to divide two units and gradually include them into meals, as an element in salads or drinks, for instance. In this manner, intake is regulated and access to star fruit vitamins is ensured.
Important reminder: anyone with renal difficulties of any type should abstain from alcohol use in order to prevent more severe complications.