Star Fruit - Health Benefits, Uses and Important Facts

Star fruit comes from Southeast Asia. It is a tropical fruit. It has become popular all over the world because it can be used in so many ways and has so many benefits. When you bite into a star fruit, it's both crunchy and juicy, so it's a lot of fun.

In some places, it is a local treat, and in other places, it is a delicious exotic fruit. Every region has used this fruit in its food in a different way. Chinese people like it best with fish. Australians put it in pickles. Jamaicans make it dry. Filipinos eat it with just salt, while Indians like to drink the juice made from the fruit. Because the fruit has so many different flavours, it can be eaten in so many wonderful ways.

What is star fruit?

Star fruit, also called carambola, has the shape of a five-pointed star and tastes sweet and sour. The skin can be eaten, and the flesh has a mild, sour taste that is popular in many dishes. The colour of the star fruit is either yellow or green. There are two main kinds: one that is smaller and sour and one that is bigger and sweeter.

Shape of star fruit:

The star fruit looks like an oval-shaped fruit with five ridges that run along the length of the fruit. When cut in half, these ridges make it look like a star, which is where the name "Star Fruit" comes from.

Nutritional value of star fruit:

Star fruit is very healthy because it is low in calories and high in fibre. It has little fat and is full of Vitamin B, Vitamin C, sodium, potassium, iron, and several important antioxidants, making it a healthy snack all around.

For every 100g of serving, you consume:

Dietary Fiber 2.8g

Fat 0.3g

Carbohydrates 7g

Protein 1g

Health benefits of star fruit: 

1. Prevents cancer

Star fruit has antioxidants and fibre, which help your body get rid of toxins. This makes it much less likely that you will get cancer.

2. Helps in Pregnancy

Some of the benefits of star fruit during pregnancy are a stronger immune system, better digestion, and lower blood pressure.

3. Good for Skin 
4. Good for Skin  Star fruit has antioxidants that fight free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. The result is skin that is moisturised and free of spots. It also keeps the skin from getting wrinkles or fine lines.

4. Good for diabetics

This fruit's fibre slows down how quickly glucose gets into the blood and keeps blood sugar levels steady.

5. Boosts immune system

Starfruit is good for your immune system because it has a lot of vitamin C. During cold and flu season, it's best to eat star fruits on a regular basis to get the most out of them.

6. Reduces inflammation

Flavonoids like gallic acid, quercetin, and epicatechin are found in star fruit. Because they are antioxidants, these compounds get rid of free radicals in your body. It gives you some protection against diseases that cause inflammation. Star fruit's vitamin C also helps reduce inflammation and swelling in the joints.

7. Good for the heart

Star fruit is good for your heart because it keeps blood pressure steady and lowers bad cholesterol. It has a lot of sodium and potassium, which lowers blood pressure and keeps the blood moving in a healthy way.

8. Improves Lactation

It is given to new mothers who can't make enough milk for their babies. It helps make more breast milk by making more hormones come out.

9. Good for Digestion

Star fruit is used because it has both soluble and insoluble fibre in its flesh and peel. This fibre keeps the bowels healthy and feeds the whole digestive tract. Proper bowel movements result in better digestion. This makes it easier for the body to take in nutrients.

10. God for your lungs

Star fruit is good for your lungs because it stops your body from making mucus and makes you spit out more saliva.

11. Good for your hair

Vitamin C, vitamin B complex, and antioxidants in star fruit are what make it good for hair. These nutrients are very important for your hair's growth and health.

12. Detoxifies your body

Because it is mostly water, star fruit helps clean the body. Star fruit is a diuretic, which means it makes people urinate more. The body gets rid of toxins, extra fats, and salts through its urine. The kidneys and liver are both cleaned by it.

Can everyone eat star fruit?

Even though star fruit is good for your health in many ways, people with kidney problems shouldn't eat it.

It has neurotoxins in it, which are safe for people with healthy kidneys but not so good for people with kidney problems. People in this situation can't get rid of the neurotoxin, which causes them to get very sick.

But everyone else can eat this fruit without feeling bad about it.

How to eat star fruit?

First, clean the star fruit under running water to get rid of any dirt. Next, cut it into thin slices and throw away the seeds in the middle.

Most of the ripe fruit is bright yellow, with very little green. If there are brown spots on any fruit, cut them off before you eat it.

Star fruit can be added to salads, smoothies, and juices. Because of their odd shape, the slices can also be used as a pretty garnish.