Star Fruit Health Benefits And Nutrition Fact

Many benefits can be obtained from the star fruit. Star fruit (Averrhoa Carambola) has efficacy as an antipyretic and expectorant, so it can be used for treating coughs in children. The fruits that contain lots of vitamin C has its benefits as anti inflammation, analgesic, and a diuretic, so it is good for healing coughs, ulcers, sore throat, a fever, to overcome the problem of diabetes, and cholesterol. Its vitamin C content is high also good to eat cancer patients. Roots starfruit also believed to cure headaches and joint pain. While the leaves can be used to treat stomach ulcers, purulent skin inflammations and boils

Despite many benefits, for people with kidney disease should be careful with this fruit because it contains a lot of oxalic acid that is harmful to them.

Nutrition Fact Of Star Fruits

Star fruit is one of the very low calorie tropical fruits. 100 g fruit just provides 31 calories, which is much lower than than any other popular tropical fruits. Nonetheless, it has an impressive list of essential nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins required for well-being.

Star fruit (Averrhoa carambola), raw, Fresh,
Nutritive value per 100 g,
ORAC value-5900
(Source: USDA National Nutrient data base)
Energy	31 Kcal	1.5%
Carbohydrates	6.73 g	5%
Protein	1.04 g	2%
Total Fat	0.33 g	1%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Dietary Fiber	2.80 g	7%
Vitamins
Folates	12 µg	3%
Niacin	0.367 mg	2.25%
Pyridoxine	0.017 mg	1.5%
Riboflavin	0.016 mg	1.25%
Thiamin	0.014 mg	1%
Vitamin A	61 IU	2%
Vitamin C	34.4 mg	57%
Vitamin E	0.15 mg	1%
Vitamin K	0 µg	0%
Electrolytes
Sodium	2 mg	0%
Potassium	133 mg	3%
Minerals
Calcium	3 mg	0.3%
Iron	0.08 mg	1%
Magnesium	10 mg	2%
Phosphorus	12 mg	2%
Zinc	0.12 mg	1%

Health Benefits Of Star Fruit

Sources of vitamins A and C

As a source of vitamins, especially vitamin A and C, starfruit effective as an antioxidant in the fight against free radicals. The fruit is also able to help prevent the spread of cancer cells, increase endurance and prevent canker sores.

Lowering cholesterol levels

Starfruit contains pectin that is able to bind cholesterol and bile acids contained preformance intestines and helps expenditures. In addition, this fruit can also reduce levels of bad cholesterol in the body.

Rich in fiber to improve digestion

High fiber content, making starfruit useful to improve digestion. Star fruit contains insoluble dietary fiber. Insoluble dietary fiber plays an important role in keeping the digestive system and lowers blood cholesterol. High levels of potassium and low sodium, also suitable as a hypertension drug. For those who are overweight, starfruit good choice because it contains low calories.

Treating cough

Flowers have a sweet starfruit As with antipyretic and expectorant properties. Flowers sweet starfruit can be used for treating coughs in children. starfruit tree roots can also be used for headaches and joint pain (arthritis). If there is a star fruit in the market, do not hesitate to buy.

Anti-microbial ingredients

Star fruit contains an antimicrobial agent against certain types of diseases such as microbial Bacillus cereus, E. coli, Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus.

Sources of vitamin B

Star fruit contains vitamin B, especially vitamin B5 (pantotenik acid) that help lower cholesterol in the blood, and vitamin B9 (folic acid), which helps reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Pay Attention

Star fruit is one of the plant sources that contain highest concentration of oxalic acid; 100 g of fresh fruit contains 50,000-95,800 ppm of oxalic acid. Oxalic acid has been considered as anti-nutrient compound as it interferes with absorption and metabolism of several natural minerals such as calcium, magnesium etc. It also predispose to a condition known as oxaluria, which leads to the formation of oxalate kidney stones. In some people with impaired kidney function, its consumption would result in renal failure and may cause death. People with known kidney disease should avoid eating star fruit.

Further, Star fruit, like grapefruit, has been found to interact adversely with many drugs. Some of the compounds in carambola irreversibly inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 isoenzymes (3A4) in the intestines and liver. This resulting increase in drug levels leads to adverse effects and/or toxicity. It is therefore, strongly advised to consult your healthcare practitioner before eating star fruit or its products if taking any kind of pharmaceutical drugs.