The Introduction of Star Fruit
Star fruit is widely available in India. It is freely sold in carts among Churans, pickles, and candied fruit. So most school-going kids know star fruit as a delightful, tart snack that provides an instant pick-me-up. But most of us grew up eating it without knowing its health benefits. Star fruit is also known as carambola. In Sanskrit, this name signifies ‘food appetizer’. Tropical star fruit It also comes from a tropical Southeast Asian tree species.
Averrhoa Carambola is their botanical name. Star fruit is widely grown in Australia, Guyana, India, and Malaysia. Many cuisines employ star fruit because of its sweet and tart taste.
Physical Structure of Star Fruit
This tree’s blossoms are pale purple. Unripe star fruit is round and green. Every fruit has five or six ridges running down its length. The ridges give the fruit a 5-point star form, hence its name. The fruit matures to a bright yellow with darker ridges. The fruit’s flesh is similar to grapes. A fully grown star fruit is 10 cm long. The star fruit has two flavors. Small sour star fruits are available. They are high in oxalic acid. The sweeter fruits are larger. Many countries grow both varieties for profit.
Nutritional Facts of Star Fruit
The nutritional content of uncooked star fruit of typical size is as follows:
91 grams of star fruit contain the following:
28: kcal
6 g: carbohydrate
3 g: fiber
1 g: protein
0.28: g fat
Other
This fruit is high in fiber and low in calories. The fruit’s sugar level is under 4%. This makes it a healthy fruit option.
- Vitamin C is rich. It has 34 grams of vitamin C, which is around 40% of the daily intake. Vitamin C protects the skin and shines the hair and nails.
- It has 8% of the daily required pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). This vital vitamin helps convert food into energy.
- Star fruits are primarily water with very little fat. It is therefore perfect for eating more in order to lose weight.
- It provides plant components including gallic acid and epicatechin. They are high in antioxidants.
- There is some folate, riboflavin, and other vitamins. It also has 10-12 milligrams of magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus.
Health Benefits of Star Fruit
Star Fruit Helps Digest
In addition to being high in dietary fiber, star fruit is also high in antioxidants. By reducing bloating and stomach cramps, you can improve the efficiency of your body’s metabolism. It aids in the regulation of bowel movements. The presence of B vitamins in the fruit helps to keep enzyme levels at normal levels.
Star Fruit Benefits Skin and Hair
Its high concentration of vitamin C is essential for maintaining healthy skin and hair. Vitamin C aids in the manufacture of collagen, which helps to give the skin a healthy sheen and gloss.
Immune Boosting Star Fruit
One of the most significant advantages of vitamin C is its capacity to increase immunity. Carambola is therefore particularly suitable for intake during flu season. A more powerful immune system can aid in the battle against infections in the body.
Star Fruit Helps Lose Weight
The high fiber content of the fruit contributes to a sensation of fullness. Furthermore, its low calorie and fat levels make it an excellent choice for those on a diet or trying to meet calorie targets.
It helps with iron deficiency
The body’s ability to absorb iron is enhanced by the presence of vitamin C. Despite the fact that the fruit has a low iron content, there is a possibility that it will promote iron absorption and so aid in the treatment of anemia.
It reduces inflammation
Plant components that are high in antioxidants can aid to decrease inflammation. They are involved in the fight against damaging free radicals. Vitamin C also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial in the treatment of swellings.
Heart Benefits of Star Fruit
Potassium and calcium, among other minerals, have a soothing impact on the arteries of the body. Potassium, which can be present in this fruit, helps to maintain normal blood pressure. The high calcium content of the fruit lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke by as much as 50%.
Rehydrates with Star Fruit
Water makes up more than 90 percent of the weight of a carambola. Its strong moisturizing properties make it an excellent choice for hot summer days. Drink it as a juice to hydrate and chill down your body after a workout.
Star Fruit Sleep Aid
The carambola contains magnesium, which is a sleep promoter. Eating this fruit before bedtime will help you sleep better at night.
Star Fruit Controls Insulin
Star fruits are low in sugar and high in fiber, with less than 4% sugar content. The fiber helps to maintain blood sugar levels in check throughout the body. Because of its low sugar level, it is a suitable choice of fruit for people of all ages.
Common Star Fruit Recipes
- The easiest method to consume carambola is uncooked. In India’s sweltering summers, its luscious texture, and mild sweetness
- Star fruit juice is a refreshing cool drink. It hydrates and refreshes the body.
- Dress your salads with chopped fruit. It is a healthy solution for small hunger.
- Sour carambola is chutney. It goes great with rice and dosas.
- Make a star fruit pickle. It goes well with an Indian thali.
- Make lovely star fruit pies.
Summary
Star fruits are sweet yellow fruit. Their star-like cross-section gives them their name. Larger star fruits are sweeter than smaller ones. The whole fruit is edible raw. The fruit is used to make jams, relishes, and pickles.
It is low in calories and high in fiber. Its fibrous structure causes weight loss and metabolic rate boost. Star fruit is high in vitamin C. This improves skin health, the immune system, and reduces inflammation. Dietary fiber and water content make it easier to digest.
Indians enjoy star fruit chutney and pickles. In the summer, fruit juice is preferred. Adding star fruit to your diet might provide a nice difference from the usual fruits. Its tremendous nutritional value should persuade everybody.