Star fruit is a small, bushy evergreen tree that grows very well under hot, humid, tropical conditions. The plant bears small lilac colored, bell-shaped flowers in clusters which subsequently develop into oblong shaped fruits with characteristic five angled edges (sides or ribs) that appear like a starfish in cross sections. Both sweet and sour varieties begin to yield under cultivable orchards, and ready for harvesting when the plants reach about 3-4 years old.
Carambola fruit features light-green to yellow with attractive smooth waxy surface and weighs about 70-130g. Inside, it's crispy, and juicy pulp can either be mildly sweet or extremely sour depending upon the cultivar type and amount of oxalic acid concentration. In some seed varieties, 2-5 tiny edible seeds found at the center of each angled cavity.
Star fruit-Nutritional Value:- Energy 128 kj (31 kcal)
- Carbohydrates 6.73 g
- Dietary fibre 2.8 g
- Protein 1.04 g
- Vitamin C 34.4 mg
- Vitamin E 0.15 mg
- Iron 0.08 mg
- Fat 0.33 g
- Sugars 3.98 g
- Zinc 0.12 mg
- Calcium 3 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.017 mg
- Choline 7.6 mg
- Potassium 133 mg
If you want to know the health benefits of starfruit, then you can the following below.
1.Source of Antioxidant
As a matter of fact, starfruit contains a high amount of vitamin C which acts as the antioxidant. At this point, starfruit is also rich in healthy plant compounds such as quercetin, gallic acid, and epicatechin which is contained in phytonutrient polyphenolic flavonoids. These compounds help to prevent the damage by free radicals to the body. As the consequence, it results in the powerful properties which lead to the healthier body. Also, it is known that antioxidant will help to prevent the presence of bacteria and viruses. Therefore, it is believed that antioxidant nutrients play a major role in preventing risks of certain diseases.
2.Rich in Fiber
What is even great for this fruit is the way it provides a good amount of fiber. Fiber is known as the good nutrient which is responsible for the work of digestion system. At this point, dietary fibers promote digestion system by protecting the mucous membrane of the colon from toxic substances. Fiber also supports the nutrient absorption in the colon so that the body will receive the best nutrient as well. Furthermore, fiber is greater than that. It shows the positive result in preventing cardiovascular disease and can help to protect the body against certain cancer cells.
3.Promotes Digestion System
Due to the presence of fiber, starfruit is great to promote the digestion system. Indeed, it helps to absorb the nutrient in the colon. Also, it helps to absorb the water and softens the bulk of stools. Not only for that, fiber maintains the growth of good bacteria to aid great digestion. What is even great for the presence of fiber is the way it cleans out the intestines and fights various infections in order to prevent gastrointestinal disorders. Hence, as starfruit is rich in fiber, then you can start to consume starfruit to fulfill the nutrient needs in the body for sure.
4.Low in Calories
In fact, consuming starfruit will not make you gain any weight. Indeed, it is due to the presence of low level of calories. At this point, if you consume 100 g of starfruit, you will only get 31 calories. Also, with low calories level, you will prevent the risks of getting certain health problems such as heart attack and stroke. Thus, you can consume starfruit everyday to fulfill your nutrient needs without having any doubt or worries for getting fat.
5.Your Favorite Diet Foods
We know that starfruit is an excellent fruit which has the delicious taste. By this means, you can use starfruit for many kinds of beverages. Then, at this point, to help you do a diet, you can add this sweet fruit on the top of your salad bowl. Indeed, not only adding the great taste, but starfruit also adds the wonderful health benefits in it.
At this point, starfruit is ideal for your diet food menu as it has low fats, high water content, and is rich in vitamins and minerals. The presence of fiber also helps a lot as it will keep you feeling full for a longer time. As a result, having starfruit as you diet menu food will bring so much joy since it has been being a valuable fruit for sure.
6. Fights Inflammation
Due to the presence of great antioxidants, vitamin C, flavonoids, and saponins will help to reduce the body inflammation. Also, they will help to deal with the damage of free radicals. Then, now you may have no doubt to consume starfruit as it offers you the great body protection for sure. To summarize, if we can prevent the risks of certain disease, then why we do not start the things earlier?