Star Fruit – Health Benefits, Nutritional Facts & How To Eat

Star fruit is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants. The fruit was once of the most underrated sources of vitamin C. But now the fruit is becoming increasingly popular.

As star fruit is mostly found in Southeast Asia, its properties are unknown to many.

So, here we will discuss the benefits, nutritional facts, and other information on star fruit.

Star Fruit

What is Star Fruit?

Star Fruit is five-pointed star-shaped fruit. It is sweet and sour in taste and has its own distinct flavor. The fruit is also known as Carambola.

Both the skin and flesh of the fruit are edible. Several recipes can be made from its flesh, which has a mild sour flavor.   

There are two varieties of star fruit: the pale green variety that has a more sweet flavor & the dark yellow variety which is sourer.

Nutritional Fact of Star Fruit

Nutrition information for medium size (91g) fruit:

  • Calories – 28
  • Fat – 0.3 g
  • Sodium – 2 mg
  • Fiber – 2.59 g
  • Sugar – 3.71 g
  • Protien – 0.9 g
  • Vitamin C – 52% of Daily Requirement
  • Magnesium – 2% of Daily Requirement
  • Potassium – 121 mg
  • Iron – 0.08 g
  • Carbs – 6 g

Benefits of Star Fruit

Star Fruit has a high level of antioxidants that make it anti-inflammatory which can reduce symptoms of dermatitis and psoriasis.

Star fruit contains high fiber that can boost metabolism and help lose weight. The low-calorie content of star fruit allows you to enjoy it as a tasty snack with no fear of adding weight.

Star fruit provides a boost of vitamin C, boosting the number of white blood cells in the body, which makes it easier for the body to fight infections.

Star fruit contains high sodium and potassium levels, which act as electrolytes in the body and help ensure normal blood pressure. 

Consuming star fruit is an effective way to relieve constipation, cramping, bloating, and diarrhea by encouraging stool movement down the digestive tract.

Star Fruit
Star Fruit

How to Eat Star Fruit?

The following are some simple ways to eat star fruit:

  1. Make sure the star fruit is ripe – ripe star fruit will be predominantly yellow with only a hint of green.
  2. Clean the fruit under running water.
  3. The ends off.
  4. Cut it into slices.
  5. Take out the seeds and eat.

There are many ways to include this fruit in your diet, including:

  • Serve it on its own by slicing and eating it.
  • Serve it with a salad or other fresh dishes.
  • Add it to a salad as a garnish.
  • Make pies and puddings with it.
  • You can put it in the Asian or Indian style stews and curries with it.
  • Combine it with seafood dishes.
  • Chutney, jam, and jelly can be made from it.
  • You can also juice and drink it.

Side Effects of Star Fruit?

There are some potential adverse effects of star fruit in some people, as a result of its high oxalate concentration.  

The consumption of star fruit by people with kidney disease can have a number of adverse effects.

Star fruit contains significant amounts of oxalic acid, which can lead to kidney stones if consumed in excess.

It is also wise to proceed with caution if you take prescription drugs. Like grapefruit, star fruit can interfere with the way your body breaks down and uses drugs.

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