Starfruit, also known as carambola fruit contains unique ridges down its sides, which is usually five but it can vary. In cross-sections, this fruit looks like a star, that is where it gets its name.
This yellow-green fruit originated in the tropical area of Sri Lanka. Carambola fruit is about 2-6 inches in length, and is colored-yellow when fully ripe.
There are 2 main varieties of starfruit: the larger sweet type and small sour kind.
Today, this fruit is being cultivated in South America, Australia, Florida and Hawaii.
Health Benefits of Carambola Fruit:
1. Anti-Inflammatory
Carambola fruit contains exceptional amounts of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that may prevent skin disorders such as dermatitis. Also, the presence of vitamin C helps in flushing out toxins and maintaining a healthy body.
2. Cancer Prevention
Carcinogenic agents and free radicals in the body may cause damage to cells which lead to cancer. Carambola fruit or starfruit have high content of antioxidants, which may help in cleaning the body by neutralizing free radicals, before they cause too much damage.
The high fiber content of starfruit also cleanses toxins, which are stored in the colon and lowers your risk of developing colon cancer.
3. Diabetes Management
Research reported that carambola, which is an insoluble fiber-rich fruit that can help prevent the release of glucose after eating. This helps in controling the insulin levels in the body, therefore, making it an ideal snack for diabetic patients to manage their symptoms or for individuals who want to avoid diabetes.
4. Improve Digestion
Dietary fibre that is present in starfruit or carambola fruit plays an essential role in boosting digestion. It can stimulate the movement of stool through the digestive tract, therefore relieving symptoms of bloating, constipation, and cramping.
5. Heart Health
The rich amounts of potassium and sodium that are present in star fruit act as electrolytes in the body, and this helps in maintaining blood pressure. Also, this ensures regular heartbeat and healthy blood flow.
6. Source of Antioxidant
Starfruit contains high amount of vitamin C which acts as the antioxidant. Also, starfruit is are loaded in healthy plant compounds including epicatechin, quercetin, and gallic acid, which is present in the phytonutrient polyphenolic flavonoids. These compounds help in preventing the damage of free radicals to the body.
Antioxidant is also known to help in preventing the presence of viruses and bacteria. Therefore, it is believed that antioxidant nutrients contributes a major role in preventing risks of certain diseases.
7. Weight Loss
Carambola fruit contains negligible calories to add up to; which makes for a great evening snack when hunger strike. Also, the fibre content in the fruit helps speed up the metabolism that supports your efforts to lose weight. Fibre also helps to keep you fuller for long, lowering the chances of overeating.
Sources:
Dr Health Benefits
Mercola
Organicfacts
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