There are various benefits of star fruit that are good for health. Besides being able to help lose weight, the nutritional content of star fruit can also reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Starfruit or Averrhoa carambola is a popular fruit in tropical climates. This fruit is known for its unique and refreshing sweet-sour taste. Not only that, star fruit is even one of the fruits that is often used as ayurvedic medicine in India, China, and Brazil.
Fact Star fruit content
Star fruit is rich in fiber and vitamin C. In one medium-sized star fruit (90 grams), it contains at least 3 grams of fiber, 1 gram of protein, and can meet 52% of the body's daily need for vitamin C.
Besides being rich in fiber and vitamins, star fruit is also known to be low in calories. In one medium-sized star fruit, there are about 30 calories and 5 grams of carbohydrates.
Star fruit also contains minerals that are good for health, including iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, -carotene, as well as a number of vitamins, ranging from vitamin A, B9 (folic acid), B3 (niacin), and vitamin C ( L-ascorbic acid).
Various Benefits of Starfruit
The following are some of the benefits of star fruit for body health that you need to know:
1. Lose weight
A study shows that eating star fruit can help you lose weight. This is because star fruit is a fruit that is low in calories and has a high fiber content so that it makes you less hungry.
2. Control blood sugar levels
The high content of insoluble fiber (insoluble fiber) in star fruit is considered to be able to inhibit glucose absorption so as to reduce and prevent spikes in blood sugar levels. The benefits of star fruit can certainly help diabetics to control their blood sugar levels.
3. Strengthen the immune system
The high antioxidant content in star fruit is very good for fighting free radicals in the body. Not only that, the presence of antioxidants, such as zinc and manganese, can also strengthen the immune system and help remove toxins from the body.
4. Relieve heartburn
In traditional medicine, star fruit is often used to relieve stomach disorders, such as heartburn. Star fruit and its leaf extracts are known to have antiulcer properties because they contain terpenoids, flavonoids, and antioxidants mucilage which can strengthen the inner lining of the stomach and intestines, thereby reducing the risk of gastric damage due to gastritis.
5. Reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease
A study revealed that consuming star fruit in sufficient portions can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. This is because star fruit contains quite a lot of vitamin B9 (folic acid) which is useful for lowering homocysteine levels.
The nutritional content and benefits of star fruit are very good for health. However, people who have impaired kidney function, especially chronic kidney failure, are not recommended to consume star fruit.
This is because star fruit contains oxalic acid and karamboxin. These substances can accumulate in the body and cause health problems if not filtered by the kidneys and excreted through urine.
To get the optimal benefits of star fruit, you can consult a nutrition specialist to find out how much star fruit you need to consume. If you have certain medical conditions, also ask your doctor if it is safe for you to eat this fruit.
