Star fruit (carambola) nutrition facts
Star fruit, also known as carambola,
is a star
shaped tropical fruit with sweet and sour flavor. Carambola is native
to Malayan peninsula and cultivated in many parts of Southeast Asia,
Pacific islands and China for its fruits. Although abundant and
plentiful, carambola is yet to
gain popularity, especially in the western world.
Scientific name: Averrhoa
carambola.
The genus averrhoa
includes
two well-known
sorrel (Oxalidaceae)
families of fruiting trees, carambola and bilimbi
(tree cucumber).
The fruit is recognized as belimbing
manis in many South East Asian regions and kamrakh in
India.
Many
benefits can be obtained from the star fruit. Star fruit (Averrhoa
Carambola) has efficacy as an antipyretic and expectorant, so it can be
used for treating coughs in children. The fruits that contain lots of
vitamin C has its benefits as anti inflammation, analgesic, and a
diuretic, so it is good for healing coughs, ulcers, sore throat, a
fever, to overcome the problem of diabetes, and cholesterol. Its vitamin
C content is high also good to eat cancer patients. Roots starfruit
also believed to cure headaches and joint pain. While the leaves can be
used to treat stomach ulcers, purulent skin inflammations and boils -
See more at:
http://letsgohealthy.blogspot.com/2013/01/star-fruit-health-benefits-and.html#sthash.I1iGiNv3.dpuf
Many
benefits can be obtained from the star fruit. Star fruit (Averrhoa
Carambola) has efficacy as an antipyretic and expectorant, so it can be
used for treating coughs in children. The fruits that contain lots of
vitamin C has its benefits as anti inflammation, analgesic, and a
diuretic, so it is good for healing coughs, ulcers, sore throat, a
fever, to overcome the problem of diabetes, and cholesterol. Its vitamin
C content is high also good to eat cancer patients. Roots starfruit
also believed to cure headaches and joint pain. While the leaves can be
used to treat stomach ulcers, purulent skin inflammations and boils -
See more at:
http://letsgohealthy.blogspot.com/2013/01/star-fruit-health-benefits-and.html#sthash.I1iGiNv3.dpuf
Many
benefits can be obtained from the star fruit. Star fruit (Averrhoa
Carambola) has efficacy as an antipyretic and expectorant, so it can be
used for treating coughs in children. The fruits that contain lots of
vitamin C has its benefits as anti inflammation, analgesic, and a
diuretic, so it is good for healing coughs, ulcers, sore throat, a
fever, to overcome the problem of diabetes, and cholesterol. Its vitamin
C content is high also good to eat cancer patients. Roots starfruit
also believed to cure headaches and joint pain. While the leaves can be
used to treat stomach ulcers, purulent skin inflammations and boils -
See more at:
http://letsgohealthy.blogspot.com/2013/01/star-fruit-health-benefits-and.html#sthash.I1iGiNv3.dpuf
Many benefits can be obtained from the star fruit. Star fruit (Averrhoa Carambola) has efficacy as an antipyretic and expectorant, so it can be used for treating coughs in children. The fruits that contain lots of vitamin C has its benefits as anti inflammation, analgesic, and a diuretic, so it is good for healing coughs, ulcers, sore throat, a fever, to overcome the problem of diabetes, and cholesterol. Its vitamin C content is high also good to eat cancer patients. Roots starfruit also believed to cure headaches and joint pain. While the leaves can be used to treat stomach ulcers, purulent skin inflammations and boils.
espite many benefits, for people with kidney disease should be careful with this fruit because it contains a lot of oxalic acid that is harmful to them.
Nutrition Fact Of Star Fruits
Star fruit is one of the very low calorie tropical fruits. 100 g fruit just provides 31 calories, which is much lower than than any other popular tropical fruits. Nonetheless, it has an impressive list of essential nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins required for well-being.
Nutritional value per 100 g based on USDA
Energy
128 kJ
Carbohydrates
6.73 g
Sugars
3.98 g
Dietary fiber
2.8 g
Fat
0.33 g
Protein
1.04 g
lutein and zeaxanthin 66 μg
Thiamine 0.014 mg
Riboflavin 0.016 mg
Niacin 0.367 mg
Pantothenic acid 0.391 mg
Vitamin B6 0.017 mg
Folate 12 μg
Choline 7.6 mg
Vitamin C 34.4 mg
Vitamin E 0.15 mg
Calcium 3 mg
Iron 0.08 mg
Magnesium 10 mg
Manganese 0.037 mg
Phosphorus 12 mg
Potassium 133 mg
Sodium 2 mg
Zinc 0.12 mg
Health Benefits Of Star Fruit
Sources of vitamins A and C
As a source of vitamins, especially vitamin A and C, starfruit effective as an antioxidant in the fight against free radicals. The fruit is also able to help prevent the spread of cancer cells, increase endurance and prevent canker sores.
Lowering cholesterol levels
Starfruit contains pectin that is able to bind cholesterol and bile acids contained preformance intestines and helps expenditures. In addition, this fruit can also reduce levels of bad cholesterol in the body.
Rich in fiber to improve digestion
High fiber content, making starfruit useful to improve digestion. Star fruit contains insoluble dietary fiber. Insoluble dietary fiber plays an important role in keeping the digestive system and lowers blood cholesterol. High levels of potassium and low sodium, also suitable as a hypertension drug. For those who are overweight, starfruit good choice because it contains low calories.
Treating cough
Flowers have a sweet starfruit As with antipyretic and expectorant properties. Flowers sweet starfruit can be used for treating coughs in children. starfruit tree roots can also be used for headaches and joint pain (arthritis). If there is a star fruit in the market, do not hesitate to buy.
Anti-microbial ingredients
Star fruit contains an antimicrobial agent against certain types of diseases such as microbial Bacillus cereus, E. coli, Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus.
Sources of vitamin B
Star fruit contains vitamin B, especially vitamin B5 (pantotenik acid) that help lower cholesterol in the blood, and vitamin B9 (folic acid), which helps reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Pay Attention
Star fruit is one of the plant sources that contain highest concentration of oxalic acid; 100 g of fresh fruit contains 50,000-95,800 ppm of oxalic acid. Oxalic acid has been considered as anti-nutrient compound as it interferes with absorption and metabolism of several natural minerals such as calcium, magnesium etc. It also predispose to a condition known as oxaluria, which leads to the formation of oxalate kidney stones. In some people with impaired kidney function, its consumption would result in renal failure and may cause death. People with known kidney disease should avoid eating star fruit.
Further, Star fruit, like grapefruit, has been found to interact adversely with many drugs. Some of the compounds in carambola irreversibly inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 isoenzymes (3A4) in the intestines and liver. This resulting increase in drug levels leads to adverse effects and/or toxicity. It is therefore, strongly advised to consult your healthcare practitioner before eating star fruit or its products if taking any kind of pharmaceutical drugs.
Nutrition Fact Of Star Fruits
Star fruit is one of the very low calorie tropical fruits. 100 g fruit just provides 31 calories, which is much lower than than any other popular tropical fruits. Nonetheless, it has an impressive list of essential nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins required for well-being.
Nutritional value per 100 g based on USDA
Energy
128 kJ
Carbohydrates
6.73 g
Sugars
3.98 g
Dietary fiber
2.8 g
Fat
0.33 g
Protein
1.04 g
lutein and zeaxanthin 66 μg
Thiamine 0.014 mg
Riboflavin 0.016 mg
Niacin 0.367 mg
Pantothenic acid 0.391 mg
Vitamin B6 0.017 mg
Folate 12 μg
Choline 7.6 mg
Vitamin C 34.4 mg
Vitamin E 0.15 mg
Calcium 3 mg
Iron 0.08 mg
Magnesium 10 mg
Manganese 0.037 mg
Phosphorus 12 mg
Potassium 133 mg
Sodium 2 mg
Zinc 0.12 mg
Health Benefits Of Star Fruit
Sources of vitamins A and C
As a source of vitamins, especially vitamin A and C, starfruit effective as an antioxidant in the fight against free radicals. The fruit is also able to help prevent the spread of cancer cells, increase endurance and prevent canker sores.
Lowering cholesterol levels
Starfruit contains pectin that is able to bind cholesterol and bile acids contained preformance intestines and helps expenditures. In addition, this fruit can also reduce levels of bad cholesterol in the body.
Rich in fiber to improve digestion
High fiber content, making starfruit useful to improve digestion. Star fruit contains insoluble dietary fiber. Insoluble dietary fiber plays an important role in keeping the digestive system and lowers blood cholesterol. High levels of potassium and low sodium, also suitable as a hypertension drug. For those who are overweight, starfruit good choice because it contains low calories.
Treating cough
Flowers have a sweet starfruit As with antipyretic and expectorant properties. Flowers sweet starfruit can be used for treating coughs in children. starfruit tree roots can also be used for headaches and joint pain (arthritis). If there is a star fruit in the market, do not hesitate to buy.
Anti-microbial ingredients
Star fruit contains an antimicrobial agent against certain types of diseases such as microbial Bacillus cereus, E. coli, Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus.
Sources of vitamin B
Star fruit contains vitamin B, especially vitamin B5 (pantotenik acid) that help lower cholesterol in the blood, and vitamin B9 (folic acid), which helps reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Pay Attention
Star fruit is one of the plant sources that contain highest concentration of oxalic acid; 100 g of fresh fruit contains 50,000-95,800 ppm of oxalic acid. Oxalic acid has been considered as anti-nutrient compound as it interferes with absorption and metabolism of several natural minerals such as calcium, magnesium etc. It also predispose to a condition known as oxaluria, which leads to the formation of oxalate kidney stones. In some people with impaired kidney function, its consumption would result in renal failure and may cause death. People with known kidney disease should avoid eating star fruit.
Further, Star fruit, like grapefruit, has been found to interact adversely with many drugs. Some of the compounds in carambola irreversibly inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 isoenzymes (3A4) in the intestines and liver. This resulting increase in drug levels leads to adverse effects and/or toxicity. It is therefore, strongly advised to consult your healthcare practitioner before eating star fruit or its products if taking any kind of pharmaceutical drugs.
Health benefits of star fruit
-
Star fruit is one of the very low calorie
exotic fruits. 100 g fruit just provides 31 calories, which is much
lower than for any other popular tropical fruits. Nonetheless, it has
an impressive list of essential nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins
required for well-being.
-
The fruit along with its waxy peel provides a
good amount of dietary fiber. Fiber helps prevent absorption of dietary
LDL cholesterol in the gut. The dietary fibers also help protect the
mucous membrane of the colon from exposure to toxic substances by
binding to cancer-causing chemicals in the colon.
-
Star fruit contains good
quantities of vitamin-C.
Vitamin C is a powerful natural antioxidant. 100 g of fresh fruit
provides 34.7 mg or 57% of daily-required levels of vitamin C.
In general, consumption of fruits rich
in vitamin C helps the human body develop resistance against infectious
agents
and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the body.
-
Star fruit is rich in
antioxidant phyto-nutrients polyphenolic flavonoids.
Some of the important flavonoids are quercetin,
epicatechin, and gallic acid. Total
polyphenol contents (Folin assay) in this fruit are143 mg/100 g.
These compounds help protect from
deleterious
effects of oxygen derived free radicals by warding them off the body.
-
In addition, the fruit is a good source
of B-complex
vitamins such as folates, riboflavin, and pyridoxine (vitamin B-6).
Together, these vitamins help as co-factors for enzymes in metabolism
as
well as in various synthetic functions inside the body.
-
It also contains small
amount of minerals and electrolytes
like potassium, phosphorus, and zinc and iron. Potassium is an
important
component of cell
and body fluids helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure; thus,
counters bad influences of sodium.