Amazing Health Benefits of Star Fruit

The star fruit has five lobes covered in an edible waxy yellow skin. The flavor of the yellow flesh is reminiscent of citrus fruit and varies from quite sour to mildly sweet, depending upon the variety. Some contain small dark seeds in the center.

Carambolas are now a fledgling commercial crop with most being grown in Florida. Prime harvesting season is from late summer to early winter, although some will bear fruit year-round in tropical moderate locations. Those with tinges of green on the lobes may be further ripened at room temperature.

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.

Star fruit (Averrhoa carambola), raw, Fresh,
utritive value per 100 g,
ORAC value-5900
(Source: USDA National Nutrient data base)
Energy 31 Kcal 1.5%
Carbohydrates 6.73 g 5%
Protein 1.04 g 2%
Total Fat 0.33 g 1%
Cholesterol 0 mg 0%
Dietary Fiber 2.80 g 7%

Vitamins
Folates 12 Âµg 3%
Niacin 0.367 mg 2.25%
Pyridoxine 0.017 mg 1.5%
Riboflavin 0.016 mg 1.25%
Thiamin 0.014 mg 1%
Vitamin A 61 IU 2%
Vitamin C 34.4 mg 57%
Vitamin E 0.15 mg 1%
Vitamin K 0 Âµg 0%
Electrolytes
Sodium 2 mg 0%
Potassium 133 mg 3%
Minerals
Calcium 3 mg 0.3%
Iron 0.08 mg 1%
Magnesium 10 mg 2%
Phosphorus 12 mg 2%
Zinc 0.12 mg 1%

Health Benefits:

* Star fruit may lower cholesterol levels and add bulk and moisture to feces.
* A decoction of leaves and roots (prepared separately or in combination) can help cure headaches, ringworm, and chickenpox.
* The fruit is known to cure hangovers and prickly heat. You can also use the pickled fruit for hangover just take one piece of the pickled fruit, steam in water and serve.
* The fruit has also been used to treat sore eyes.
* The star fruit is given to nursing mothers as it is commonly believed to stimulate the flow of milk.
* For sunstroke, a piece of the sweet variety is recommended.
* For nausea and indigestion eat half piece of the fruit and repeat after 3 hours.
* Its high vitamin C content can help ward off winter colds and flu.
* It is recommended as diet fruit because of its high fiber and low calorie content.
* Star fruit is also full of antioxidants and flavonoids.