Star fruit is a popular sweet and sour fruit that mostly grows in tropical countries. Also known as Carambola, the star fruit grows in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Nepal, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. There are many beliefs about this five-point star shaped fruit, but is it really good or bad?
Here are some facts about this unusual tropical fruit to give light if it really is good or bad:
1. There are two varieties of star fruit.
Star fruit has two varieties: a smaller one which is has a mild, sour flavor, and a larger one which is sweeter.
2. Star fruit is nutritious.
Star fruit may be a small to a medium-sized fruit, but it is big in nutrition. It has fiber, protein, Vitamin C, Vitamin B5, Folate, Copper, Potassium and Magnesium. Moreover, a medium-sized star fruit can already meet 52% of the recommended dietary intake for Vitamin C, and it already has 3 grams of fiber.
Star Fruit has fiber, protein, Vitamin C, Vitamin B5, Folate, Copper, Potassium and Magnesium.
3. Star fruit is low in calories.
A medium serving of star fruit (about 90 grams) only has 28 calories. With so much nutrients it has, star fruit is really full-packed with good nutrition!
4. Star fruit is loaded with healthy compounds.
Star fruit has quercetin, gallic acid and epicatechin, which are healthy plant compounds that are also antioxidants.
5. For people with kidney problems, eating star fruit regularly may lead to kidney damage.
Star fruit contains oxalates which can have adverse effects on some people. A study revealed that consuming star fruit when one has kidney problems may further lead to kidney damage.
6. Star fruit toxicity may cause neurological problems for kidney patients.
Aside from kidney damage to kidney patients, star fruit toxicity may cause neurological problems as well. Consuming star fruit regularly, when one has a kidney problem, may lead to confusion, seizures and even death.
7. People taking prescription drugs should avoid eating star fruit.
Star fruit is similar to grape fruit as it can also alter how drug is broken down in the body. It is advisable to refrain from consuming this fruit when one is taking prescription drugs.
Star fruit is good for people who are generally healthy. It is a great source of nutrition and is also a healthy ingredient in many recipes and dishes. However, this nutritious fruit is not recommended for people who have kidney problems or are taking prescription drugs.
Source: Authority Nutrition