Carambola Benefits: Nutritions, Side-effects, & How To Eat?
Medically Reviewed By
Prof. Ashok Rattan
Written By Muskan Taneja
on Oct 3, 2024
Last Edit Made By Muskan Taneja
on Oct 3, 2024
Have you ever heard of Carambola? Fruits provide nutrients to the body. Carambola is one such fruit. It is popularly known as star fruit. There are several names of carambola in India. Kamrakh in Hindi, Carambola in Marathi and Konkani, vajra puli in Malayalam, and Kaparakhi hannu in kannada. Carambola benefits skin and health. It contains oxalic acid, which is effective for people with kidney diseases. Starfruit prevents serious health issues. Let’s learn about carambola's benefits, side effects, and more.
Nutritional Value of Carambola
Carambola is rich in nutrients. It is a tropical fruit with a sweet and sour taste that appears like a star. This fruit is also known as the powerhouse of nutrients. Carambola also offers health benefits with nutrients. Let’s look at the nutritional value of Carambola.
| Nutrient | Amount (per 100 grams) |
| Water | 92.6g |
| Energy | 35.7 Kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 9.38g |
| Protein | 0.38g |
| Fibre | 0.8g |
| Fat | 0.8g |
| Calcium | 3 mg |
| Oxalic Acid | 9.6 mg |
| Sodium | 3.8 mg |
| Iron | 167-168 mg |
| Potassium | 25.8 mg |
| Vitamin C | 25.8 mg |
| Magnesium | 11.85- 12.05 mg |
10 Significant Health Benefits Of Carambola
Carambola or star fruit contains vitamins A, C, B5, and B9, minerals, zinc, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and oxalic acid. It has plenty of antioxidant properties that are beneficial for maintaining overall health. Starfruit benefits the skin and lowers cholesterol levels, inflammations, and risks of fatty liver. Here are 10 significant benefits of carambola fruit.
- It helps in lowering cholesterol.
- It may prevent cancer.
- It promotes digestion and cures bowel syndrome.
- It controls blood pressure levels.
- It can prevent fine lines or aging
- It aids in weight loss
- It prevents the risks of diabetes
- It improves heart health
- It supports a healthy immune system
- It prevents chronic inflammation
Carambola Lowers Cholesterol
Carambola contains fiber that helps release excessive fat and cholesterol. Fiber promotes good cholesterol. Research shows that carambola has hypolipidemic effects that also prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver. Starfruit has flavonoids, saponins, phytosterols, and phytochemicals that provide energy and fats.
Carambola May Prevent Cancer
Carambola contains antioxidant properties that may help with cancer. It acts as a natural supplement to prevent cancer. It is rich in fiber that clears out toxins, lowers the risks of colon cancer, and cleanses the colon. Studies show that it can act as a natural curing supplement for cancer.
Carambola Promotes Digestion
Carambola contains fiber and antioxidants. These properties aid digestion and prevent bloating and constipation. The doctor may recommend taking one medium-sized carambola at least once daily to stabilize the digestive system.
Carambola Control Blood Pressure Levels
Studies reveal that carambola can improve blood circulation and control blood pressure levels. Its compounds, such as flavonoids, saponins, and phytochemicals, can help maintain a normal BP level. It also has cooling properties that maintain blood pressure levels.
Carambola Aids in Weight Loss
Carambola, or star fruit, is low in calories and high in fiber. This property keeps one satisfied, boosts metabolism, helps maintain a stable weight, and prevents weight loss.
Carambola May Prevent Aging
Carambola or star fruit contains vitamin C, which prevents aging. It is a significant carambola benefit. Also, start fruit contains vitamin B, garlic acid, and quercetin, which helps maintain skin. All these nutrients and antioxidant properties help nourish skin and prevent aging and skin damage.
Carambola Reduces Risks of Diabetes
One of the crucial benefits of carambola fruit is its high fiber and low sugar. One medium-sized star fruit may prevent obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and colorectal cancer. It improves gut health and helps you keep fulfilled.
Carambola Improves Heart Health
Studies show that consuming carambola may benefit effective blood flow, improve blood cells, improve heart function, and prevent stroke or heart attack risks. Doctors may recommend taking star fruit. You may have it in juice, salad, or even raw food.
Carambola Supports a Healthy Immune System
Carambola makes immune cells strong, freeing the body from radical damage. Vitamin C in carambola benefits a healthy immune system. Make a habit of eating one medium-sized carambola fruit daily to fulfill vitamin C needs.
Carambola Prevent Chronic Inflammation
Carambola or star fruit contains antioxidants such as beta-carotene, alkaloids, tannins, vitamin C, and proanthocyanidins. These antioxidant properties help prevent oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. It reduces the risks of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
Are There Side Effects of Star Fruit or Carambola?
Carambola or star fruit is dangerous for people with kidney disease. It contains substances such as carambola that may affect the brain and nervous system. Other star fruit side effects include:
- Kidney functioning
- Hiccups
- Mental confusion
- Seizures
- People who are taking certain medications (bosutinib, panobinostat, and venetoclax)
Uses of Star Fruit or Carambola
Ayurveda recommends a carambola as a traditional medicine for curing:
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Eczema
- Appetite stimulant
- Fungal skin infection
- Bleeding hemorrhoids
Doctors recommend star fruit to people with bladder problems. It may also help relieve fevers and hangovers.
How To Eat Carambola?
The best way to enjoy star fruit is raw. You can enjoy it in some other ways as well.
- Cook star fruit and add it to an Indian curry.
- Make a jam, puree, or pickle of carambola.
- Saute the slices and sprinkle with sugar to glaze.
- Make a delicious star fruit juice.
How To Store Carambola?
Storing carambola depends completely on the shelf life. You can store the carambola at room temperature if you serve it for a day or two. You can store it in a fridge if you wish to store it a little longer.
Key Takeaways
Star fruit or carambola is sweet and sour. It is popular with different names in India. The fruit is rich in vitamins, fiber, minerals, and flavor. Nutrients in carambola keep the overall health strong. Eating in moderate form is beneficial. However, people with kidney disease must avoid carambola. You may take the Kidney Function Test from Redcliffe Labs to check your kidney health.
FAQs
Ques1 Is star fruit dangerous to eat?
Ans1 Star fruit can be dangerous for people with kidney problems or certain medications because of its high oxalate content. For most others, it is safe in moderation.
Ques2 What are the health benefits of star fruit leaves?
Ans2 Star fruit leaves are rich in antioxidants and may support digestive health and boost immunity. Traditional medicine recommends star fruit because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
Ques3 What are the star fruit benefits and side effects?
Ans3 Star fruit is high in vitamin C and antioxidants, promoting overall health. However, it can cause kidney issues or interact with medications in susceptible individuals.
Ques4 What are the benefits of star fruit for the liver?
Ans4 Star fruit may help protect the liver from damage because of its antioxidant properties and ability to support detoxification.
Ques5 Why is star fruit bad for the liver?
Ans5 Star fruit contains compounds that can be toxic to the liver, especially for individuals with pre-existing liver conditions, potentially leading to serious complications.
