NUTRITION
Posted by DiabeTV - 3 September, 2014
STAR FRUIT HEALTH BENEFITS
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The star fruit or averrhoa carambola is an exotic and colorful looking fruit whose origins remain unknown; however it is widely believed that they come from Southeast Asia where it has been cultivated by the natives of the region for over 1,000 years. The fruit was named after a 12th century Muslim philosopher named Averrhoës. This fruit has different tastes depending on what stage of its life you acquire them; that range from sour and tart when younger to sweet if left to ripen. It has gained popularity in the West due to its nutritional value and health benefits.
Carambola is an excellent alternative to eating sugary products if you have sweet tooth due to its low calories and fats. One cup of sliced star fruit has: 33 calories, 0.36 grams of fat, 3 grams of dietary fiber, 4 grams of sugar, 1 gram of protein, and a low glycemic index. This helps the fight against obesity or people trying to obtain a healthier lifestyle. Also helps diabetics who are more prone to obesity and has little effect on blood sugar levels.
The dietary fiber content of the fruit increases the benefits inside of it. If eaten with the waxy peel it further boost the amount of fiber ingested. This helps lower LDL (bad) cholesterol by absorbing it, helps support the digestive system, and lowers exposure to toxic material in the colon that can lead to cancer. Its fiber also helps those trying to lose weight by making you feel full longer, helping to curb cravings between meals.
Carambola is an excellent source of vitamin C (over 62% in a single cup) which give it antioxidant properties that are known to help reduce cellular damage caused by free radicals (can lead to cancer), cardiovascular disease, and prevent the occurrence of type 2 diabetes. Alongside its vitamin A content it provides additional support to the immune system, further decreasing the chances of infectious disease. Potassium within the fruit helps improve cardiovascular health. This delicious fruit is still used in folk medicine by many Brazilians who use it to reduce coughing, sore throats, and diuretic.
Please try to avoid purchasing the green star fruits if you are planning to consume them immediately. They are not ripe and will produce an acidic and unpleasant taste. Choose the yellowish ones which are when the fruit is ripe and always refrigerate any leftovers to prevent rotting/increasing shelf life. Carambola can be used in a variety of recipes that include: garnishing for salads, preserves, sorbet, smoothies, and the list can go on. As always moderation is key to a healthy lifestyle and always consult with a nutritionist. more