Health Benefits of Star Fruit

Star fruit, also known as Carambola, is perhaps one of the most fun and interesting shaped foods on the planet.  When sliced, it becomes immediately apparent that they could not be named more appropriately, and it is a delight to behold as well as enjoy.  Native to the Philippines, star fruit is now widely popular and available worldwide.  It also has many nutritive and beneficial properties that make this fruit not only fun, but worth its weight in gold (or at least antioxidants and heath benefits).

Star fruit is high in vitamin C (providing 75% of your RDA).  It contains 5% RDA of potassium, and gives you nearly four grams of fiber per one cup serving.  It also contains trace amounts of vitamin A (beta-carotene), Niacin (B5), and vitamin E, as well as traces of minerals magnesium, calcium, selenium, copper, and zinc.  And it gives all of this in only about 41 calories!

Perhaps the most beneficial thing about star fruit however is its high content of antioxidants and antimicrobial properties.   It contains both primary and secondary polyphenol antioxidants, which have clinically studied benefits such as reduced cardiovascular disease and cancer prevention.  They are also being currently studied for their involvement slowing the aging process and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Star fruit also has anti microbial constituents as well, with extracts of the fruit showing effectiveness against staph, salmonella, and e coli.  Overall, this amazingly shaped and interestingly flavored tropical fruit definitely warrants attention and exploration – for fun, for nutrition, and for its additional health benefits!

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