Star Fruits (Carambola) And Health Benefits

Originated from the Moluccas and Sri Lanka, and grown in Malaysia and Southeast Asia for several centuries, the star fruit has got several other names including: belimbing, bilimbi, Chinese star fruit, the star apple and five-angled fruit.

• The star fruit is an excellent source of ascorbic acid, which is important to the fitness of your body, as it assists in maintaining bones, teeth, mucus membranes, skin and improves the immune system. Based on Nutrition Data, which is responsible to make reports on nutritional facts for Department of Agriculture in the United States, a single cup of sliced carambola has 37.2 mg of vitamin C.
   
• The star fruit provides little amounts of the B vitamins such as vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid, and the derivatives may help lower cholesterol and speed up wound recovery. In addition, it contains folate or vitamin B9 that is essential for preventing birth defects as well as for reducing the risk of stroke and heart attacks.
   
• The fruit has beta-carotene, which can be converted into retinol or vitamin A in your body for good vision and appetite.
   
• The star fruit contains both antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Extracts of the fruit proved antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus, E. coli, Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus.
   
• The fruit contains small quantities of potassium, which regulate blood pressure level; iron for balanced red blood cells; as well as calcium and magnesium, which function together to help fortify bones.
   
• The star fruit is rich in soluble fiber, which can be useful to reduce cholesterol levels and keep your bowels healthy.