Star fruit.html



Carambolas still on the tree

Carambola or Starfruit is the fruit of Averrhoa carambola, a species of tree native to Indonesia, India and Sri Lanka. The tree and fruit is popular throughout Southeast Asia, Malaysia and parts of East Asia. It is also grown throughout the tropics such as in Trinidad and in the United States, in south Florida, most parts of Brazil and Hawaii. It is closely related to the bilimbi. The star shaped cross section gives the carambola its other common name, Star fruit. In Vietnamese Quả Khế.

Origins and Distribution

The Carambola or Star fruit have been grown in parts of Asia for hundreds of years – some claim that it originated in Sri Lanka and Moluccas. Malaysia is the global leader in starfruit production by volume, and ships the product all over Asia and Europe. Due to concerns on pests and pathogens, however, whole starfruits cannot yet be imported to the US from Malaysia, under current FDA/USDA regulation. In the USA, starfruits are grown in Florida and Hawaii. ^{1 2 3 4}

Method of Consumption

It's best to consume a Carambola when ripe. An unripe fruit will appear green, while a ripe Carambola will display colors of bright yellow with a light shade of green. It will also have brown ridges at the five edges and feel firm. An overripe fruit will be yellow with brown spots. The fruit is entirely edible, including the slightly waxy skin.

Health Benefits

Starfruit is one of the superfruits – it is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, and low in sugar, sodium and acid. It is sweet without being overwhelming and extremely juicy. The taste is difficult to compare, but it has been likened to a mix of papaya, orange and grapefruit all at once. Starfruit is a potent source of both primary and secondary polyphenolic antioxidants. Studies have shown that primary antioxidants can help prevent the damage of free radicals and that secondary antioxidants can help reverse the damage that already exists in our systems. Vitamin C is an essential ingredient in a strong immune system and general wellbeing.

Composition and Benefits

Vitamin A: Helps vision, immune system, skin health, and reduces heart risks.

Vitamin C: Helps the immune system, and speeds time on healing scrapes and bruises. It's also an antioxidant and protects you from hearth diseases and important for muscle growth.

Potassium: Important in brain, nerve, and muscle functions. and helps prevent muscle cramps.

Calcium: Plays a role in building and keeping bones healthy.

Fiber: Helps move food through the body.

Phosphorus: Used in construction of DNA, and living cells use phosphorus to transport energy known as ATP.

Iron: Helps body produce hemoglobins which are used in carrying oxygen in red blood cells.

Thiamine: Helps body convert carbohydrate into energy.

Riboflavin: Helps maintain good vision, and builds body tissues.

Niacin: Helps body metabolism, improves digestion, and builds a healthy nerve system.

Antioxidants: Provides benefits against cancer and heart diseases.

Tryptophan: Helps regulate appetite, sleeping pattern, and improves mood.

16 amino acids: Amino Acids are essential components of protein construction, regulates body metabolisms, and critical for a healthy diet.

Oxalic acid: Helps body regulate the thyroid. Can also be found in tofu, spinach, and bananas.

Health risks

Carambola is a fairly complex fruit with many benefits like strawberries, but a small percent of the human population should be cautious of the fruit for health reasons.

Individuals suffering from kidney failure should avoid consuming the fruit, because starfruit, like the grapefruit, has oxalic acid. It can cause hiccups, vomiting, nausea, and mental confusion. Fatal outcomes after ingestion of star fruits have been documented in some patients with kidney failure.^{56789 10}

Drug interactions

Like the grapefruit, star fruit is considered to be a potent inhibitor of seven cytochrome P450 isoforms.¹¹¹² These enzymes are significant in the first pass elimination of many medicines, and thus the consumption of star fruit or its juice in combination with certain medications can significantly increase their effective dosage within the body. Research into grapefruit juice has identified a number of common medications affected, including statins which are commonly used to treat cardiovascular illness, benzodiazepines (a tranquilizer family including diazepam) as well as other medicines.¹³.

References

External links

• Plants.am: Cultivation information