The carambola with its particular shape and its intense
aroma has already conquered many fans of exotic fruit, yet it hides beneficial
properties for the body. Let's find out better!
No, we are not speaking about the game carambola , but the
exotic fruit of Averrhoa carambola , a tropical plant of the Oxalidaceae family
that is grown in Africa, Latin America and Sicily ( Italian carambola ).
The characteristic feature of the carambola fruit is its
elongated shape with ridges that create a star shape. Not surprisingly, the
British have renamed it star fruit , that is to say "star fruit".
Its flavor is very reminiscent of citrus and currants while
its scent is decidedly more intense.
Carambola fruit: Properties and benefits
The properties of the carom fruit derive from the mix of
vitamins (vitamin A, vitamins of group B, vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin J
with attached lutein, beta-carotene and zeaxanthin), minerals (magnesium,
potassium, iron, zinc, copper, phosphorus, calcium, manganese, selenium and
sodium), phenols and falvonoids (quercetin, catechin and gallic acid).
To all this are added the organic acids that give the
typical acidic taste such as citric acid, fumaric acid or malic acid.
This means that the integration of star fruit in your eating
habits can bring incredible benefits to the body. Which?
• Cardiovascular
system - Potassium ensures the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system
while dietary fiber reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood.
• Immune
System - Vitamin C strengthens the immune system and supports the body in its
battles against viruses and bacteria.
• Fluid
level - Ripe fruit has diuretic properties that eliminate excess fluids and
fight unsightly cellulite.
• Glycemic
regulation - Some recent studies have highlighted the ability of catechins to
positively influence the regulation of blood glucose levels.
• Digestive
process - The presence of fiber stimulates the digestive process and
facilitates the expulsion of waste and toxic substances.
• Constipation - Dietary fiber develops a mild laxative
effect which resolves mild cases of constipation.
• Free
Radicals - The mix of antioxidant substances such as vitamin C, flavonoids and
gallic acid fights the oxidative action of free radicals.
• Antimicrobial - The presence of nitric oxide, which varies
according to the level of ripeness, would be responsible for the antimicrobial
power of the star fruit .
• Hemostatic
- The percentage of oxalic acid is sufficient to stop bleeding and to assist in
therapy for bleeding hemorrhoids.
• Healthy weight - Being a low calorie fruit (100 grams correspond to 31 calories) and
having a good dose of dietary fiber, the starfruit can help you reach the final
goal sooner.
Carambola fruit: How to eat
The carom fruit is sold at a price in line with other
tropical fruits, ranging from 3 to 10 euros per kilo.
In general, the ripe carambola looks like a bright yellow
star fruit with a thin skin, juicy and acidulous pulp and an intense aroma.
In the kitchen it is used to prepare sweet or savory dishes,
nutritious juices, mixed fruit salads with apples, pineapple, papaya and mango,
distilled liqueurs and candied fruits.
The star-shaped fruit is also used in the decorations of
more or less exotic fruit salads and original cakes.
Contraindications
There are no particular contraindications regarding the
consumption of the exotic fruit starfruit , except for those suffering from
kidney problems.
Oxalic acid, combining with calcium, generates calcium
oxalate, which is an insoluble salt that tends to crystallize and accumulate in
the urinary tract in the form of kidney stones.
