Eating lots of fruits and vegetables can become repetitive if you don't try different things.

Fortunately, there are many delicious fruits and vegetables to add variety to your diet.

An unusual fruit that is becoming more and more popular is the star fruit.

This article explores the potential health benefits and risks of star fruit.

What is star fruit?

Carambole – or carambola – is a sweet and sour that is shaped like a five-pointed star.

The skin is edible and the flesh has a sweet and sour flavor that makes it popular in a number of dishes.

Star fruit is yellow or green in color. There are two main types: a smaller, sour variety and a larger, sweeter variety.

ABSTRACT

Star fruit is a sweet and sour fruit shaped like a five-pointed star. There are several different varieties.

Nutritional value of star fruit

Star fruit is a decent source of several nutrients, especially vitamin C.

This is the nutrient content of a single medium-sized (91 grams) star fruit ():

• Fiber: 3 grams
• Protein: 1 gram
• Vitamin C: 52% of RDI
• Vitamin B5: 4% of RDI
• Folate: 3% of RDI
• The copper: 6% of RDI
• Potassium: 3% of RDI
• Magnesium: 2% of RDI

Although the nutrient content may seem relatively low, keep in mind that this serving contains only 28 and 6 grams of . This means that, calorie for calorie, star fruit is very nutritious.

ABSTRACT

Star fruit is low in calories but high in fiber and vitamin C. It is very nutritious considering its low calorie content.

Star Fruit is loaded with healthy plant compounds

Star fruit also contains other substances that make it even healthier.

It is an excellent source of healthy plant compounds, including quercetin, gallic acid, and epicatechin.

These compounds have powerful antioxidant properties and various health benefits.

The plant compounds in star fruit have been shown to reduce risk and cholesterol in mice ().

They are also being studied for their ability to prevent liver cancer in mice ().

Additionally, some evidence from animal studies suggests that the sugars in star fruit may ().

However, research to confirm these potential benefits of star fruit in humans is lacking.

ABSTRACT

Star fruit contains many beneficial plant compounds. Animal studies show that these can reduce inflammation, cholesterol, and the risk of fatty liver disease. Yet research on humans is lacking.

Safety and side effects

Star fruit may cause side effects in some people, mainly due to its high content.

Therefore, people with kidney problems should avoid starfruit and its juice – or consult a doctor before trying it.

For people with , eating star fruit regularly can lead to kidney damage as well as star fruit toxicity, which can lead to neurological problems, such as confusion, seizures, and even death (, ).

People who take prescription medications should also proceed with caution. Just like grapefruit, star fruit can change the way a medicine is broken down and used by your body.

ABSTRACT

People with kidney problems or those taking prescription medications should talk to their doctor before consuming starfruit.

How to eat it

You may be reluctant to try star fruit if you don't know how to prepare it.

Here's a simple way to prepare and eat star fruit:

1. Make sure it's ripe – a ripe star fruit should be mostly yellow with only hints of green.
2. Rinse the fruit under water.
3. Cut the ends.
4. Slice it.
5. Remove the seeds and enjoy.

You can add this fruit to your diet in several ways, including:

• Cut it up and eat it alone.
• or other fresh dishes.
• Use it as a garnish.
• Turn it into pies or puddings.
• Add it to Asian or Indian-style stews and curries.
• Cook it with seafood or shellfish dishes.
• Make jam, jelly or chutney.
• and drink it as a drink.

ABSTRACT

Star fruit is easy to prepare and eat. It can be used in many different dishes and desserts.

The bottom line

Star fruit is a delicious fruit. It's low in calories but packed with vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants.

However, people with kidney problems or those taking prescription medications should consult a doctor before eating this fruit.

For most people, however, starfruit is part of the diet.