CARAMBOLA – THE FRUIT THAT FIGHT OBESITY AND DIABETES

I have already written a number of times about Carambola fruits. However, I feel it is important to speak about it again.

The first time I ever tried carambola was when I was on holiday in Asia. More precisely in Malaysia.

I need to confess, that was the first time I have ever seen such a fruit. What I found nice about it is that when you cut it in the slice, you end up with a star. Hence it’s known by many as starfruit.

But the fruit comes from the Averrhoa carambola tree. As such its real name is Carambola.

In the tropical area, from Brazil to the Philippines, Starfruit or Carambola is commonly seen in backyard gardens and small orchards that grow in the size of 22 t0 33 feet.

Because of exotic star-shape when sliced, often this fruit is used to garnish your glasses. It sits on the rim of nice cold cocktail glass and perches on the edge of a salad bowl.

However, most of us do not eat it and leave it hanging on the glass. This is a real mistake that we should not repeat. If we know its value to our bodies, then I am sure that we would ask for more.

What is the value of the Carambola?

The value of starfruit is more than invigorating and sparkling up the dishes. Studies show that unique fruit-shape, it has many health benefits.

The primary cause of Diabetes Type 2 is obesity. As of 2008 according to World health organization 65% of population is obese. They need to lose some weight to avoid any complications that it may bring.

That is the reason why many researchers investigated and are still researching the benefits of carambola fruits. What they have found up to now is incredible. Here I list just a few that I think would be of high interest to you.

Benefits of Carambola fruit

• Starfruit contains very low calories of about 33 calories and fats. This means that a diabetic patient is allowed to consume the fruit and good for the person who is weight conscious.

• Excellent source of dietary fibers that help prevent LDL cholesterol absorption instantly. Protects the colon’s mucous membrane from exposure to toxic substances by binding to bad chemicals in the colon.

• High in Tannin control intestinal processes and had been found to be an effective cure for diarrhea.

• Starfruit is rich in Vitamin C that boosts the immune system as well as Vitamin A. they are also antioxidants that protect the cell from damage. It helps to prevent heart disease.

• Prevents muscle cramps and improves blood circulation in muscle tissue because of its high potassium content.

• It has a good source of calcium, which helps prevent developing osteoporosis.

• For the finale, one study reveals that star fruit has insoluble fiber-rich fractions that effectively adsorb glucose, delay glucose diffusion, and defer the release of glucose from starch. Through this, the postprandial blood sugar concentration will decrease and the effect of it is to help maintain diabetic clients in their blood sugar.  But the patient who has a complication of nephropathy is never eating this fruit to avoid aggravation.

Starfruit nutrition facts

The below table provides a summary of the starfruit nutritional facts. You can see that it is low in energy and protein. So consume it and do not worry about your weight.

I hope that this article has convinced you to eat more starfruit. I would advise you to remember its other name, that is Carambola. Purists like to use this instead of starfruit.

For me what matters is that it is of high benefit to my health. I am not that much of a purist, but I sometimes like people to call me by my real name 😉

Do not forget to leave your comment below and share this article. So many of us keep forgetting how good is this fruit, and we need to make sure we share the information.

via officiallydiabetic.com