Carambola/Starfruit

Carambola is a star-shaped fruit hence its other known name - star fruit.  It is green when not ripe and turns yellow when ripe.  It is at its sweetest when very yellow. I personally like it when the edges just start to turn a little bit light brown.  The entire fruit can be eaten including the skin.  They are eaten raw, used to make juice or cooked. I discovered this recipe for Carambola chips. Jams and jellies are also made using carambola. 

wikipedia.org

Nutrients and health benefits of Carambola/starfruit


Carambola is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, and low in sugar, sodium and acid. It is also is a potent source of both primary and secondary polyphenolic antioxidants. About one cup (132grams) of Raw Carambola contains Vitamin A(2% RDA), Vitamin B1(Thiamin-1%), Vitamin B2(Riboflavin-1%), Vitamin B3(Niacin-2 %), Vitamin B5(Pantothenic Acid-5%), Vitamin B6(1%), Vitamin B9(Folate-4%), Vitamin C (76%), Vitamin E(1%), Protein(3%), Iron(1%), Magnesium(3%), Manganese(2%), Selenium(1%), Copper(9%), Zinc(1%), Sodium(0%), Potassium(5%), Phosphorus(2%), Calcium(0%), Water(121g).

Carambola improves wound healing, prevents cells from damages, improves gums health, improves teeth health, improves Immune System, protects from free radicals, reduces aging, lowers risks of some cancers, improves iron absorption, improves lung health, prevents one from having frequent colds, protects from frequent infections, reduces constipation, may reduce or prevent hemorrhoids, helps improve blood sugar levels, helps improve cholesterol levels, supports weight loss.

Warnings
Carambola contains oxalic acid which can be harmful to individuals suffering from kidney failure or under kidney dialysis treatment. Consumption by those with kidney failure can produce hiccups, vomiting, nausea, and mental confusion.

Medicinal Uses
In India, the ripe fruit is used to stop hemorrhages and to relieve bleeding hemorrhoids; the dried fruit or the juice may be taken to counteract fevers. It is said to help with diarrhea and "hangovers" from excessive drinking. A salve made of the fruit is utilized to relieve eye afflictions.

In Brazil, the carambola is recommended as a diuretic in kidney and bladder complaints, and is believed to have a beneficial effect in the treatment of eczema.

In Chinese Materia Medica it is stated, "Its action is to quench thirst, to increase the salivary secretion, and hence to allay fever."

A decoction of combined fruit and leaves is drunk to overcome vomiting. Leaves are bound on the temples to soothe headache. Crushed leaves and shoots are poulticed on the eruptions of chicken-pox, also on ringworm.

A decoction of the crushed seeds acts as a galactagogue and ernmenagogue and is mildly intoxicating. The powdered seeds serve as a sedative in cases of asthma and colic.

Other uses
The acid types of carambola have been used to clean and polish metal, especially brass, as they dissolve tarnish and rust. Interestingly enough while researching carambola I found out that the juice will also bleach rust stains from white cloth. 


wikipedia.org,hort.purdue.edu,seekthat.net,nutritiondata.com