Today I write about how high-acid fruits – specifically the Star Fruit – which I absolutely love the flavour of (and usually buy by the dozen when it’s in season).
Here’s what Food Facts has to say on this topic [1]:
The greatest amount of nutrients in star fruit is derived from vitamin C, providing 76 percent of the daily recommended value in a single one-cup serving.
The C content in star fruit helps ward off colds, flu, and any other type of infection. Science has shown that individuals in extreme arctic climates, such as military personnel, skiers, or researchers, experience a significant risk reduction – as much as 50 percent – for developing a cold when ingesting healthy amounts of vitamin C. Another reason vitamin C is called an essential vitamin is because it’s needed by the body to form collagen in the bones, cartilage, muscle, blood vessels, and aids in the absorption of iron. Also, one of the most notorious consequences of a lack in vitamin C is scurvy, which early sailors discovered and remedied with all types of tropical fruits, including star fruit. Although it’s rare, scurvy can have severe consequences, so treatment for patients with scurvy typically begins with vitamin C.
Smaller amounts of dietary fiber, copper, pantothenic acid, and potassium (which can prevent muscle cramps by increasing blood circulation) are important components of this fruit. B-complex vitamins like folates, riboflavin, and pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) are also present and team up to perform various synthetic functions inside the body, such as forming metabolizing enzymes.
The average star fruit contains around 30 calories – which is fewer than any other tropical fruit per serving, so with its high fiber content, it’s a great choice for anyone wanting to lose weight, prevent constipation, and keep their system running smoothly. It also helps prevent the absorption of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol while protecting the colon from toxic substances, by binding to cancer-causing chemicals that happen to be passing through.
The antioxidants offer their own benefits, including the neutralization of harmful free radicals that can cause inflammation. Flavonoids such as quercetin, epicatechin, and gallic acid offer this benefit, as well.
Traditional Brazilian folk medicine made use of star fruit as a diuretic, an expectorant, and cough suppressant. The leaves and fruit have been used to stop vomiting; placed on the temples to ease headache; for poultices to relieve chickenpox and rid the body of parasitic infestation. Powdered seeds reputedly have a sedative effect. However, dialysis patients or those with possible renal failure symptoms have reportedly developed neurological symptoms, and are advised to strictly avoid eating star fruit.
So basically if you want to lose weight fast – buy yourself a bundle of star fruits and power through it once per day!
How to eat this fruit
Although you can combine star fruit in your favorite recipes, you can actually enjoy it by itself. This fruit is best eaten ripe, and you’ll know it’s ready through its vibrant yellow color. Star fruit may have some dark brown markings along the five ridges, but don’t worry because this is normal. Choose those that are still firm, not mushy, and do not have brown spots all over.
Whether you want to eat star fruit by itself or use it in your recipes, it’s important to learn how to slice it properly. Here’s what to do:
- Wash the fruit thoroughly using plain running water. Scrub it with your finger to ensure any loose dirt hiding in the crevices is removed.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the fruit across its broad side so that it is divided into star-shaped slices that are at least 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch wide.
You can remove the seeds and the brown edges, although these are also edible. Once you’ve properly sliced it, you can now eat and enjoy this fruit or use it as a healthy ingredient for recipes, such as the one below.
Awesome. Now as I said I usually buy these by the dozen – which helps me stave off the effects of common cold and other allergies. I have an issue with catching colds during summer – which is a personal health catastrophe for me… Since I started eating star fruit the intensity and duration of this weird summer cold has reduced significantly. No it’s not hay fever – there’s hardly any hay around in Mumbai city… Wish I knew what it was!!
Here’s wishing you great health!