Star Fruit 101 — Is It Good For You?

Star fruit — or carambola — is a sweet and sour fruit that has the shape of a five-point star.

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

The star fruit is yellow or green in color. It comes in two main types: a smaller, sour variety and a larger, sweeter one.

SUMMARY

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

The star fruit is a decent source of several nutrients — especially fiber and vitamin C.

This is the nutrient content of a single, medium-sized (91-gram) star fruit (1):

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

Though the nutrient content may appear relatively low, keep in mind that this serving only has 28 calories and 6 grams of carbs. This means that, calorie for calorie, star fruit is very nutritious.

SUMMARY

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

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 fatty liver risk and cholesterol in mice (2).

They’re also being studied for their ability to prevent liver cancer in mice (3).

What’s more, some evidence from animal studies suggests that the sugars in star fruit may reduce inflammation (4).

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

SUMMARY

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

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

Therefore, people with kidney problems should avoid star fruit and its juice — or consult with a doctor before trying it.

For people with kidney problems, eating star fruit regularly may lead to kidney damage as well as star fruit toxicity, which may cause neurological problems — such as confusion, seizures, and even death (5, 6).

People taking prescription drugs should also proceed with caution. Similarly to grapefruit, star fruit can alter the way a drug is broken down and used by your body.

SUMMARY

People with kidney problems or those taking prescription medication should talk to their doctor before consuming star fruit.

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 primarily yellow with only hints of green.
2. Rinse the fruit under water.
3. Cut off the ends.
4. Slice it.
5. Remove the seeds and enjoy.

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

• Slice and eat it on its own.
• Add it to salads 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.
• Juice it and drink it as a beverage.

SUMMARY

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

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

However, people with kidney problems or those who take prescription drugs should consult with a doctor before eating this fruit.

For most people, though, star fruit is a healthy and tasty addition to the diet.