Star fruit, which looks like a star after cutting, which is also called Kamarkha or Carambola in India, is known for its sweet and sour taste. Many nutrients including vitamin C and fiber are found in it. However, it is not right to consider it as a cure for any disease or a fruit that “detoxifies” the body. It can be consumed as part of a balanced diet.
Why is it considered beneficial for immunity?
Vitamin C is found in Kamarkha. Vitamin C plays a role in the body’s normal immune function. However, eating it does not guarantee protection from cold, cough or any kind of infection. In the source also it has been described as a fruit rich in Vitamin C.
Fiber can be helpful for digestion
Dietary fiber is present in star fruit. Fiber-rich foods are useful for normal digestion and intestinal health. A diet with sufficient fiber can help in the problem of constipation. In the source, the fiber of Kamarkha is said to be useful for the digestive system.
Why it can be a good option for those controlling weight
Star fruit is counted among fruits with low calories and fiber. You may feel full after eating fiber-rich foods, which can help control your overeating habit. But just eating Kamarkha does not reduce weight. Complete diet and physical activity matter for weight management.
Potassium and antioxidants also present
The source mentions star fruit as containing potassium and antioxidants. These nutrients can be part of a balanced diet. However, it is not reasonable to claim that eating a single fruit “significantly” reduces the risk of blood pressure or heart disease.
Can also provide nourishment to the skin
Vitamin C plays a role in many important processes in the body. By including star fruit in the diet, one can get other nutrients including this vitamin. But the claim that by eating it the skin will automatically become clear or shiny cannot be considered scientifically certain. The source contains vitamin C and antioxidants that are beneficial for the skin.
Be careful before eating in diabetes
The source describes star fruit as a fruit with a low glycemic index and people with diabetes are advised to eat it in limited quantities after consulting a doctor. The quantity of any fruit in diabetes can depend on the person’s overall diet, medicines and blood sugar. Therefore, it should not be considered an alternative to diabetes medicine.
If you have kidney disease, be careful with Kamarkha.
This is the most important precaution related to this fruit. According to the National Kidney Foundation, people with kidney disease should avoid star fruit. A neurotoxin present in it cannot be adequately eliminated from the body in people with poor kidney function and can cause serious neurological problems. Reported symptoms include hiccups, mental confusion, and seizures.
People with kidney disease should not eat star fruit and should consult their doctor or dietician regarding its consumption.
—Health advice from the National Kidney Foundation
How to include Kamarkha in the diet
A healthy person can wash the star fruit, cut it and eat it directly. It can also be included in salad. The source suggests consuming it in salad, juice or snack form. Eating whole fruit instead of juice may generally be a better option for fiber intake.
Who should take special care?
- People with kidney disease should avoid star fruit.
- People with diabetes should consult a doctor or dietician to decide the dosage according to their diet and medicines.
- Do not consider it as a substitute for health treatment in case of any serious illness or special diet.