Benefits of carambola and properties of the star fruit, also known by the names of five fingers, Chinese or sweet tamarind, tiriguro and caramboleiro.
Called carambola, although it is more popularly known by the name of star fruit and star fruit, precisely because of its appearance, which resembles a star for having this curious and striking form.
However, depending on where we are and especially depending on its original origin, it can be known by different names: five fingers (Dominican Republic), Chinese or sweet tamarind (Venezuela), tiriguro (Costa Rica) and caramboleiro (Brazil).
What are carambola?
The carambola consist of a tropical or exotic, belonging to the family of Oxalidáceas, native to Indonesia and Malaysia, although its fruit cultivation has spread to other tropical countries such as America and Asia.
It does not have a specific ripening time, so it is easy to find it in markets and greengrocers throughout the year.
Regarding its shape, as we mentioned at the beginning, it has an oval and elongated appearance, with five wings which when cut is reminiscent of a star with five points. It is a delicious, crunchy, juicy fruit with a sweet and sour taste.
The most important benefits of carambola
Interesting nutritional contribution
Due to its content of antioxidant nutrients, its consumption is recommended for pregnant and lactating mothers, sports, children, youth and adults in general who follow a healthy and balanced diet.
On the one hand, thanks to its vitamin A and C content, it is a fruit that helps prevent the risk of cancer, as well as cardiovascular and degenerative diseases.
Very rich in water and low in calories
Carambola is one of those fruits that stands out for its low caloric intake, which together with its high water content makes it a naturally ideal option when it comes to being consumed in weight-loss diets.
In fact, it stands out not only for its low caloric intake, but also for its low content of both carbohydrates and fats, which together with its contribution in water and soluble fiber is ideal in diets due to its laxative and detoxifying qualities.
Did you know that it is ideal against constipation?
Helps prevent or reduce constipation thanks to its soluble fiber content. On the other hand, it is low in fat, carbohydrates and calories, so that its consumption is also interesting when following a weight loss diet.
In addition, it acts as a mild laxative, which together with its soluble fiber content make it a wonderful option to improve intestinal transit.
It can be consumed by diabetics
In case of diabetes, carambola is a fruit whose consumption is one hundred percent safe, thanks to its low contribution in carbohydrates and its high potassium content, not causing a sudden rise in blood glucose levels?
When can we consume carambola and how?
Thanks to the fact that it is a sweet and refreshing fruit, we are not only faced with an ideal fruit for many desserts or different culinary recipes; It is also interesting to refresh our body when we feel very hot (in summer, especially).
Contraindications of carambola
Of course, since it contains a lot of potassium and calcium oxalate, its consumption is not recommended in people with kidney failure or in case of kidney stones. In addition, its consumption is not advisable in people who follow a potassium control diet.
Neither is its consumption recommended in case of diarrhea or gastrointestinal disorders and diseases, especially in case of gastritis.
