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HEALTHY FOODS - STAR FRUIT
Why should I be eating star fruit?Anyone wanting to support their immune system. The vitamin C content of these fruits has anti-inflammatory and healing effects
Anyone wishing to support their body’s detoxification system
Those with allergies or hay fever, as vitamin C has allergy reducing effects
Anyone with cardiovascular problems or wishing to prevent them due to the high potassium, vitamin C and fibre content of these fruits >
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Whilst it is great to eat locally grown fruits you can increase your nutrient intake by including some more unusual fruits in your diet. Star fruit are exciting to look at with a different texture and flavour to other more common fruits and they can really tantalize your taste buds.
What are they rich in?
Star fruit, also called carambola, meaning food appetizer in Sanskrit, are low in calories and high in potassium, needed for a healthy cardiovascular system. Potassium is needed to balance sodium that is so prevalent in our diets. Many people benefit from extra potassium in their diets.
They are also a great source of vitamin C, a vital antioxidant that supports the immune system in wound healing and the fight against infection. Anyone with gum disease, toxicity or cardiovascular disease can benefit from increasing their vitamin C intake.
The antioxidant beta-carotene is also present in star fruit. Beta-carotene has protective effects for the skin, eyes and lungs.
Who should eat star fruit?
Serving suggestion and amounts
It is generally advisable to eat at least 2-3 servings of fruit a day. One star fruit would count as one serving. They can be eaten as they are as snacks or as part of fruit salads, smoothies or juices.
When buying star fruit, choose firm fruits, free from blemishes and brown spots. They ripen well at room temperature. They are ripe when they start to smell fruity and their yellow colour becomes vibrant.
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Always consult your doctor before embarking any diet changes
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