Carambolas or star fruit: benefits and properties
Receives the name of cannon, although more popularly it is known by the name of star fruit or star fruit, precisely because of its appearance, which reminds a star to have this curious and striking shape.
However, depending on the place 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 the carambolas?
The carambolas They consist of a tropical or exotic fruit, belonging to the Oxalidaceae family, native to Indonesia and Malaysia, although its cultivation has spread to other tropical countries such as America and Asia.
It does not have a certain period of maturation, so it is easy to find it in the markets and greengrocers during the whole year.
Regarding its shape, as we mentioned at the beginning, it has an oval and elongated appearance, with five wings which resembles a five-pointed star. It is a delicious fruit, crispy, juicy and with a bittersweet taste.
Benefits of the most important carambole
Interesting nutritional contribution
Due to its antioxidant nutrient content, it is recommended to consume it in pregnant and lactating mothers, athletes, children, young people 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 stand out for their low caloric intake, which together with its high water content It becomes 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 in both carbohydrates and fats, which together with its contribution in water and soluble fiber is ideal in diets for its laxative and detoxifying qualities.
Did you know that it is ideal against constipation?
It helps prevent or reduce constipation thanks to its soluble fiber content. On the other hand, it has low fat, carbohydrate and calorie content, so 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, the carambola is a fruit whose consumption is one hundred percent sure, thanks to its low intake of carbohydrates and its high potassium content, not causing a sudden rise in blood glucose levels.
When can we consume caroms and how?
Thanks to the fact that it is a sweet and refreshing fruit, we not only have an ideal fruit for many desserts or different culinary recipes; It is also interesting to cool our body when we feel very hot (in summer, above all).
Contraindications of the carambola
Of course, since it contains a lot of potassium and calcium oxalate, its use is not recommended in people with kidney failure or in the case of kidney stones. In addition, it is not advisable to consume it in people who follow a potassium control diet.
It is also not recommended for consumption in case of diarrhea or gastrointestinal disorders and diseases, especially in case of gastritis. This article is published for informational purposes only. You can not and should not replace the consultation with a Nutritionist. We advise you to consult your trusted Nutritionist. ThemesFruit Foods
