4. Regulates Cholesterol
The shiny smooth skin of star fruit contains significant amounts of fiber. Getting enough fiber prevents the absorption of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Plus, adequate amounts of dietary fiber contribute to the metabolism of fats.
In one study, star fruit fiber prevented the development of fatty liver in laboratory animals (9). Epicatechin is a phytochemical in carambola that has been specifically found to inhibit the creation of fat cells (10).
5. Fetal Development
Folic acid is a B-complex vitamin (B9), a deficiency of which can cause birth defects—especially those of the central nervous system.
Carambola is a good source of B2 and B6 as well—essential vitamins important for metabolism and liver and eye health (11,12). Vitamin B2 is necessary to facilitate the body’s use of folic acid and is itself an antioxidant.
6. Fluoride Toxicity
By now we know that fluoride is a neurotoxin. The many benefits of star fruit include the almost immediate reduction of the metabolic disturbances caused by fluoride (13).