7. Hypertension
The leaves of carambola are used in traditional Brazilian medicine to moderate blood pressure. It works by inhibiting aortal contraction, allowing blood to move more freely (14).
In addition, star fruit contains potassium and other electrolytes, which are known to control heart rate and blood pressure.
8. Immune System Support
One cup of star fruit contains about three-quarters of the recommended daily value of vitamin C. This is the number one nutrient for killing viruses and promoting optimal immune system function.
9. Healthy Skin
Antioxidant flavonoids in star fruit are responsible for stimulating protective compounds in skin cells, reducing inflammation and inhibiting ultraviolet radiation (UV) damage (15).
The potency of this funky yellow fruit is undeniable.
Caution must be applied under certain conditions but if you can add star fruit to your diet, it’s a welcome choice.
A study in Bangladesh reviewed the chemistry of carambola and its use in that country:
“Fruits and its fruit juice are used as antioxidant, astringent, tonic also to treat diarrhoea, vomiting, dysentery, hepatic colic, bleeding piles, relieving thirst and febrile excitement.
The leaves are antipruritic, antipyretic and anthelmintic and are also useful in scabies, fractured bones, and various types of poisoning, intermittent fevers and intestinal worms.” (16)
Carambola definitely gets a gold star in health.