Is Starfruit Bad For You?
Also Known As: carambola
Short answer
Star fruits are bad for you only if you have kidney disease or osteoporosis. Otherwise, it is a wonderfully healthy fruit that can benefit you in many ways.
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Tired of the same old apples and bananas? The star fruit, also known as carambola, may be your next favorite healthy snack. Named for its shape when cut in a cross section, star fruits are highly nutritious and are a great contribution to a balanced diet.
Star fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C, as one serving (3.5 ounces) contains about 40% of your recommended daily intake. Vitamin C is necessary for maintaining good immune function and helps your body prevent scurvy, colds, flus, and various other infections. As a powerful antioxidant, it rids the body of free-radicals that can lead to the formation of cancer cells. Other antioxidants in star fruits also prevent inflammation throughout the body, thereby lowering the risk of illnesses such as heart disease.
Star fruits contain dietary fiber, which keeps you feeling regular and aids in weight loss, as fiber keeps you fuller for longer. It also contains potassium, which manages heart rate and blood pressure, and prevents cramping in your muscles. It should be noted that star fruits contain high amounts of oxalic acid, which is dangerous to people with kidney disease. Oxalic acid can lead to the formation of oxalate kidney stones, which in turn may lead to renal failure and death. What's more, this acid limits the absorption of calcium, and should therefore be avoided by those with osteoporosis.
However, if you have healthy bones and kidneys, there is no reason to pass up a fruit that is beneficial in so many ways.
Possible long-term side effects
- can lead to kidney stones if you have kidney disease
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decreased calcium absorption
Ingredients to be aware of
- oxalic acid (only dangerous for those with kidney disease or osteoporosis)
Benefits
- strengthens the immune system
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helps prevent inflammation
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helps prevent cancer
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helps prevent heart disease
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increases regularity
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aids in weight loss
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helps to manage heart rate and blood pressure
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Written by Lindsay
Published on: 12-31-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Lindsay
Published on: 12-31-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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