Avoid eating Star Fruit if you're kidney disease patient

Star Fruit (also known as Carambola) is a great source of Vitamin C and contains plenty of antioxidants. The five-angled fruit acquired its name from the 5 pointed star shape when cut across the middle of the fruit. Is it safe to eat starfruit if i'm a kidney disease patient? Let's learn more about the nutritional benefits of star fruit as well as the Cons of Star Fruit, especially for those with kidney disease.

About Star Fruit
Starfruit (Carambola) is the fruit of Averrhoa carambola, a species of tree native to the Philippines (called balimbing or saranate, depending on their sourness), Indonesia (belimbing), India and Sri Lanka. Starfruit tree and its fruit are popular throughout Southeast Asia, the South Pacific and parts of East Asia. The tree is also cultivated throughout the tropics, such as in Costa Rica, Peru, Colombia, Trinidad, Ecuador, Guyana, Dominican Republic and Brazil, and, in the United States, in south Florida and Hawaii. Star Fruit has ridges running down its sides (generally 5) which in cross-section resembles a star, hence its name. The number of ridges can vary from 3 to 6. In addition to five corners, it has also many other names including: belimbing, Chinese star fruit, five-angled fruit and the star apple.

Star Fruit Nutrition
Star Fruit is rich in anti-oxidants and vitamin C and low in sugar, sodium and acid. Starfruit is also a potent source of both primary and secondary polyphenolic antioxidants, good source of fiber and Vitamin A.

Star Fruit and hypertension
In Asia, Star Fruit is known to help drop high blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels and lower risk of cardiovascular problems.

What does star fruit taste like?
Star fruit taste? Star fruit has unique mild sour and sweet taste. It is said to taste like a combination of plums, pineapples and melons. Ripe starfruits are sweet without being overwhelming, and has a tart, sour undertone. Unripe carambolas are firmer, sour, and taste like green apples.

Health Benefits of Star Fruit
Star Fruit benefits
+ excellent source of vitamin C
+ Vitamin C helps repel winter colds and flus
+ good source of fiber and Vitamin A
+ lower high blood pressure (hypertension)
+ low fat, lots of fiber, good for those planning to lose weight
+ sodium and cholesterol free

When is a Star Fruit ripe?
Star Fruit ripe? Ripe carambolas are mainly bright yellow with tinges of light green. A ripe starfruit will be golden yellow with slightly brownish tips on the ribs and very fragrant.

Cons of Star Fruit
Avoid eating star fruit if you have kidney problems! A small percentage of the human population should be cautious of the starfruit for health reasons. Starfruit contains oxalic acid, which can be harmful to individuals suffering from kidney failure, kidney stones, or those under kidney dialysis treatment. Consumption by those with kidney failure can produce hiccups, vomiting, nausea, and mental confusion. Fatal outcomes have been documented in some patients. Anyone who experiences hiccups, vomiting or other unusual symptoms after eating star fruit should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Star Fruit Recipes
How to slice and eat a star fruit?
+ eat fresh. You can simply wash the starfruit, after rinsing clean, slide the blade down the green edges of the star fruit / non-orange edge, remove any blemished areas, then cut crosswise or slice to get the star shape, starfruit seeds can be removed, and finally enjoy eating the five finger fruit. Eat the peel of starfruit? Just like an apple, the starfruit skin can be eaten too as long as it's clean.
+ cooked or juiced (can be combined with pear juice)
+ mixed with other fruits for a fruit salad