Autumn has gone and winter will soon be beckoning. At this time markets sell a sour fruit shaped like a star: kamranga. Its sourness fades considerably when it ripens. Cut crosswise, it looks like a perfect star, which is why it is called starfruit in English.
Starfruit is as remarkable in taste and nutrition as it is in looks. What sets it apart is its distinctive mineral and acid profile, particularly potassium, magnesium and oxalic acid, which play important roles in blood pressure control, digestion and metabolism.
1. Good for blood pressure and the heart
Many fruits contain vitamin C, but starfruit is special for its high potassium and magnesium, both of which help control blood pressure. Research in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that regularly eating potassium-rich fruit such as starfruit reduces the constriction of blood vessels and cuts the risk of heart disease by up to about 20 per cent.
2. A natural aid to digestion
Like amra (hog plum), starfruit aids digestion, though for a different reason: its natural organic acids increase digestive secretions, so food is digested faster. A study in the Journal of Gastrointestinal Health says its sour compounds activate stomach enzymes, speeding the breakdown of food and reducing gas and heartburn.
3. Rich in minerals rather than antioxidants
Compared with other sour fruits, starfruit has relatively little vitamin C but more minerals. Its potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and small amount of iron help keep the body's cells working, which is why it helps maintain physical balance and relieve fatigue.
4. Weight and diabetes control
One of starfruit's main features is that it is very low in calories and sugar. According to research in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, its polyphenols increase insulin sensitivity and slow the absorption of sugar, making it a relatively safe fruit for people with diabetes.
5. A caution for kidney patients
Starfruit contains oxalic acid, which can affect kidney function. According to Singapore's National Kidney Research Institute, if kidney patients eat large amounts of starfruit, toxic compounds can build up, which is harmful. So people with weak kidneys should consult a doctor before eating it.
Sources cited: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Journal of Gastrointestinal Health, Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, National Kidney Research Institute (Singapore).
Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.
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