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Writer's pictureJahanara Monaf

Star Fruit & Insomnia

Everyone seems to be complaining of insomnia. Whilst there is a point behind the ear that I needle or bleed, there are things you can do to help yourself between clinic visit. Insomnia effects people who have heat in their body or are having prescription drugs that are hot in nature such as steroids or cancer treatment. The next time you wake up with irritability, puffiness, bags all signs that you’re not getting enough sleep, turn to star fruit for help. The fruit is loaded with magnesium 10g per 100g serving. Magnesium does this by maintaining levels of GABA (gamma-Aminobutyric acid), an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Another way star fruit induces sleep is by regulating the metabolism. Gut: the inner fleshy fruit and the waxy peel of star fruit provide both soluble and insoluble fibre. Dietary fibre helps maintain bowel health, improves nutrient uptake and bioavailability of minerals and vitamins. Not only feed it the gut bacteria but nourishes the GI tract well. Traditionally, carambola leaves decoction is used to flush out inflammation causing bacteria and toxins. Mega metabolism: with high levels of pyridoxine (Vitamin B6), folate, and riboflavin, star fruit can influence the metabolic processes and make them a little more efficient. These vitamins play a part in everything from nervous coordination and energy metabolism to circulation and cognitive control. Weight loss: with very little calories per fruit, this tropical treat won’t compromise your calorie goals, if you are trying to cut body fat. In fact, it is a great evening snack to munch on when hunger pangs strike. Furthermore, it is full of fibre, vitamins, and minerals that can speed the metabolism, which would be a great help for weight loss journey.

Healthy heart: With a moderate amount of calcium 3mg per 100g, star fruit can reduce your risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes by relieving tension on blood vessels and arteries. A study concluded that starfruit juice can be used as a complementary therapy to lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure patients suffering hypertension.

Fatty Liver: research shows that carambola has a hypolipidemic effect and can prevent the development of the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by lowering total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. A study suggested that the methanolic extract of Averrhoa carambola (A. carambola) leaf (MEACL) could be developed as a lipid-lowering agent. Smooth skin: another reason to eat plenty of star fruit! It may be beneficial for your skin thanks to the antioxidants including Vitamin C, quercetin, gallic acid, and other polyphenolic flavonoids. The antioxidants counter the effects of oxidative stress and neutralise free radicals before they damage the skin. Vitamin C plays a role in collagen production, thus it can prevent or minimize the appearance of wrinkles, while also keeping the skin radiant and blemish free as you age. Inflammation: the flavonoids in star fruit such as quercetin, epicatechin, and gallic acid can help prevent inflammation. With their antioxidant properties, these compounds neutralise harmful free radicals causing inflammatory disease. The vitamin C in star fruit is also anti-inflammatory and can reduce swelling in joints. Anaemia: iron deficiency anaemia is the most common type of anaemia, occurring when the body is low in iron. Iron is essential to synthesize red blood cells and to carry oxygen to all parts of the body. Medium sized star fruit has only 0.08mg iron but its vitamin C plays a key role in boosting iron absorption. This leads to increased production of blood cells and helps ward off fatigue and light headedness, the classical symptoms of anaemia.



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