According to healthline- Belimbing wuluh (Averrhoa bilimbi) is one of the native plants of Southeast Asia that thrives in almost all parts of Indonesia.
This plant is also known as vegetable starfruit because it is often used as an additional ingredient in dishes to produce a natural sour taste.
Behind its sour taste, there are various potential health benefits of star fruit.
These benefits come from the nutrients it contains, such as vitamin C, tannins, saponins, calcium oxalate, and others.
Health benefits of star fruit
Starting from controlling blood sugar to overcoming panu, here are the benefits of star fruit for health.
1. Controlling blood sugar
One of the benefits of star fruit is that it is believed to help control blood sugar levels by monitoring insulin activity in the body.
The flavonoids and dietary fiber content in it serve to prevent sudden spikes in blood glucose levels after eating, helping to keep diabetes symptoms under control.
One way to enjoy this fruit is by boiling it. To get the benefits of belimbing wuluh boiled water, you can try the method mentioned in the book Benefits of Fruits by Dayat Suryana.
Basically, you just need to pulverize 6 belimbing wuluh fruits and boil them with a glass of water until half remains.
After that, strain and drink the water twice a day.
2. Lowering high blood pressure
Many traditional medicines are believed to lower high blood pressure, one of which is belimbing wuluh.
This claim regarding the usefulness of star fruit has been proven through a study in the Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science.
The study states that the flavonoid content in it is considered to dilate blood vessels and reduce resistance to blood flow.
To help lower high blood pressure, you can consume star fruit stew as previously described.
However, further research is needed to validate this claim of benefit in humans.
3. Treats cough
Belimbing wuluh is also believed to treat coughs. This is because the vitamin C content in it is thought to provide benefits for immune function.
By strengthening the body's defense mechanism, the vitamin C content can help treat coughs and colds due to seasonal changes or allergies.
However, more research is needed on the benefits of star fruit.
4. Lowers cholesterol
Thanks to its bioactive compounds, such as terpenoids, tannins, phenols, and flavonoids, star fruit is claimed to help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and increase good cholesterol (HDL).
This has also been proven through a study in The Pharma Innovation Journal.
However, research related to the benefits of star fruit is still very limited so further research is needed.
5. Treat hemorrhoids
There are also claims of the benefits of star fruit leaves in helping to treat hemorrhoids. This claim comes from the strong anti-inflammatory substances in it, namely tannins and terpenes.
These anti-inflammatory effects are thought to help reduce swelling of the blood vessels in the anus and rectum (piles).
Applying belimbing wuluh fruit and leaf extract to the hemorrhoid area is also considered to reduce pain and inflammation.
6. Treats acne
If you have stubborn acne that is difficult to disappear, there is nothing wrong with trying the properties of belimbing wuluh in overcoming acne.
The reason is, this fruit has active compounds, such as flavonoids, tannins, saponins and triterpenoids, which are proven to inhibit the biological activity of acne-causing bacteria Acne vulgaris.
The benefits of belimbing wuluh for the face do not stop there. Its vitamin C, oxalic acid and vitamin A content also provide antioxidant properties that help protect the skin from free radical damage while improving skin health.
7. Fights bacterial infections
Star fruit is also claimed to be able to fight bacteria that can cause diseases, such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections.
A study in the International Journal of Pharmacognosy, revealed that there are at least six pathogens that cannot withstand the content contained in this fruit.
The six pathogens include two Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus and Bacillus megaterium), two Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and two types of fungi (Aspergillus ochraceous and Cryptococcus neoformans).
8. Treating wounds
Another potential benefit of star fruit is that it helps treat oral wounds, including tooth and gum pain.
This is also supported by a study in the Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences.
If the fruit is too acidic to consume, you can apply the leaf extract to the injured area.
The content of belimbing wuluh is proven to increase the number of fibroblasts, aka threads that function to close the wound.
Belimbing wuluh side effects
Belimbing wuluh can be consumed as an addition to food, for example giving a sour taste to processed fish, shrimp, or chili sauce.
You can also get the benefits of belimbing wuluh by eating the fruit directly if you can bear its sour taste.
However, it is not recommended to drink star fruit juice, especially in large quantities.
This is because the abundant oxalic acid content in it can cause poisoning, acute nephropathy, and even lead to kidney failure.
When your body is poisoned by oxalic acid, you must be immediately taken to the emergency room and undergo hemodialysis, aka dialysis.
Fortunately, based on existing cases, this condition can be cured after undergoing treatment for 2-6 weeks.
Lastly, despite the many health benefits of star fruit, you should consult your doctor before trying it, especially if you have certain health problems.
Content created and supplied by: Sportyblitz (via Opera News )
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