Star Fruit Benefits Heart, Bowel Health

TAIWAN, China--Star fruit may lower cholesterol levels and add bulk and moisture to feces, according to a new animal study published in the June issue of Nutrition Research (24,5: 337-45, 2004) (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/02715317).

Researchers isolated water-insoluble fiber-rich fraction (WIFF) from the pulp of the popular Asian fruit Averrhoa carambola (A. carambola) and observed its effects on lipid and cholesterol metabolism in hamsters. Animals fed cellulose-added and fiber-free diets were used as controls. Consumption of A. carambola WIFF was found to decrease serum concentrations of triacylglycerol, total cholesterol and fecal bile acids, and increase fecal bulk and moisture. The authors of the study attributed these results to the possible ability of WIFF to enhance excretion of cholesterol and bile acids via feces.

The researchers concluded A. carambola WIFF could be a promising cholesterol-lowering ingredient in human nutrition or in formulations of fiber-rich functional foods.