scored 92/100
Carambola is a tropical star fruit low in calories and rich in vitamin C and fiber, making it a nutrient-dense addition to longevity-focused diets. Its unique oxalate content and antioxidant profile support immune function and oxidative stress reduction.
5.5 g net carbs after fiber.
Representative amounts for this food, not measured for this item. Real content varies widely by variety, ripeness and storage.
These are the scored components, not a sum: the published score also reflects normalisation across the catalog, so the parts above will not add to 92.
Less a 1.0 anti-nutrient penalty (moderate oxalates).
Carambola, commonly known as star fruit, is native to Southeast Asia and has been cultivated for centuries across tropical and subtropical regions. This distinctive five-pointed fruit contains approximately 91% water, making it exceptionally hydrating with minimal caloric burden. Per 100g, carambola delivers 34.4mg of vitamin C (57% of daily value), supporting collagen synthesis and immune resilience. The 2.8g of fiber per 100g aids digestive health and microbial diversity, while potassium (133mg) supports cardiovascular function and blood pressure regulation. Carambola contains notable amounts of polyphenolic antioxidants, including gallic acid and epicatechin, which combat oxidative stress—a fundamental driver of aging. The fruit's low glycemic index and minimal fructose content make it suitable for metabolic health and glucose stability. However, carambola is notably high in oxalates, which may be problematic for individuals with kidney disease or those prone to kidney stones. For otherwise healthy individuals, moderate consumption integrates well into evidence-based longevity protocols emphasizing plant diversity, micronutrient density, and whole-food antioxidants.
High vitamin C content (34.4mg/100g) acts as a cofactor for prolyl and lysyl hydroxylase enzymes, critical for collagen cross-linking and structural integrity. Vitamin C also enhances neutrophil function and antioxidant defense in immune cells.
Soluble and insoluble fiber (2.8g/100g) acts as prebiotic substrate, selectively promoting beneficial bacteria like Faecalibacterium and Roseburia species, which produce butyrate and support intestinal barrier integrity.
Potassium (133mg/100g) supports sodium-potassium pump function and vascular endothelial relaxation. Polyphenols reduce endothelial inflammation and LDL oxidation, key mechanisms in atherosclerosis prevention.
Gallic acid, epicatechin, and quercetin present in carambola donate electrons to free radicals, stabilizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reducing age-related cellular damage.
Low glycemic index (around 21) and minimal simple sugar content minimize postprandial glucose spikes, reducing insulin demand and supporting long-term metabolic resilience.
Morning consumption provides bioavailable vitamin C for immune priming, fiber for sustained satiety and microbiota support, and hydration to activate circadian metabolic processes. The low glycemic load supports stable morning glucose and cognitive function.
Fasting-compatible
Carambola is compatible with fasting protocols due to minimal caloric density (31 kcal/100g) and will not significantly trigger insulin response, making it suitable for late-stage intermittent fasting windows.
Per 100 g of the default form. Bars show how much higher or lower carambola is than the average across 95 peer foods in this category. Green means a favorable direction; amber means the opposite.
Carambola is classified as a fruit. Carambola is a tropical star fruit low in calories and rich in vitamin C and fiber, making it a nutrient-dense addition to longevity-focused diets.
Carambola scores 92/100 in Formulate, making it an exceptional choice. Its strongest contributions come from Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Copper. The score blends nutrient density, fiber, healthy fats, protein quality, bioactive compounds, and glycemic impact.
Not particularly. A 140 g serving provides about 1.5 g of protein (~3% of the 50 g daily value).
It's a moderate source of fiber. A 140 g serving provides about 3.9 g of fiber (~14% of the 28 g daily value).
In a 140 g serving, carambola is highest in Vitamin C (~54% DV), Vitamin B6 (~32% DV), Copper (~21% DV).
Sometimes — it depends on your daily carb budget. A 140 g serving has about 5.5 g of net carbs (9.4 g total minus 3.9 g fiber).
Best in the morning. Morning consumption provides bioavailable vitamin C for immune priming, fiber for sustained satiety and microbiota support, and hydration to activate circadian metabolic processes. The low glycemic load supports stable morning glucose and cognitive function.
A typical serving is around 140 g (~43 kcal), based on the FDA's Reference Amount Customarily Consumed for this food category. There's no fixed daily target — most adults benefit from rotating carambola alongside several other fruit sources.
Carambola pairs nicely with: Pair with almonds or walnuts because the vitamin C enhances non-heme iron absorption if consumed with iron-rich foods, while monounsaturated fats in nuts improve polyphenol bioavailability.; Combine with Greek yogurt because calcium from yogurt may partially mitigate oxalate absorption, while probiotics support carambola's fiber-driven microbiota benefits.; Mix with leafy greens (spinach, arugula) because carambola's vitamin C boosts iron absorption from greens, creating a synergistic nutrient-dense salad base.; Pair with ginger or turmeric because these rhizomes share complementary anti-inflammatory polyphenols, amplifying antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects through additive mechanisms.
Moderate oxalates.
Encyclopedia entries that supply the same signature nutrients carambola contributes. Click through to see clinical dose ranges, evidence quality, and bioavailable forms.
These are the nutrients carambolacontributes meaningfully toward (≥10% DV per 100 g serving). Click one to see what it does in the body, which supplements concentrate it, and which other foods are top sources.