- maybe HELP yours -

Star Fruit June 26, 2009

This fruit can end your life ! This is not an April Fool Joke. But a stern reminder to all my readers. We were advised to have a few servings of fruits a day in order to rep the benefits of fruits, right ? But obviously this is one big no-no fruit to be excluded from your fruity feast !

In Shenzen, more than 10 people who consumes the star fruit had died. And now a 66-year-old, Malaysian who has been suffering from kidney ailment fell into coma after eating the start fruits. Yes, all it takes is one fruit or 100 ml of its juice and the ordinarily harmless star fruit transforms poison in a matter of hours for kidney patients.

So does this mean, people without kidney problems should be fine with star fruit ! My take : Not at all !

Prevention is better, right? Universiti Malaya Medical Centre consultant nephrologist said that star fruits contain a neurotoxin which is not present in other fruits. It affects the brain and nerves. In healthy persons, the kidneys filter it out.

But for those with kidney problems, this potent toxin cannot be removed and will worsen the consumers’ conditions. The symptoms of start fruit poisoning include :
~Hiccups
~Numbness and weakness
~Feeling confused
~Agitation
~Epileptic fist

The risk of death is high if you are having kidney ailments ! But healthy individuals should beware of this fruit’s potential toxin too. It could also cripple your vitality if you are not lucky. So don’t take it for granted. It’s better to avoid them.

Please pass this news to others …

Concern with oxalates Star fruit contains oxalic acid which can combine with calcium, iron, sodium, magnesium, or potassium to form tiny little crystals with sharp edges known as oxalates. These crystals irritate the tissues.

One should avoid excessive consumption of star fruit on a daily basis. High levels of oxalates in the diet lead to irritation of the digestive system, and particularly of the stomach and kidneys. The oxalates may deplete the availability of calcium and weaken the bone.

Oxalates are also known to precipitate the formation of (calcium oxalate) kidney stones. It is also not advisable to boil or juice the young, immature fruit and consume it to control blood pressure. Excessive consumption of oxalic acid from the young fruit may lead to other side effects. People with kidney problems should avoid the fruit. The oxalates may cause serious intoxication.

Symptoms include insomnia, intractable hiccups, agitation, muscle weakness, and confusion of various degrees. Seizures, and cardio-respiratory arrest and death have been reported.

–
Dr. Martin Wee
UNITEDSTAR CORPORATION SDN. BHD.,
G-30 & G32 , Jalan PJU 1/45 ,
Aman Suria Damansara ,
47301 Petaling Jaya , Selangor ,
Malaysia .