Kamaranka by whatever name it may be called, star fruit, carambola, five-corner fruit or the scientific, Averrhoa carambola, is not essential in the human diet and should be scrupulously avoided.
For, it is a “potent” source of two destructive toxins which can harm the kidneys and the nerves, warns Consultant Nephrologist Dr. Eranga S. Wijewickrama attached to the National Hospital of Sri Lanka, reiterating that it is better to be safe than sorry and not eat kamaranka or sip its juice as it is not a “must” fruit.
As we cannot predict who will get hit, it is better to avoid kamaranka, is this Specialist’s advice, taking into account the ‘classic’ example of a healthy young executive who after a hard day’s work with little food had a long, cool draught of kamaranka. A few days later he was in hospital with kidney damage.
