Star fruit... is it toxic?

20 October 2008

Mummy received this information in her email. Of course we're not certain whether it's true, but it's better to watch out than regret later... Anyway, here's the extract of what the warning says about star fruits:

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 100ml of its juice and the ordinarily harmless star fruit transforms into poison in a matter of hours for kidney patients. ...

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 star 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.

Hope this sheds some information for all of us...

P/S: Word of the day... Nephrologist is a physician who specializes in diseases of the kidneys