How to eat starfruit, and what are the禁忌 (contraindications/precautions)?

        Generally, starfruit can be consumed directly, used to make juice, cooked into dishes, made into starfruit salad, or used in desserts. Contraindications include: patients with impaired kidney function should not consume it; people with allergic constitutions should eat it cautiously; excessive consumption is not recommended; it should not be eaten on an empty stomach; and possible interactions with medications. Details are as follows:

        I. Methods of Consumption

        1. Direct consumption: After washing, you may remove the stiff edges according to personal preference, slice it crosswise into thin slices shaped like stars. A small amount of salt or plum powder can be sprinkled to enhance flavor, or honey can be used as a dip to increase sweetness.

        2. Juice preparation: Strain starfruit juice after extraction, then add cold-brewed green tea, honey, and ice cubes. Decorate the rim of the glass with a slice of starfruit. Alternatively, mix starfruit juice with soda water and add lemon slices and mint for a refreshing, palate-cleansing beverage.

        3. Cooking dishes: Blanch shrimp briefly in boiling water, then quickly stir-fry with slices of starfruit and colorful peppers. Season with a little fish sauce or lemon juice to make stir-fried shrimp with starfruit. When stewing spare ribs, adding slices of starfruit will produce a clear, sweet broth with a fruity aroma.

        4. Starfruit salad: Cut the starfruit and other fruits, such as apples and bananas, into chunks and mix with an appropriate amount of salad dressing. This method of consumption is visually appealing, offers a rich texture, and allows for the intake of nutrients from multiple fruits.

        5. Starfruit desserts: Soak starfruit slices in salt water to remove bitterness, then cook them with rock sugar syrup and dry them to make candied fruit. Mix starfruit juice with gelatin sheets, refrigerate until solidified, and make starfruit jelly with transparent jelly enclosing the star-shaped fruit pulp.

        II. Contraindications

        1. Patients with impaired kidney function should not consume starfruit: Starfruit contains neurotoxins that can be metabolized and excreted by healthy individuals, but consumption by those with poor kidney function may lead to poisoning symptoms, such as hiccups and vomiting, and in severe cases, confusion.

        2. People with allergic constitutions should consume it cautiously: Starfruit contains certain allergenic components, and consumption may cause symptoms such as rashes and itching. If you find yourself allergic to starfruit, you should avoid consuming it.

        3. Excessive consumption is not recommended: Although starfruit is nutritious, no food should be consumed in excess, as it may impose a burden on the body. Overconsumption of starfruit may lead to the formation of stones due to its binding with calcium ions in the body, thus affecting health.

        4. Avoid eating on an empty stomach: Eating starfruit on an empty stomach may cause oxalic acid to irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Excessive intake of oxalic acid may also increase the risk of kidney stones.

        5. Drug interactions: Starfruit may inhibit drug-metabolizing enzymes, increasing the risk of side effects. Potassium in starfruit combined with potassium-sparing diuretics may cause hyperkalemia. Vitamin K may affect the anticoagulant effect of warfarin.

        Although starfruit is nutritious and can be consumed in various ways, it is important to observe the above contraindications to ensure good health.