Benefits of Star Fruit for Hair Growth

The subtropical carambola is also known as star fruit due to its pentagonal shape. When cut across or viewed on end, the star fruit is shaped like a five-pointed star. Tasting both sweet and sour, star fruit is popular in a wide variety of cuisines but is also eaten alone. Rich in vitamins and amino acids, carambola is good for the hair and skin, but most people would not eat the fruit in large enough numbers for it to have any immediate major effect on overall health.

Vitamin C

Star fruit is rich in vitamin C which, in addition to preventing colds, can help keep skin healthy by aiding in the formation of collagen. Having too little vitamin C will not cause hair to fall out, but it does lead to problems absorbing iron which, in turn, can cause hair loss.

As a result, eating star fruit can help keep skin healthier and allow other nutrients that are good for body and hair to circulate in the body more freely.

Vitamin B Complex

Carambola or star fruit also contains thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin in small amounts. These vitamins all help keep the metabolism steady and strong. Hair needs these vitamins to continue the processes involved in follicle growth.

Overall Health

In addition to vitamins A and B, star fruit is high in fiber and iron. Like many watery fruits, it has a low calorie content as well. While eating a star fruit will not give the body as much vitamin C as taking a pill, which usually has 500 mg, eating fruits rich in natural vitamins is important in keeping body and hair healthy.

In many countries, star fruit is used as a home remedy for things like hangovers, sunstroke, and even helping to care for eczema. Star fruit may not turn hair into a long, luxurious mane overnight, but it can contribute to good health over time.

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Benefits of Juicing Cucumbers

The top benefit of juicing cucumbers is that you get significantly more nutrients than if you add a few slices of cucumber to your salad. Cucumber juice contributes to your daily veggie intake, with a cup of juice equal to a serving of vegetables, reports the U.S. Department of Agriculture. While you can enjoy juice made primarily from cucumbers, the cucumber’s mild flavor also merges well with any other veggie or fruit you want to add to the mix.

Vitamin K for Nerves and Bones

Vitamin K is essential for making blood clot, which stops the bleeding after you suffer a cut or injury, but that's not its only job.

It also helps maintain bone strength by regulating bone metabolism and making sure bones take up plenty of calcium, reports Bastyr University.

Experts have also discovered that vitamin K supports the growth of neurons and contributes to the structure of brain cells, according to a 2012 report in Advances in Nutrition.

While the amount of cucumber you juice will vary depending on the other ingredients you use, it generally takes at least one large cucumber to make a serving. One cucumber supplies 25 percent of the daily value of vitamin K, based on a 2,000-calorie-a-day diet.

Vitamin C Fights Free Radicals

When you juice one large cucumber, you’ll gain 15 percent of the daily value of vitamin C, according to NutritionValue.org. That means you’ll get three times more vitamin C from a serving of juice than if you ate 10 slices of fresh cucumber.
Vitamin C has the ability to interact with molecules called free radicals, stopping them from interacting with -- and damaging -- healthy cells throughout your body. In this role, it helps prevent inflammation and chronic disease, such as heart disease, notes the Office of Dietary Supplements.

Vitamin C must be available for your body to produce collagen. This connective tissue strengthens and supports your skin, bones, tendons and virtually every tissue in your body.

Copper and Manganese Support Metabolism

The trace minerals copper and manganese also support the health of connective tissues and bones. Copper participates in collagen synthesis, while manganese contributes to bone development. One large cucumber provides 10 percent of the daily value of both minerals.

These minerals also support one another, because copper helps your body metabolize energy and manganese provides antioxidant protection to the structures inside each cell that produces energy.

Practical Juicing Tips

Cucumber juice doesn’t contain fiber, because most juicers filter it out. You can use psyllium, guar gum or ground flax seed to add fiber to your juice. Otherwise, be sure to get your daily fiber by adding extra whole vegetables, whole grains or beans to your menu.
Raw juice that isn’t pasteurized tends to spoil quickly, so make just enough to consume right after it’s juiced, suggests University of Wisconsin Integrative Medicine.

Cucumber juice can be as simple as you want, but thanks to its mellow flavor, you have many options. Try juicing cucumbers with any combination of strawberries, oranges, carrots, apples, ginger, leafy greens, celery, parsley or beets to boost flavor and nutrients.

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