5 Health Benefits of Grapefruit

Grapefruit is a large subtropical citrus fruit commonly known for its slightly bitter and sour taste. It was first produced in Barbados as a cross between a grapefruit and a sweet orange. Grapefruit is named after the grape because the grapefruit grows in bunches like grapes.

 

Many grapefruit varieties are being grown in different countries such as the United States and China. Famous varieties include those with red, pink and white pulp. Like all other citrus fruits, grapefruit is high in vitamin C, although this is not the only benefit you can get from grapefruit. Here are five other health benefits of grapefruit.

 

Grapefruit is rich in fat-burning enzymes, has a high water content, and is low in sodium. The combination of these three characteristics makes grapefruit a perfect food to boost your body’s metabolism. Try eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice every day and you will notice how quickly you lose those extra pounds.

 

 

Grapefruit contains salicylic acid which helps break down the body’s inorganic calcium, which builds up in the cartilage of joints and can lead to arthritis. If you have arthritis, try drinking grapefruit juice with apple cider vinegar. You will notice a reduction in your arthritis symptoms.

 

The salicylic acid in grapefruit also acts as a powerful antiseptic. Additionally, grapefruit seed extract can be added to water to create an antiseptic spray to treat bacterial and fungal infections.

 

 

Lycopene is a carotenoid pigment responsible for the red color of grapefruit. It is a powerful agent against tumors and cancer because it acts as a scavenger of cancer-causing radicals. Lycopene works best with vitamins A and C, which are also found in grapefruit.

 

An antioxidant compound, called naringenin, is also found in grapefruit. Naringenin helps repair damaged DNA in prostate cancer cells. DNA repair contributes to cancer prevention because it hinders the reproduction of cancer cells.

 

 

The antioxidants found in grapefruit are effective in lowering cholesterol levels. However, if you are taking prescription medications, you should not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice. Grapefruit has negative interactions with many prescription drugs such as those used to treat depression, allergies, high blood pressure, seizures, impotence, heart palpitations, and even HIV. Talk to your doctor if you want to use grapefruit as a regular form of treatment.

 

 

Eating or drinking grapefruit juice helps treat common colds, dissolve gallstones, improve liver function, and boost immunity against infections. Since grapefruit contains a type of fiber called pectin, it promotes better digestion. Also, if you want healthy and smooth skin, try adding grapefruit to your diet.

 

You can get many other benefits from grapefruit as it also contains essential elements such as iron, calcium, potassium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, folic acid, and B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin). You can even extract oil from grapefruit peels for use in aromatherapy.