Considered the “fruit of paradise”, this food plays a fundamental role in strengthening the immune system. In addition, it is a real help in diets because it accelerates weight loss.
Whether we are talking about white, yellow or red, grapefruit has many benefits for the body, especially when consumed in the cold season.
Grapefruit first appeared in the 18th century as a result of crossing a pomelo and an orange. People called it “grapefruit” because it grows in clusters, similar to grapes.
The nutrients in a grapefruit can help maintain healthy skin, control weight, and protect against various ailments. That’s how.
Chemical composition of grapefruit
- the most important mineral components: potassium, sodium, iron, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium;
- pantothenic, folic, nicotinic and ascorbic acid;
- vitamin B1;
- tocopherol;
- riboflavin;
- pyridoxine;
- retinol.
- naringin – giving fruitthey have a pronounced bitter taste and also contain most of the health benefits and harms of grapefruit.
Nutritional value and calorie content of grapefruit
The calorie content of 100 g of pulp is 35 calories – this makes the fruit extremely dietary. True, it must be taken into account that the weight of a grapefruit is on average about 400 g.
Grapefruit – 7 health benefits
1. Grapefruit can accelerate weight loss
Grapefruit is a figure-sized food. It has several properties that promote weight loss, most notably its fiber content.
Rich in vitamin C, fiber and water, unsweetened grapefruit juice has health benefits by reducing body weight. The high vitamin C content increases the control of fat metabolism, thus contributing to fat burning.
A 2006 study found almost immediate benefits of consuming grapefruit for weight loss. The research, conducted on 91 obese subjects, showed that half a fresh grapefruit eaten three times a day before each meal led to significant weight loss compared to other methods such as grapefruit capsules, grapefruit juice and apple juice.
Notably, those in the group who consumed fresh grapefruits lost the most weight. On average, they lost 1.6 kilograms in 12 weeks. At the same time, participants in the apple juice group lost less than 0.3 kg on average. Those who drank grapefruit juice lost 1.5 kilograms, and those who took capsules – 1.1 kilograms.
2. Grapefruit reduces appetite and cravings
The rich fiber and water in grapefruit juice helps reduce appetite and cravings. This fruit is also known to prevent the excessive absorption of starch and sugar in our intestines.
A 2011 study reported that consuming fresh grapefruit before meals, either as a fruit or as an unsweetened juice, has health benefits especially in adults diagnosed with obesity.
3. Grapefruit helps heal the skin
Unsweetened grapefruit juice supports skin health, thanks to its high level of vitamin C and flavonoids which act as antioxidants. Vitamin C is very important in the production of collagen, which helps maintain the youth and elasticity of the skin.
Antioxidants also help fight premature aging caused by free radicals. The mild acid in grapefruit juice helps fade dark spots on the skin caused by excessive pigment production. The potassium in grapefruit juice also protects the skin from harmful UV rays, which means reducing the symptoms of premature aging such as wrinkles and dark spots.
4. Grapefruit helps with fever
The pulp or even grapefruit juice helps patients with fever by reducing the burning sensation that occurs as soon as the body reaches a high temperature. It is also known as a good way to improve the immune system to fight colds and various common diseases.
5. Grapefruit prevents stroke
A 2012 study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association reported that citrus fruits, particularly oranges and grapefruits, may reduce the risk of ischemic stroke.
Additionally, women who add grapefruit to their diet have a 19% lower risk of having an ischemic stroke than those who consume just a little bit of citrus.
6. Grapefruit supports heart health
A 2015 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people who eat lots of fruits and vegetables have a 15% lower risk of heart disease. Those who have the highest levels of vitamin C in their plasma have a much lower risk of heart disease.
7. Indigestion or constipation
Grapefruit is effective in determining the problem of dyspepsia. It is very light compared to different foods and for this reason it immediately acts on stomach pain reducing the heat and irritation caused.
A glass of grapefruit juice drunk in the morning could be a good remedy for curing constipation. This could be due to the stimulating impact of fibers on secretion and stimulation of gastric juices, which relieves the constriction of the digestive tract.
However, despite all its beneficial properties, the fruit is highly allergenic and can be harmful in some cases. Therefore, they can be given to a child no earlier than 2 years old, and if the child is, in principle, prone to food allergies, then only after 3 years.
Careful, People taking medications should consult a doctor before adding grapefruit or grapefruit juice to their diet. Grapefruit blocks the body’s use of some medications.
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