Contents
grapefruit – the fruit of an evergreen subtropical tree. Not everyone knows that its fruits are red, white, yellow and pink. They taste not always bitter-sour, some fruits are sweet. Regardless of the color, the fruit is good for the body. If you eat half a grapefruit daily, the body will receive the required amount of vitamin C. Grapefruit: the benefits and harms to the health of the body, we will consider from all sides.
The fruit pulp contains useful substances – lycopene, limonoids, naringenin. It is not surprising that American scientists, after numerous studies, have come to the conclusion that the content of these components in grapefruit helps fight cancer cells. In addition, in the fight against excess weight, grapefruit is also a great helper. Eating half of the fruit per day can increase metabolism, which leads to the breakdown of fats.
General benefits
1. Fights excess weight.
Numerous studies have shown that grapefruit helps the body get rid of waste and excess fluid, which leads to weight loss. This is facilitated by activated protein kinase. When this enzyme enters the human body, the metabolism increases, this leads to natural weight loss. To enhance the effect of weight loss, in addition to eating grapefruit, you need to exercise, from which citrus enzymes will begin to work even better.
Animal studies have shown that regular consumption of grapefruit helps to effectively fight subcutaneous fat, the total body weight begins to decrease. The fruit not only helps to lose weight, but also increases physical performance.
Then American scientists decided to conduct studies with overweight people, and the results were not long in coming. Weight loss was observed in 91% of patients.
2. Fights cancer.
Studies by American scientists on animal cancer cells have shown that eating grapefruit can significantly reduce the risk of breast and stomach cancer. Experiments show that the risk of cancer is minimal, and for those who are already sick with this terrible disease, grapefruit will help slow down the development of cancer and metastases. It is believed that the use of grapefruit has a double benefit: on the one hand, its active substances help to reduce inflammation, and on the other hand, it increases immunity.
The value of grapefruit in the fight against cancer is also due to the presence of high doses of vitamin C and lycopene. Despite the fact that the presence of lycopene in the pulp of grapefruit is lower than, for example, in tomatoes, this representative of citrus fruits continues to arouse interest among oncologists around the world. The maximum amount of anti-cancer enzymes is found in red grapefruit, and the white fruit cannot boast of this.
3. Increases immunity.
Grapefruit is rich in vitamin C. Eating at least half of this fruit every day is a great way to saturate the body with essential trace elements and increase immunity. Numerous studies have shown that the immune system will be resistant to viruses if the body has the right amount of vitamin C. Grapefruit will help maintain this balance. Therefore, if you do not want to get sick with the flu and other colds, add this citrus to your diet.
4. Prevents the risk of stroke.
Research conducted in 2012 by American scientists showed that grapefruit not only helps to fight obesity, but also prevents the risk of stroke. This is especially true for women. The flavonoids found in the pulp of the fruit help reduce the risk of ischemic stroke. More than 7000 women took part in the study. The results were shocking – women who had grapefruit in their daily diet began to feel lightness throughout their bodies, and their risk of coronary heart disease decreased by 19%.
5. Improves eyesight.
Pink and red grapefruits are high in beta-carotene. This enzyme helps improve vision. One fruit a day helps to preserve eyesight and forget about tired eyes. Citrus contains vitamin A, naringenin, xanine. These substances are beneficial for eye health.
6. Helps with arthritis.
Salicylic acid, which is found in grapefruit, removes excess calcium from the body. When too much calcium is in the body, it destroys bone tissue, leading to arthritis. It is recommended to drink grapefruit juice along with apple cider vinegar to get the result.
7. Reduces cholesterol levels.
The antioxidants in citrus help lower cholesterol levels. A large number of people suffer from high cholesterol. In this case, doctors recommend not only sticking to proper nutrition, but also using grapefruit. This applies to those patients who, for some reason, refuse to undergo a course of drug treatment. Eating grapefruit every day can help lower cholesterol levels by 15%.
8. Cleans the liver.
Grapefruit nutrients help to remove toxins from the body, cleanse the liver. Naringenin, found in citrus, causes the liver to burn fat rather than store it.
9. Eliminates oral problems.
Eating grapefruit daily can help relieve bleeding gums and improve overall dental health.
10. Improves the functioning of the respiratory system.
Numerous studies have shown that vitamin C in citrus can help prevent asthma and fight respiratory problems. Vitamin C reduces shortness of breath in children.
11. Heals the kidneys.
People who drink 1 liter of grapefruit juice daily are less likely to develop kidney stones. Due to the content of vitamin C, citrus juice increases the pH of urine and increases the rate of excretion of excess fluid from the body naturally. This reduces the risk of kidney stones.
12. Good for diabetics.
The sugars in grapefruit stimulate their own production of insulin and increase the sensitivity of cells to it. When using grapefruit, diabetics are less likely to experience spikes in blood sugar.
13. Promotes the outflow of bile.
A regular outflow of bile is essential for the body to function properly. In the presence of viscous bile, which is separated in small quantities, it becomes more difficult for the stomach to cope with the incoming food, especially fatty ones. Without bile, the assimilation of vitamins A, D and K does not occur. Grapefruit promotes the separation of bile, which is already a prevention of stone formation, not to mention the full functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
14. Treats cataracts.
Above, we talked about the general benefits of grapefruit for the eyes. However, it turns out that he is able to cure a specific disease called cataracts. Grapefruit contains a powerful antioxidant that protects the lens of the eye from aging and deterioration. This antioxidant is called lycopene. It nourishes the retina of the eye, so it helps in the treatment of cataracts.
Benefits for women
15. Useful for menopause.
Grapefruit helps relieve the symptoms and negative effects of menopause. It reduces hot flashes and normalizes hormones. During menstruation, it is also recommended to consume grapefruit to get rid of pulling pains in the lower abdomen and lower back.
16. Useful during pregnancy.
The high amount of vitamin C makes grapefruit beneficial during pregnancy. It helps the correct development and formation of the fetus. Also, grapefruit eliminates the manifestations of toxicosis, improves digestion, protects against colds and viruses.
Skin Benefits
17. Fight against cellulite.
Grapefruit fights body fat not only when eaten, but also in aromatherapy. When the vapors of the extract of this fruit are inhaled, the general condition of a person improves, his nervous system is restored. Applying grapefruit oil to problem areas helps to reduce cellulite, and with regular use, you can completely forget about the “orange peel”. Therefore, if you have such problems, then do not be afraid to experience this wonderful remedy for yourself.
18. Improvement of the general condition of the skin.
Everyone knows that marketing now offers a huge amount of rejuvenation and facelift products. Often these creams and serums contain grapefruit extract. This is due to the fact that citrus contains natural acids that cleanse the skin. Vitamin C included in grapefruit is considered an excellent skin protector against premature aging.
Pink grapefruit contains beta-carotene, which produces collagen and slows down the aging of the skin, as well as tightens it, fights expression lines and crow’s feet around the eyes. Cosmetologists love cosmetics that contain pink grapefruit, thanks to lipokine. It protects the skin from the sun’s rays. Salicylic acid of citrus fights oily skin and acne.
Hair Benefits
19. Promotes hair growth.
Grapefruit and its extracts are a source of vitamin C. Proper use of this vitamin promotes hair growth. Grapefruit juice strengthens hair follicles and fights baldness.
20. Eliminates dandruff.
Hair follicles are often clogged due to dandruff and dry, flaky skin. This damages them and also inhibits hair growth. Grapefruit extract helps fight dandruff, dry hair and bacteria on the scalp.
Benefits for men
21. Improves male strength.
Grapefruit has a positive effect on male potency, increases sperm motility and promotes fertilization.
Harm and contraindications
1. Interaction with medicines.
It is necessary to introduce grapefruit into the diet carefully. If at this time you are undergoing a course of medication, then it is better to consult with your doctor whether it is possible to use grapefruit, since citrus is not combined with all medications and can cause severe allergies.
This is due to the fact that the enzymes that make up the fruit block up to 50% of drugs. This can, at best, lead to useless treatment, and at worst, to health complications. Grapefruit doesn’t combine with caffeine, so be careful. After drinking a cup of coffee, you do not need to eat citrus immediately, it is better to wait a few hours.
2. Causes skin cancer.
Grapefruit contains a substance called psoralen that increases the skin’s sensitivity to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Therefore, people with a tendency to form moles and birthmarks have an increased risk of developing melanoma (skin cancer). It is strongly not recommended to consume grapefruit and its derivatives while under the sun’s rays.
3. May lead to the breakdown of muscle tissue.
Eating grapefruit disrupts the breakdown of statins (cholesterol-lowering substances) in the liver. This leads to an increase in their concentration, up to a toxic level. An increase in the level of statins in the body can lead to the breakdown of muscle tissue.
4. Do not consume on an empty stomach.
Grapefruit has an acidic environment, in principle, like all citrus fruits, so its use on an empty stomach can irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, up to the development of gastritis or ulcers. And in the presence of these diseases, completely abandon the use of this fruit.
Chemical composition of the product
Nutritional value of grapefruit (100 g) and percentage of the daily value:
- The nutritional value
- Vitamins
- Macronutrients
- Trace Elements
- calories 35 kcal – 2,46%;
- proteins 0,7 g – 0,85%;
- fats 0,2 g – 0,31%;
- carbohydrates 6,5 g – 5%;
- dietary fiber 1,8 g – 9%;
- water 88,8 g – 3,47%.
- And 3 mcg – 0,3%;
- beta-carotene 0,02 mg – 0,4%;
- V1 0,05 mg – 3,3%;
- V2 0,03 mg – 1,7%;
- V5 0,21 mg – 4,2%;
- V6 0,04 mg – 2%;
- B9 3 μg – 0,8%;
- S 45 mg –50%;
- E 0,3 mg – 2%;
- PP 0,3 mg – 1,5%.
- potassium 184 mg – 7,4%;
- calcium 23 mg – 2,3%;
- magnesium 10 mg – 2,5%;
- sodium 13 mg – 1%;
- phosphorus 18 mg – 2,3%.
conclusions
Grapefruit is one of the healthiest fruits in the citrus family. It has a pleasant and invigorating taste, a tart aroma, and a number of beneficial benefits. However, it is worth remembering that there must be a balance in everything, because along with the advantages, all products have their disadvantages.
Useful Properties
- Fights excess weight.
- Fights cancer.
- Increases immunity.
- Prevents stroke.
- Improves eyesight.
- Helps with arthritis.
- Lowers cholesterol.
- Cleans the liver.
- Eliminates oral cavity problems.
- Improves the respiratory system.
- Heals the kidneys.
- Good for diabetics.
- Useful for menopause.
- Useful during pregnancy.
- Fights cellulite.
- Improves overall skin condition.
- Promotes hair growth.
- Eliminates dandruff.
- Improves male strength.
Harmful properties
- Interacts unfavorably with medicines.
- Causes skin cancer.
- May lead to muscle breakdown.
- Should not be consumed on an empty stomach.
Sources of Research
The main studies on the benefits and dangers of grapefruit have been carried out by foreign doctors and scientists. Below you can get acquainted with the primary sources of research on the basis of which this article was written:
Sources of Research
1.http: //www.aicr.org/foods-that-fight-cancer/grapefruit.html?referrer=http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/280882.php?referrer=http://www. aicr.org/foods-that-fight-cancer/grapefruit.html
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16579728
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20501876
4. http://academicjournals.org/journal/AJPP/article-full-text-pdf/81888CE51349
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16579728
6. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1467-2494.2006.00318.x
7. http://www.aicr.org/foods-that-fight-cancer/grapefruit.html?referrer=http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/280882.php?referrer=http://www.aicr.org/foods-that-fight-cancer/grapefruit.html?referrer=http://www.aicr.org/foods-that-fight-cancer/grapefruit.html?referrer=http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/280882.php?referrer=http://www.aicr.org/foods-that-fight-cancer/grapefruit/research.html
8. http://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2015/11/the-link-between-vitamin-c-and-optimal-immunity/page-01
9.https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120223182638.htm
10. http://www.refinery29.com/2014/05/67327/grapefruit-for-skin?bucketed=true
11. https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthy-eating/glycemic-index-and-glycemic-load-for-100-foods
12. http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1905/2
13. https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/clean_fifteen_list.php#.WspI6S5ubIU
14. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grapefruit
15. https://universityhealthnews.com/daily/nutrition/grapefruit-seed-extract-uses-and-benefits/
16. https://www.drugs.com/slideshow/grapefruit-drug-interactions-1028
17. https://www.rxlist.com/grapefruit/supplements.htm#SafetyConcerns
Additional useful information about grapefruit
How to use
1. In cooking.
In order to eat the grapefruit, the fruit is cut in half, the pulp is taken out with a spoon and eaten. But you can immediately peel it, divide it into slices and enjoy the delicious fruit. You can safely add it to various salads, make juices and cocktails from it. Grapefruit juice is also a good option if it is freshly squeezed and no sugar has been added to it.
Grapefruit juice can be used to sweeten cookies, cakes, and breads while baking. You can also use grapefruit juice as an ice cream topping instead of sugary syrups. You can make jam, jams from grapefruit, and can also be canned.
2. In cosmetology.
Grapefruit can be found in masks, creams, shampoos and anti-cellulite products. It is added to essential oils or perfumes and aromatherapy is performed. In addition, it can be used for aroma combing. For this, a wooden comb with rare teeth is taken. 1-2 drops of essential oil are applied to it and the hair is combed for 5-10 minutes. Hair becomes soft and shiny from this procedure.
3. Using the peel of grapefruit.
From the peel of grapefruit, you can make tea with the addition of ginger and honey. This drink will improve digestion and metabolism. You can make a salad from the zest, make a tincture or a decoction. Be sure to use not only the pulp of the fruit, but also its peel. In the uppermost layer of grapefruit zest are capsules with essential oils.
4. Eat grapefruit etiquette.
The grapefruit should be washed until a pleasant citrus scent develops. The peel must be cut horizontally, exposing but not touching the flesh. From the center you need to cut a “column” of pulp. Further, the pulp in the resulting recess is squeezed with a spoon until juice appears, and a little sugar is added there. Squeezing the pulp with a spoon and draining the juice, the separating pulp must be transferred to a separate container. This luxury can be served in beautiful glasses, adding sugar to taste.
How to choose
- The grapefruit should have a distinct citrus scent.
- The color range is allowed in the following shades: yellow, pinkish and orange.
- A red tint indicates the sweetness of the fruit.
- It is allowed to buy fruits with damages, scratches and dents. They could have resulted from friction against branches.
- If dark spots are seen at the base of the fruit, it is better not to take it, as this indicates that the fruit is spoiled.
- Ripe and fresh, the fruit should be firm.
- The heavier the grapefruit, the juicier it is and the thinner its rind, which is a plus for the purchase.
- The fruit must be of the correct round shape.
- Do not purchase fruit with shriveled or wrinkled skins.
How to store
- At room temperature, grapefruit is stored for 1-2 days.
- In the refrigerator – no longer than 10 days. After this period, the fruits dry out.
- The higher the ripeness of the fruit, the shorter its shelf life.
- Store it on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator or in the fruit drawer.
- Freshly squeezed juice is stored for XNUMX hours.
- Grapefruit is sensitive to temperature changes, so you should not change its storage location from warm to cold and vice versa.
- Like all citrus fruits, grapefruit should not be stored in plastic bags. They do not allow the fruit to “breathe”. Citruses can be stored either naturally or wrapped in paper.
- The cut grapefruit can also be kept open without using containers.
History of occurrence
The history of the fruit is still not known exactly. For the first time they learned about grapefruit in the 1750th century. The Welsh botanist priest Griffiths Hughes was the first to tell the world about grapefruit in XNUMX. He called the fruit “forbidden fruit”. Later, the grapefruit was called the “little sheddock” because of its resemblance to the pomelo. The grapefruit is a natural hybrid with the ancestors of the Jamaican orange and the Indonesian pomelo. Sometimes India is called the birthplace of grapefruit, sometimes Central and South America.
The fruit is most widespread in the United States. He appeared there in 1823. Today, the United States continues to be the largest producer of grapefruit in the world. They produce 35% of the total cultivated fruit. China is in second place, its share is only 11%. Also grapefruit is grown in Georgia, Israel and southern Russia. In our country, this fruit has been cultivated since 1911.
How and where is it grown
Grapefruit, also known as chakotra (Hindi), is a subtropical citrus fruit that tastes sour and slightly bitter. Grapefruit translated from English means “grape fruit”. The fact is that when ripe, the fruits form bunches resembling grapes. The fruits ripen for a long time, the process can take six months, or even a year. Grapefruit is widely cultivated in China, the United States, particularly Florida, California, and other semi-tropical southern states.
The fruit has a thick and tough skin. Inside, the pulp is segmented, like that of oranges. The fruit is very juicy and sour, ranging in color from white and pink to orange and red. Some varieties are seedless, and some can have up to 50 seeds half an inch long. Grapefruit trees reach a height of 5-7 meters, and in rare cases, even 12 meters. Grapefruit loves warmth, prefers a subtropical climate and fertile soil. Under good conditions, the first fruits appear at 4–5 years. In our country, grapefruit is grown on the Black Sea coast.
Interesting Facts
- There are about 20 varieties of grapefruit.
- In the middle of the century, white grapefruit was obtained in Florida.
- The grapefruit tree is the tallest of all citrus fruits.
- Translated from Latin, “grapefruit” means “heavenly fruit”.
- Up to 300 fruits can be harvested from one tree.
- The smell of grapefruit makes women 5-6 years younger in the eyes of men.
- One fruit contains 400 active ingredients.
- Grapefruit was originally grown for decorative purposes.