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Grapefruit history
Grapefruit is a citrus that grows in the subtropics on an evergreen tree. The fruit is similar to an orange, but larger and redder. It is also called “grape fruit” because the fruit grows in bunches.
The grapefruit is believed to have originated in India as a hybrid of pomelo and orange. In the 1911th century, this fruit took one of the leading places in the world market. In XNUMX, the fruit came to Our Country.
On February 2, countries that grow grapefruit for export in large volumes celebrate the harvest festival.
The benefits of grapefruit
Grapefruit is a very “vitamin” fruit: it contains vitamins A, PP, C, D and B vitamins, as well as minerals: potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and others. The pulp contains fiber, and the peel contains essential oils.
Grapefruit is mentioned in many diets. It helps to reduce weight due to the content of substances that speed up the metabolism, which allows you to burn extra calories faster.
The pulp of the fruit contains substances that break down cholesterol and reduce blood sugar levels. It is useful for people suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure and atherosclerosis.
Grapefruit can also help with low stomach acid. Thanks to the acid in its composition, digestion improves and the absorption of food is facilitated.
This citrus is a good general tonic. Even just the smell of grapefruit (the odorous essential oils in the peel) can reduce headaches and nervousness. In the autumn – winter period, the use of grapefruit will help to avoid vitamin deficiency and support immunity.
The composition and calorie content of grapefruit
| Caloric content for 100 grams | 32 kcal |
| Proteins | 0.7 g |
| Fats | 0.2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6.5 g |
Grapefruit harm
Like any citrus, grapefruit causes allergic reactions more often than other fruits, so it should be introduced into the diet gradually, and not given to children under 3 years old.
– With the frequent use of grapefruit and the simultaneous use of drugs, the effect of the latter can be enhanced or vice versa, inhibited. Therefore, it is better to consult a doctor about the compatibility of the drug with this fruit. Excessive consumption of fresh fruits can exacerbate diseases of the stomach and intestines. With increased acidity of gastric juice, as well as hepatitis and nephritis, grapefruit is contraindicated, says Alexander Voynov, dietetics and wellness consultant at the WeGym fitness club network.
The use of grapefruit in medicine
One of the well-known properties of grapefruit is to help in weight loss. It removes toxins and excess water, and speeds up metabolism, which makes grapefruit a great addition to any diet.
Grapefruit is recommended for people with weakened immune systems, in the recovery period after illness, with chronic fatigue. This fruit tones, has antioxidant properties, saturates the body with vitamins. Grapefruit helps fight infections as it has antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
The fruit is useful for the elderly and people at risk for heart disease, blood vessels and diabetes, as it lowers cholesterol, sugar and strengthens blood vessels.
In cosmetology, grapefruit essential oil is added to anti-cellulite masks, creams against age spots and rashes. For this, you can use fruit juice, but not on inflamed skin. Also, the oil has a relaxing effect, so it is used in aromatherapy.
The use of grapefruit in cooking
Grapefruit is used mainly in its raw form: it is added to salads, cocktails, juice is squeezed out of it. Also, this fruit is baked, fried and jam is made from it, candied fruits are made. The essential oil is extracted from the peel.
Shrimp and grapefruit salad
This low-calorie salad is great for dinner or as an accompaniment to soup for lunch. Shrimp can be replaced with fish, chicken breast.
Ingredients:
| Shrimp boiled-frozen (peeled) | 250 g |
| grapefruit | 1 piece. |
| Avocado | 1 piece. |
| cucumbers | 1 piece. |
| Iceberg lettuce | 0.5 cobs |
| Garlic | 2 denticles |
| Olive oil | 3 century. l. |
| Provence herbs, salt, ground black pepper | to taste |
Defrost shrimp at room temperature. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan and fry the peeled garlic cloves until golden brown, after crushing them with a knife. Next, remove the garlic and fry the shrimp in garlic oil for a couple of minutes. Peel cucumbers and avocados and cut into cubes. Peel the grapefruit from the peel and films, cut the pulp. Tear lettuce leaves into pieces. Mix all the ingredients, season with oil, salt and pepper.
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Baked grapefruit with honey
Unusual grapefruit dessert. Served warm with ice cream.
Ingredients:
| grapefruit | 1 piece. |
| Honey | to taste |
| Butter | 1 tsp. |
Cut the grapefruit in half, cut the peel with a knife to open the slices, but do not remove them. Put a teaspoon of butter in the middle, pour honey on top and bake in the oven or on the grill until golden brown at a temperature of 180 degrees. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How to choose and store grapefruit
When choosing, you should pay attention to the appearance of the fetus. Ripeness is indicated by red spots or a ruddy side on a yellow peel. Too soft or shriveled fruit has stale and may begin to ferment. A good fruit has a strong citrus smell.
Grapefruit should be stored in the refrigerator in a film or bag for up to 10 days. Peeled slices quickly deteriorate and dry, so they are best eaten immediately. Freshly squeezed juice can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two days. Dried zest is stored in an airtight glass container for up to a year.