Grapefruits are good for more than just weight loss. They contain many anti-cancer compounds that help fight many diseases.
Description
Grapefruit is a large orange fruit that belongs to the citrus family. The diameter of a grapefruit, depending on the variety, can range from four to six inches. The peel of the fruit looks like that of an orange, but its inside is colored white, pink or red. The taste of grapefruit can be bitter and sour, but this fruit is very healthy.
Nutritional value
Grapefruit is rich in vitamin C, which protects against colds and flu. These juicy fruits contain citric acid, natural sugars, essential oils such as limonene, pinene and citral. Grapefruit also contains small amounts of vitamins B, A, E and K. This citrus fruit is rich in minerals, contains large amounts of calcium, folic acid, phosphorus and potassium. Grapefruit’s nutritional phytonutrients, flavonoids and lycopene, fight cancer and various other diseases.
Benefit for health
Grapefruit should be carefully peeled before eating, but leave as much of the albedo (white layer under the skin) as possible, as it contains the highest amount of valuable bioflavonoids and other anti-cancer substances.
Acidity. Although grapefruit has a very sour taste, its juice is alkaline during digestion. It helps to neutralize the acidity of the digestive system, which causes a number of health problems.
Atherosclerosis. The pectin contained in this fruit effectively fights arterial deposits, and vitamin C helps to strengthen and maintain the elasticity of the arteries.
Mammary cancer. The bioflavonoids found in grapefruit stop the growth of cancer cells in breast cancer patients by ridding the body of excess estrogen.
Cold. Colds are usually a reminder from your body that you are overworked. Eating grapefruit regularly during a stressful period strengthens your immune system and helps it prevent disease.
Cholesterol. The combination of substances found in grapefruit helps to reduce the excessive production of cholesterol by the liver.
Diabetes. Diabetics can safely eat grapefruit. In fact, the consumption of this fruit will help reduce the amount of starches and sugar in the body. If you have a tendency to diabetes, consume more grapefruit juice to prevent the development of the disease.
Digestive disorders. This fruit promotes digestion by increasing the secretion of gastric juice. Eat fruit along with albedo for extra fiber that aids in bowel movements.
Fatigue. At the end of a long and tiring day, drink a glass of grapefruit juice with lemon juice in equal parts with a little honey to dispel fatigue.
Fever. In addition to drinking plenty of water, also drink grapefruit juice to reduce fever.
Insomnia. A sip of grapefruit juice before bed can help you fall asleep.
Pregnancy. The bioflavonoids and vitamin C found in grapefruit help reduce water retention and swelling in the extremities during pregnancy.
Sore throat. Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice helps relieve sore throats and soothes coughs.
Cancer of the stomach and pancreas. The anti-cancer compounds in grapefruit are abundant (especially in the albedo) and are effective in protecting against cancer in the digestive system.
Obesity. This fruit contains a fat-burning enzyme and helps lower sugar levels in the body. It is widely used by people who are trying to lose weight.
Tips
Choose grapefruits that are firm to the touch. The pink and red varieties are slightly sweeter. Keep grapefruits at room temperature before juicing to get the most out of it. If grapefruit juice is too bitter or sour, mix it with a little honey or other sweet fruit juices.
Attention
Grapefruit is rich in the flavonoid naringin, which prevents the absorption of synthetic artificial drugs. This is useful for human cells, as it helps to recognize foreign compounds that should not be in our body and, therefore, are perceived as toxins.
Eating grapefruit can stop the metabolism of these drugs, leaving the drugs in the body, thus creating a risk of toxic poisoning. Doctors may tell you that grapefruit is the cause of the toxemia, but in fact, medications are the cause of the problem.
If you are not taking medication, grapefruit juice will do you good. However, you should always remember that this fruit should only be eaten in moderation. Excessive consumption of any citrus juice can cause calcium to be leached out of the body, causing bone and tooth decay.