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Grapefruit juice: composition, useful properties. Video
Grapefruit is a citrus fruit that has many health benefits. Doctors recommend using it for a variety of different problems. Those who do not like to fiddle with membranes on the slices of the fruit can simply squeeze out the equally useful grapefruit juice.
Properties of grapefruit juice
Nutritional value of grapefruit juice
Grapefruit juice contains slightly more calories, proteins and carbohydrates than fruit pulp. So, in 200 grams of peeled grapefruit, there are 80 calories, 2 grams of protein and 20 grams of carbohydrates, but in the same amount of juice, that is, in one glass, 100 calories, 1 gram of protein and 25 grams of carbohydrates. But, as a rule, there are more different vitamins, minerals and active substances in the juice.
For weight loss, it is better to still consume grapefruit slices, and not drink juice, since the fruit contains healthy dietary fiber, and the juice squeezed out of it does not.
Essential vitamins and minerals in grapefruit juice and their properties
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, which contains about 94 mg per cup in freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, has antioxidant properties, that is, it neutralizes free radicals, protecting your cells from aging and various diseases. Vitamin C is beneficial for asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis. It also allows the body to produce collagen, which is needed not only for smooth and firm skin, but also for the stability of body tissues, including blood vessels, cartilage and ligaments.
Vitamin A, which supports the body’s immune system, also affects blood cells and bone marrow stem cells. Stem cells can develop into any kind of blood cells, vitamin A stimulates their transformation into erythrocytes or leukocytes. The same vitamin plays an important role in night vision, has a beneficial effect on the retina, helps to maintain healthy kidneys and lungs, and acts as an antioxidant. One glass of grapefruit juice contains the daily recommended dose for women and about 90% of the dose recommended for men.
Vitamin B9, or folic acid, is essential for healthy cell growth, protects against genetic mutations and is recommended for pregnant women. Folate is involved in the formation of red blood cells, which supply oxygen to the body. One glass of grapefruit juice contains about 25 mcg of folate. Grapefruit juice is recommended during pregnancy and because of its ability to relieve swelling.
Another B vitamin, B5, or pantothenic acid, is also found in grapefruit juice. It affects the hemoglobin of the blood, preventing anemia. Also useful against anemia and the copper contained in the same juice, it promotes the absorption of iron.
Grapefruit juice benefits your nervous and musculoskeletal systems due to its high potassium content. Potassium plays a central role in the life of nerve cells. The flow of potassium from them helps to induce an electrochemical signal called an action potential, allowing the nerves not only to “communicate” with each other, but also to transmit an “order” to muscle fibers, stimulating muscle contractions. A serving of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice provides you 310 mg of potassium.
Red and pink grapefruit contain more vitamins than white
Health Benefits of Grapefruit Juice
Recent research has shown some unique health benefits in freshly squeezed grapefruit juice. So, in a number of clinical experiments it was proved that juice from grapefruit not only, like all fruits rich in lycopene, reduces the risk of prostate cancer, but also protects the body from lung cancer and colon cancer. Naringenin, a flavonoid found in grapefruit juice, is able to repair damaged DNA in prostate cancer cells. Other biofalavonoids in this juice rid the body of excess estrogen, thereby lowering the risk of breast cancer in women.
Regular consumption of grapefruit juice reduces the chances of forming kidney stones, lowers acidity in the digestive system, and reduces the production of cholesterol in the liver.
Healthy grapefruit juice cocktails
Sometimes it’s worth supplementing your grapefruit juice with something to get the perfect, healthy drink. For example, if you feel tired and stressed, mix: – ½ cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice; – ½ glass of freshly squeezed lemon juice; – 1 tablespoon of honey. This cocktail will relieve fatigue and give you strength.
Benefits of grapefruit juice
Take: – 1 grapefruit – 1 orange – 2 sticks of celery – mint. Squeeze the juice from fruits and vegetables. After mixing grapefruit, orange and celery juices in a blender, pour into a glass and garnish with mint leaves. This cocktail is useful for women fighting cellulite.
A homemade cocktail of equal parts grapefruit juice and whey is recommended for athletes to drink after training to restore strength and increase immunity.
Do not drink grapefruit juice if you are taking certain medications, including: – some statins – antidepressants – calcium channel blockers – antihistamines – anticonvulsants – antiretrovirals Consult your doctor to make sure your medications are not interact with grapefruit juice.