Grapefruit - Health Benefits And Contraindications

Grapefruit is a yellow-orange citrus fruit that looks like an orange. Its flesh is more acidic than orange, and the white skins are bitter. Many scientists believe that the fruit originated in India as a result of natural hybridization between pomelo and orange. No matter how it is born, citrus undoubtedly abounds in useful characteristics due to its rich nutritional composition and low caloric content. In the following lines we will look at what valuable substances for human health are contained in it, how the consumption of the fruit affects our body and why we should be careful with eating grapefruit while taking medication.

Nutritional composition of grapefruit

Like all citrus fruits, this one contains many important substances for the human body, including:

• vitamins (A, PP, C, D, B1, B2, B9);
• minerals (potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, iodine, iron, cobalt, copper, manganese, zinc, fluorine);
• antioxidants,
• cellulose;
• carotenoids;
• organic acids;
• essential oil.

Health benefits and healing properties of grapefruit

The essential oils and organic acids in citrus fruit play an important role in improving the digestive process, digestion and the formation of digestive juices. Those who suffer from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract associated with low acidity of gastric juice, it is good to take 200-250 milliliters of grapefruit juice.

In the elderly, the use of the fruit helps to lower blood pressure and fights the signs of atherosclerosis. In addition, the substances in citrus have a beneficial effect on the activity of the nervous system, so it is useful for mental and physical fatigue, helps to normalize sleep, is also recommended against insomnia, reduces headaches.

The amount of cellulose in the fruit, which increases intestinal peristalsis, is a prophylaxis against constipation.

The vitamins in grapefruit strengthen the immune system and eliminate swelling.

The beneficial properties of the fruit are not limited to this. As an aromatherapy, citrus has a beneficial effect on depression and apathy. Restores the thirst for life, helps to get rid of doubts, contributes to good mood, sharpens attention and memory.

The  nutrients contained in grapefruit help to avoid drowsiness, dizziness, lethargy.

The fruit helps to normalize cholesterol levels and helps reduce insulin intake in diabetes, nutritionists recommend eating at least 1 citrus a day.

Grapefruit - calories and weight loss

Grapefruit is considered a dietary product that fights excess weight. This is due to the presence of substances in its composition that are able to destroy and remove cholesterol, speed up metabolism and lower blood sugar levels.

In addition, the calories in 100 grams of fresh fruit are only 32, in canned for the same amount they increase minimally and become 37, and in 100 milliliters of juice there are only 30 kCal.

All this means that it is useful to include citrus in some form in your diet if you decide to lose weight.

Grapefruit in cooking

Citrus can be eaten raw, it is used to make juices, alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, fruit jams and salads. Grapefruit juice is used to make spicy sauces and marinades. Essential oils are extracted from the peel of the fruit, which are used in the production of confectionery syrups and extracts for alcoholic beverages.

When not to eat grapefruit: harm, contraindications and incompatibility

Some substances in citrus can suppress the action of certain drugs, especially birth control pills, so you should consult about the compatibility between the two products.

As for the juice of the fruit, it has the opposite effect - it can enhance the action of drugs, increasing their concentration in the blood, which can lead to side effects associated with overdose.

Excessive consumption of grapefruit may adversely affect liver function, slowing down the work of the body, and therefore the removal of harmful substances from the body.

People with gastrointestinal problems associated with high acidity, also suffering from hepatitis and nephritis should not eat grapefruit. In the presence of allergies to citrus fruits should also not be present in the menu.