Grapefruit is one of the most popular citrus fruits.
It’s enjoyed by millions of people and often eaten regularly as a breakfast staple as well as a popular snack. Grapefruits are also one of the most highly regarded fruits when it comes to valuable nutrients and health benefits.
Grapefruits contain powerful antioxidants and nutrients, such as Vitamins A, B complex, C, K, and even Vitamin D.
Other important nutrients contained in grapefruit are potassium, folic acid, calcium, phytonutrients, and phosphorus. All this makes grapefruit a super purchase at the grocery store.
Consuming grapefruits on a regular basis boosts the immune system and helps prevent colds.
Additionally, grapefruit juice is effective in healing sore throats, eliminating coughs, and reducing fevers. Grapefruit is also instrumental in increasing the body’s alkalinity and reducing acidity, and in preventing or treating various diseases.
Additional benefits of eating grapefruit regularly include:
- Promoting the proper functioning of the digestive system. The fiber in the fruit aids in preventing constipation.
- Controlling high blood pressure
- Lowering cholesterol.
- Helping to control blood sugar levels. This makes grapefruit an excellent addition to a diet for diabetics.
- Reducing fatigue. Those needing a quick pick-me-up will find that a glass of grapefruit and lemon juice, mixed in equal parts, will dispel general fatigue.
- Relieving insomnia. People suffering from this condition should drink one glass of grapefruit juice before going to sleep.
- Relieving inflammation caused by inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
- And last but not least, grapefruit contains fat-burning enzymes that are instrumental in promoting weight loss.
Grapefruit can be classified as one of nature’s medicines, as it is instrumental in addressing various diseases.
Grapefruit has anti-cancer properties that can help prevent and help treat certain types of cancer. A recent study conducted at UCLA and Zhongshan University in China concluded that a beneficial plant compound found in grapefruit, known as naringenin, helped repair DNA in human prostate cancer cells.
It should be noted, however, that grapefruit does interact with certain medications. This is due to the fact that grapefruit interferes in the absorption of certain medications. If you are taking medications, consult your health professional before consuming grapefruits or grapefruit extracts.
On a final note, grapefruit can also be beneficial to the environment, itself. Little known facts are that grapefruit hulls can be used to condition soil. And grapefruit hulls and dried grapefruit can be used to feed cattle when combined with dried pulp.
