11 Amazing Health Benefits of Grapefruits

grapefruit

Grapefruit is a subtropical citrus fruit with a sour and mildly bitter taste. In fact, grapefruit was named after grapes because it actually grows in clusters like grapes. With a slightly tough skin than that of oranges, the flesh of this juicy fruit is also segmented like oranges.

Grapefruit is a rich source of lycopene, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, copper, calcium, iron, phosphorus, carotene as well as a number of health-promoting properties. Both the red and pink grapefruits contain high contents of beta-carotene and polychemicals, including limonoids, flavonoids, and terpenes.

 

grapefruit

 

The Health Benefits of Grapefruit

Grapefruit provides the body with a wide range of health benefits due to its high content of essential vitamins and minerals.

 

Treats Cancer

Grapefruit is high in flavonoids which help the body combat infections and protect the body from carcinogens that can cause cancer.

Grapefruits are high in pectin which functions as a laxative and helps to protect the colon mucous membrane by lowering exposure to toxic substances in the colon. Drinking grapefruit juice on a regular basis helps to prevent colon cancer and boost the production of healthy colon cells. Pectin also improves digestion.

The consumption of fruits, like grapefruit, which is rich in flavonoid and vitamin A helps to prevent oral cancer and lung cancer. Also, naringenin present in grapefruit helps to repair damaged DNA in prostate cancer cells.

 

Lowers Cholesterol

The antioxidants in grapefruit help to lower cholesterol level in the body. People who suffer from cholesterol issues are advised to incorporate grapefruit into their diet and it is very helpful for those who abstain from taking conventional medication. Yes, eating grapefruits can lower cholesterol level as well as decrease triglyceride levels. Grapefruit also improves heart health and prevents cardiovascular disease.

 

Aids in Weight Loss

Grapefruit juices are effective aiding weight loss and helping people to maintain a healthy weight. According to some studies, eating grapefruit on a regular basis helps to significantly reduce weight. Interestingly, grapefruits also lower insulin which it does by using fat as a fuel that leads to weight loss.

In addition to this, grapefruit contains very little calories and so it is an excellent option for people who are looking to lose weight. Like all foods rich in water-soluble fiber, grapefruit gives you that feeling of being full. The fruit contains a high water content which makes you feel full just like watermelon.

Grapefruits also help to prevent the absorption of carbohydrate in the body. Grapefruit juice is also effective for burning fat and correct weight gain problems.

Furthermore, grapefruits are rich in enzymes which help to reduce fat. The fruit is also low in sodium and contains high water content which increases the metabolism of the body.

 

grapefruit

 

Boosts Vision

Grapefruits are known to contain substantial amounts of beta-carotene that are essential to maintain eye health and boost vision. Grapefruits help to fight the effects of eye strain and aging. The fruit contains an amazing level of Vitamin A and flavonoid antioxidants such as naringin and naringenin as well as beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and xanthin. These antioxidants help to boost vision.

 

Inhibits Respiratory Issues

Studies have shown that vitamin C can prevent respiratory issues as well as asthma. Foods rich in vitamin C also reduce wheezing symptoms, particularly in children and treats a chronic cough, asthma, shortness of breath and even catarrh. The vitamins and minerals present in grapefruit also help to boost the immune system.

 

Alleviates Arthritis

Grapefruit contains salicylic acid which is effective in breaking down calcium in the body. Calcium causes an accumulation of the cartilage of joint paints which may result in arthritis.

 

grapefruit

 

Combats Infections

The flavonoids present in grapefruits help the body to ward off infections and protect the body from illness and diseases. Drinking grapefruit juice daily boosts immunity against heart-related diseases. The vitamin C, flavonoid, and minerals present in grapefruit makes it a disease-fighting powerhouse.

 

Detoxifies the Liver

Grapefruit contains many liver detoxifying agents, including various antioxidants and phytonutrients called limonoids that help to remove toxins from the liver by making them more water-soluble. As a matter of fact, grapefruit also has naringenin which helps the liver to burn fat instead of storing it.

 

Promotes Hair Health

Grapefruit is an excellent source of vitamin C. And when consumed in adequate amounts, vitamins are amazing for hair health and growth. Vitamin C contains powerful antioxidant properties that are effective in boosting the immunity system. This vitamin also strengthens the connective tissues in hair follicles.

When hair follicles get clogged because of dandruff or flaky skin, if left untreated, it can prevent hair growth. Thankfully, grapefruit extracts can help to combat the bacteria on the scalp. It helps to soothe the skin and fight off dandruff. This helps to get eliminate the follicles debris and support new hair growth.

 

grapefruit

 

Reduces the Risk of Kidney Stones

People who drink grapefruit juice on a regular basis reduce their risk of developing kidney stones. Due to the high content of Vitamin C, grapefruit juice helps to increase urinary pH and speed up the rate at which citric acid is secreted. This significantly lowers the risk of calcium stones developing.

 

Improves Skin Health

Grapefruit has a substantial amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, minerals, and anti-oxidants that are good for the skin. The vitamin C and the antioxidant are effective in protecting the skin against environmental side effects. The fruit also has the ability to stimulate the production of skin collagen that ensures the smoothness and elasticity of the skin. The retinol antioxidant softens the skin as well renew damaged skin and treat skin pigmentation.

In addition to this, the potassium found in grapefruit helps to clear wrinkles and fine lines and protects the skin against UV rays.

 

The Bottom Line

Considering these amazing health benefits of grapefruits, it’s not surprising that grapefruits are so loved. However, while adding grapefruit to your diet, do not forget to consult your doctor before eating grapefruit as there are medications that react to this fruit.