The Benefits and properties of grapefruit For health are broad: strengthens the immune system, prevents the onset of tumors, combats kidney stones... and others that I will explain below.
It is known that citrus fruits are a vitamin explosion, but the grapefruit has an infinity of other properties that justify the name that today give many: superfruit.
And although the grapefruit - also known as grapefruit - has a particular bitter taste that is sometimes difficult to get used to, here you will find enough reasons to never leave it.
But let's start with a useful explanation: For those who master English, it is likely that this fruit has caused them more of a plot.
And what we call grapefruit (Citrus Paradisi) in English is called grapefruit; In contrast, what English speakers call grapefruit is a variety similar to grapefruit / grapefruit and in Spanish is called pampelmusa (Citrus Maximus), Chinese grapefruit or shaddock.
Properties and Benefits of Grapefruit
Strengthens the immune system
Vitamin C is practically the most important of the immune system, and as the grapefruit is an immense source of it - in addition to vitamin B2, B3, potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, minerals... -, will allow you to combat the classic Winter flu, relieving symptoms and promoting a faster recovery.
Grapefruit seed extract, is a powerful bactericide, fungicide and also antiviral. And best of all, it is selective because it does not harm the"beneficial"bacteria of the body, such as those present in the intestinal flora.
Such is its antibacterial property, that in exceptional circumstances, you could use it to disinfect the water or even some surfaces, becoming a multiuse antiseptic.
Prevents the appearance of cancerous tumors
Its important contribution Lycopene , An antioxidant flavonoid also present in tomatoes and watermelons and that gives the segments its distinctive red color, makes it a great anticancer agent.
Certain studies suggest that this flavonoid, being a great neutralizer of free radicals - highly reactive and harmful molecules - may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, especially prostate, lung and stomach.
To take advantage of these components, we recommend that you choose to remove the peel and eat it in slices, instead of cutting it in half to squeeze it or to extract the pulp to tablespoons, because the white membrane that remains on the segments has almost three times more Flavonoids Than the rest of the fruit.
Another useful information: your body absorbs much better lycopene if you first cook the grapefruit.
However, if you do this you should be aware that vitamin C will be lost as it is destroyed by heat. That is why you should consume the raw grapefruit if you want to take advantage of it.
Fight kidney stones
Contains lots of D-limonene , The compound that gives citrus its characteristic aroma, and which is effective in preventing the formation of kidney stones, as well as gradually dissolve the existing ones. Increasing citric acid and urinary pH.
Take care of your heart
It is well known that having high cholesterol increases your chance of having a heart attack.
However, it is good to know that although cholesterol is always talked about as harmful - and there is a lot of reason - there are two types: cholesterol HDL , Known as"good"cholesterol, and the LDL , The hated"bad"cholesterol.
To our bad luck, it is LDL cholesterol that is found in the highest proportion in the body and accumulates in the arterial walls.
But to everyone's delight, thanks to its fiber and antioxidant levels, grapefruit is a very effective weapon in lowering levels of harmful LDL cholesterol. Something more than positive for those who suffer from Hypercholesterolemia Genetics, as the writer.
Prevents vascular diseases
Again thanks to its high attack power against harmful cholesterol, it facilitates blood circulation. In addition to that, it has a regressive effect on vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, which hardens and thickens arterial walls.
It also fights annoying, painful and unsightly varicose veins. And although the grapefruit does not disappear those that already are, yes it generates a relief in the same ones. In addition, the appearance of new varicose veins will be stopped.
Helps lose weight
Let's be honest, most of us are happy to hear of a food that can be eaten without guilt. And if it helps us to lose some weight - it's not a miracle, either - better.
If that is your case, we tell you that the component after the characteristic bitter taste of grapefruit, the flavonoid naringin, has shown an inhibiting power of cellular absorption of fatty acids. That way, our body does not keep all the carbohydrates we often overeat.
In addition, you should not forget that thanks to its high water content, it will help you achieve a feeling of satiety with a contribution of less than 32 calories per hundred grams, much lower than other citrus.
And if that were not enough, its high level of potassium and its minimum level of sodium, generates a diuretic effect, reducing the retention of liquids.
Protect your eyes
When did they ever tell you? You should eat carrots to have good eyesight. To me they convinced me that that's why the rabbits were fanatics of the vegetable.
Well, if you're still a fan of carrots, grapefruit is the solution, as it also has high levels of Beta-carotene And Vitamin A, preventing eye diseases such as cataracts or age-induced macular degeneration.
Improve the quality of your skin
Do the commercials show you smooth skin worthy of a photoshop edition?
It does not have to be a dream: a glass of grapefruit juice upon awakening will provide you with the antioxidants needed to show off a vital and beautiful skin. Maybe not the magazines, but very healthy.
Vitamin C is necessary for the production of collagen, which in turn generates keratin, a protein that protects skin cells and gives them flexibility.
In this way you can reduce the depth of wrinkles and dryness, delaying premature aging.
And if you suffer from acne or psoriasis it is very important that you include it in your diet, since vitamin C stops the free radicals that cause the aggressive damage and skin inflammation of these pathologies.
Grapefruit is also a great exfoliant, so take some cotton and apply its juice on your skin to clean pores, remove excess fat and gradually bleach stains.
And if your skin is sensitive and prone to irritation, opt for concentrated grapefruit extract - do not even use juice directly - it will soothe your skin and improve your appearance.
Fight rheumatoid arthritis
Its great content salicylic acid -the same that works as a base of acetylsalicílico acid or aspirin-helps eliminate the inorganic calcium that is deposited in the cartilage of the joints and that generates the characteristic swelling and pain of the arthritis
Improves breathing problems
Again, thanks to salicylic acid and its anti-inflammatory properties, grapefruit helps to mitigate respiratory diseases such as asthma.
Enemy of diabetes
Grapefruit naringenin helps insulin work better because it boosts the muscle's ability to absorb and use glucose.
This helps prevent the ups and downs of sugar, which often leave the sufferer without energy, and triggers the cravings.
Friend of your hair
Meanwhile beauty treatment, these days difficult to know how much chemical - and how innocuous - we are using daily on our hair.
That is why the antiseptic properties of grapefruit will give you the assurance that your hair is free of any residue, from chemicals, medicines or simply shampoo. And not only that, it also makes it very bright.
That is why we recommend that when washing your hair, rinse the shampoo with grapefruit juice and then rinse again, but this time with water. Extra data? The pink grapefruit is the most aromatic.
Digestive protection
Its contribution of malic acid facilitates digestion. In addition, it reduces flatulence by controlling the pathogenic flora of your intestines, which is to blame for the increase in gas. So keep it in mind after eating beans or any other vegetables.
It is also especially effective against intestinal parasites. That's why, if you are one of those who travels often, your stomach will thank you for drinking grapefruit juice.
It is that those who like to venture in different places often eat equally diverse foods; Often too rustic or simply not very salubrious, that bring guests of stone to your body.
Some data for consumption
* Grapefruit can be eaten in segments, in pieces as a snack - if you like, with some salt - or you can also roast them to caramelize the little sugar that contains and diminish their bitter taste. Even so, you can also roast it with brown sugar or some honey.
* You can eat it in salads or desserts; In the latter case, a little creamy yogurt mitigates its strong flavor.
* A grapefruit tea is another alternative, just leave it standing a couple of slices in freshly boiled water for a few minutes.
* If you consume it in the form of juice, cinnamon is a good ally. Other options are honey or mix it with orange juice. And if after all that still taste very bitter for your taste, you can add sugar (but hopefully do not do it, the idea is to be healthy!).
* Be original: transform it into a new sauce or a cocktail, how about making a margarita with grapefruit? Or a sour grapefruit?
* Since it has enough resistance to high temperatures, if stored correctly, they can last for centuries. Well, not so much, but at room temperature it easily lasts a week, and if you refrigerate it, up to 3 months.
* If you do not want to consume the fruit directly, you can opt for the essential oil of grapefruit, or the concentrated extract of the same, which, depending on its purpose, are used directly or dissolve in water.
* If you find yourself taking medications pay attention: Grapefruit is known to interact with liver enzymes that metabolize the drugs we ingest, which may complicate their absorption in certain cases. Consult your physician before consuming grapefruit or any of its derivatives.
History of grapefruit
As it is told - there are some connoisseurs who support it, others rebate it - the origins of the grapefruit are in a rather special story.
In the seventeenth century an English captain named Shaddock had brought to the island of Barbados some seeds of a large Chinese fruit, the pampelmusa.
The warm climate of the island prompted the seeds to begin to develop and that was how, in 1750, the Rev. Griffith Hughes, in his writings described an original island fruit that he described as a"small shaddock"and in The area was called"the forbidden fruit".
This is how this citrus turned out to be nothing more than an accidental hybrid between the classic sweet orange (Citrus Cinensis) and the pampelmusa worn by Captain Shaddock (remember, in English they call grapefruit!). Of course, if the story is true.
At present the United States and China are its major producers, there are many varieties of this fruit - red, white, white - of varying sizes - although almost always larger than orange - and each with more power in one or more of the properties Beneficial that we will tell you later.
For you to get excited, we tell you that it provides just over half of the daily dose of vitamin C That your body requires, something great if you consider that this vitamin regenerates other antioxidants like Vitamin E , So that they continue working in the organism.
In addition, its high fiber contribution, contrasts with a very low calorie and carbohydrate, no sodium and much less fat. What better?
Now let's go to the 11 reasons why you should turn grapefruit into a fixed element in your diet from today.