Grapefruit, a hybrid of pomelo and sweet orange, is a popular medicinal fruit that comes in different colors including pink, white, and yellow. Fresh grapefruit is often used for dessert and works well in cooking with seafood. Candied fruits can be made from the peel. The fruit is rich in vitamins, organic acids, pectin, fiber, minerals, essential oils, and a special substance called naringin. All parts of the fruit can be used, including the pulp, seeds, peel, and pulp segments. Bitter pulp segments are particularly rich in naringin and should not be discarded.
Fruit composition
Grapefruit contains high levels of vitamin C, surpassing even lemons, making it a useful prophylactic product to strengthen the immune system during cold and flu season. Studies have shown that incorporating grapefruit into your daily diet can lead to weight loss and reduce the levels of insulin and glucose in the blood. The high levels of magnesium and potassium in the fruit also help to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and activate the cardiovascular system, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis. Calcium in grapefruit benefits the condition of nails, hair, and bones, and can reduce bleeding gums, making it useful in treating periodontal disease. The fruit’s set of active elements also positively affects all digestive organs and the liver, helping to cleanse the intestines and treat constipation.
Grapefruit beneficial properties
The peel and pulp segments of the fruit contain naringin, a natural glycoside with various beneficial properties including boosting immunity, reducing bad cholesterol, improving blood circulation and preventing atherosclerosis, cleansing liver cells, and inhibiting the development of cancer cells.
Benefits for Women
For women, the antioxidants in grapefruit slow down cellular aging and prolong youth, leading to elastic skin and reducing the appearance of cellulite. The essential oil of the fruit is also used in cosmetics for creams against cellulite and edema, and aromatherapy with citrus oil can improve mood and energy levels. A grapefruit cosmetic mask can also improve lipid metabolism in the skin, giving it smoothness and elasticity.
Contraindications
However, grapefruit should be avoided during exacerbations of gastrointestinal ulcers, heartburn, and diseases of the bladder and kidneys, and can cause allergies. Additionally, it can interact with certain drugs, lowering the activity of depressive, hormonal, and antihistamine drugs.
