10 most important beneficial properties of grapefruit

Hello my dear readers,

This week we have discovered the grapefruit, a citrus with multiple properties, perfect for slimming diets and with countless positive effects on the body.

And since really has multiple properties, today let’s discover some more of them.

The banana for athletes, the apple for those on a diet, strawberries for those who want a low calorie hunger, and it happens to forget about grapefruit, a citrus with multiple properties, rich in fiber, flavonoids, vitamins A, B, C and pectins.

Often used in slimming diets because it helps to decrease the absorption of food, grapefruit also contains a substance called limonene, responsible for the acid taste, but with anticancer properties.

Citrus salad
Photo credit: Pixabay, yana_tik

Grapefruit should be used with caution or even avoided if you are taking any medications, because it interacts with many of them; that is, it increases or decreases (depending on the drug) the bioavailability of the active ingredient, varying its pharmacokinetics.

Be especially careful if you use statin-based medicines to lower cholesterol levels, some sedatives, calcium channel blockers, often used for hypertension, and some antibiotics. If enzymes do not work in the liver in the correct way to metabolize these pharmacological substances, there is a risk of excessive and dangerous accumulation in the body, generating important problems that should not be underestimated.

So if you are taking any medications, before starting to eat grapefruit, please better consult your doctor if the grapefruit may affect your medications.

Having said that, grapefruit has also innumerable beneficial properties to help you stay healthy.

Grapefruit benefits_Popsicle Society

Let’s see 10 most important beneficial properties of grapefruit:

  1. Digestive system

Grapefruit has been discovered by modern pharmacology as it demonstrates its usefulness both for infections of the digestive system and, more simply, for simple digestion difficulties.

Precisely for this reason it is recommended for consumption at the end of the meal. Grapefruit stimulates the secretion of gastric juices, thanks also to the presence of dietary fiber, and helps digest proteins better.

It also has disinfectant properties against the body and helps fight lung infections. It purifies the blood and increases the defenses against some bacteria such as streptococci and staphylococci.

  1. Analgesic

If combined with caffeine (a spoonful of juice in a cup of coffee) it becomes an excellent analgesic. To be used with caution because grapefruit increases the effect of caffeine in the body.

  1. Excellent against insomnia

Being an excellent source of tryptophan, it is enough to drink a glass of grapefruit juice before going to sleep and have a good night sleep.

  1. Diabetes

Useful ally also against diabetes, thanks to the presence of flavonoids that regulate blood sugar levels, grapefruit helps to avoid glycemic peaks.

Grapefruit diet_Popsicle Society
Photo credit: Pixabay, ponce_photography
  1. Colon

The pectin contained in this citrus fruit defends the mucous membrane of the colon, protecting it from tumors and other diseases.

  1. Cholesterol

Pectin helps keep blood cholesterol levels under control. A good glass of grapefruit juice taken daily prevents plaque build-up in the arteries.

  1. Eyes and sight

Rich in antioxidants, as well as Vitamin A, C, beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, naringenin and naringin, grapefruit helps to maintain healthy eyes and therefore a healthy sight.

  1. Immune system

Vitamin C strengthens the immune system and helps the body develop protection against infectious agents. Just think that grapefruit juice is an effective aid in fighting fever!

  1. Anticancer

Lycopene is a flavonoid with antioxidant properties, especially present in pink grapefruit, useful against prostate cancer.

  1. An ally in the diet

Grapefruit acts as an appetite suppressant and is often included in weight loss diets. If consumed at the end of the meal, it accelerates the transformation of fats into energy. It also helps fight cellulite and water retention thanks to the high amount of potassium. Among its qualities it also has those of promoting the functioning of the liver and kidneys, thus having a purifying function of the blood and also diuretic and therefore disinfectant of the urinary tract.

grapefruit-seeds
Photo credit: Pixabay, Couleur

And to not forget the grapefruit seed extract

The grapefruit seed extract, available in pharmacies and herbal medicine, is effective against hundreds of types of bacteria and varieties of mushrooms. It does not damage the bacterial flora but stimulates and strengthens the immune system without any side effects, as well as counteracting free radicals and therefore postponing cellular aging.

Let’s see specifically the different uses of grapefruit seed extract.

External use:

  • in case of stomatitis (inflammation of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity) or bleeding of the gums, for pharyngitis or laryngitis: a mouthwash is prepared by combining 10 drops in a glass of water and rinsing.
  • Cold sores: put a drop of grapefruit extract and 9 drops of water and make compresses.
  • Acne and mycosis of skin and nails: use the extract diluted in water
  • Candida Albicans: use grapefruit seeds also integrating with lactic ferments (without milk)
  • Cystitis: 10 drops diluted in a glass of water to disinfect the urinary tract
  • Home use: 10 drops of extract diluted in half a liter of water to sanitize the house from bacteria and fungi.

Earth is giving us so many options for food! Eat healthy and stay healthy!

Thank you all for reading.

Have a wonderful day!

Love, R

Popsicle Society_kiss

 

24 thoughts

  1. Grapefruits seems to be a super food. Lovely photos and thank you for sharing the benefits of the grapefruit. It is not much common in our city -Pune. Have a happy day!

    1. It really is! Sorry to hear that is not so common there…I thought nowadays can find everything, everywhere 😊
      Thank you very much for stopping by! Wish you a wonderful day!

      1. I remember on my way to Yosemite seeing hundreds of Grapefruit bushed along side the road. I could see hundreds of grapefruit laying on the ground underneath! I bet the ones on the ground are better than what we get up here!

      2. Oh yes, usually they say the fruits on the ground are better than the ones in the tree….and I’ve experienced it myself and is very true 😉

  2. Aghhh. You are so right. Grapefruit is so over looked. I have trying to be more creative with foods and so I know you said to eat at the end of the meal but would it work in salads?

  3. This is the time we need to know about fruits that is rich in Vit C. Amazed with it’s external benefits. That is surprising, nature has answers for everything. Time to take care ourselves with what nature has given to us✨ Have a beautiful day ✨🤗

    1. Very true Simon! The nature gives us so many delicious, nutritious and healthy food, we just need to take it 😉
      Thank you very much for reading and commenting! Wish you a wonderful day! 🤗

  4. Another healthy dose. Grapefruit isn’t my favorite citrus because of the taste. But you can’t always the best of both worlds.

  5. I like grapefruit on its own. I cut it in half sideways and cut the flesh inside the fruit. Then I scoop it out with a spoon, yummy! If the taste is too bitter, I would recommend sprinkling a little sugar on the top. And grapefruit id great in a G&T!

    1. I’m glad you like it 😉 Thank you for sharing 😉 I’ve never tried to scoop it out though 😁 I must try 😉 Yes, sugar can help if it’s too bitter 😉

Leave a Reply