It is known as grapefruit in some countries and grapefruit in others. It is a citrus fruit that bears many similarities to others such as lemon, orange and tangerine. However, grapefruit has different benefits and properties from the rest.
It has a bitter taste, yet it is pleasant to the palate. It is larger than an orange and there are different varieties, depending on the color of the peel, the intensity of the flavor and the ripening time of this fruit.
All the benefits and properties that you should know about grapefruit
Grapefruit has been widely used as an aid in weight loss diets. It is also said to help reduce cellulite. Although this has some truth to it, the reality is that this fruit has properties beyond those related to fat reduction.
Grapefruit can be consumed in juices or with other ingredients.. Whether as a dessert or as part of a delicious salad, the flavor of grapefruit adds an eccentric touch because of its bitter taste. Besides enjoying all the benefits and properties of grapefruit.
1. Vitamin C
Grapefruit has a high Vitamin C content.. A single grapefruit exceeds the minimum recommended intake of vitamin C in a day. In this way, this fruit helps the correct absorption of iron and helps to produce collagen.
In addition, vitamin C is an ally against respiratory diseases such as flu, so consuming it frequently shortly before and during the winter, will help to raise the defenses.
2. Diuretic
This fruit is composed of 90% pure water. It is also very low in carbohydrates. For this reason it isit is considered ideal to complement dietary regimes aimed at reducing weight and measurements..
These properties make grapefruit a diuretic fruit. So it can help when there is fluid retention and thus desinflamar. To take advantage of this benefit of grapefruit, it should be eaten whole, not in juice.
3. Pectin
Grapefruit, like all citrus fruits, contains pectin. This component helps to eliminate bad cholesterol and promote the increase of good cholesterol. For this reason, it is it is recommended to consume grapefruit segments when there is a tendency to accumulate bad cholesterol..
The highest concentration of pectin in a grapefruit is in the entire white part of the peel that covers the segments. For this reason, the recommendation is not to consume grapefruit in juice frequently and always prefer to eat it directly to take advantage of its properties.
4. Fiber
Grapefruit contains a good amount of fiber. Although it is not one of the fruits with the highest amounts of fiber, it does provide a benefit to the digestive system by favoring the intestinal tract. In addition, this property, together with pectin, helps to reduce bad cholesterol.
For this reason it is common to find grapefruit in some salad recipes. Besides that it gives a different touch of flavor,the fiber of this fruit, together with other fruits and vegetables, helps to regulate the function of the intestine..
5. Flavonoids
Naringin is a flavonoid present in grapefruit.This flavonoid has antioxidant propertiesIt has been studied in depth and has even been recognized as having anticarcinogenic properties.
Although grapefruit can be consumed in juice and is delicious, the best way to enjoy all its benefits, including naringin, is to eat it by segments and without removing too much skin, because that is where there is a high concentration of grapefruit properties.
- You may also be interested in: “Pomegranate: properties and benefits of this unique fruit”.
6. Helps to fight infections
Grapefruit, like orange, are efficient in fighting infections. This is because its high vitamin C content favors the strengthening of the immune system, helping to fight infections.
For this reason it is it is recommended to consume grapefruit or pomelo during episodes of infections, especially respiratory tract infections.. However, any infection can be reduced if a good amount of this fruit is consumed.
7. Folic acid
Folic acid has multiple properties and benefits for the body. Grapefruit has among its compounds, folic acid. This acid helps in the production of red and white blood cells, and also in the development of immune system antibodies.and also to the development of antibodies of the immune system.
Another very important benefit of folic acid is the formation of genetic material. Therefore, its consumption is recommended for people who are looking for a pregnancy and with greater quantity when the woman is already pregnant.
8. Limonoids
Grapefruit has a high content of limonoids, which benefit health. Limonoids are the essence of all citrus fruits. All citrus fruits contain them in a significant amount. This compound has a detoxifying function especially in relation to the liver.
It is also to the limonoids that the anticarcinogenic action is attributed. But its most outstanding function is that of a detoxifier.. For this effect, it is recommended to drink grapefruit juice every day on an empty stomach.
9. Firming
Another property of grapefruit is that it helps to firm or maintain the firmness of the skin.. Because of this property it has been widely used to reduce measurements and eliminate cellulite. You can even find creams to apply on the areas with more cellulite.
This property is thanks to the fact that grapefruit favors the production of collagen. Therefore, many people use it externally to enjoy this benefit. However, it is best to consume it frequently to act internally.
10. Accelerates metabolism
The high water and fiber content of grapefruit helps speed up the metabolism. Specifically it intervenes in the acceleration of lipolysis, that is to say that fat is transformed into energy and thus prevents its accumulation in the body..
This excellent property of grapefruit makes it one of the favorite fruits to add to weight loss diets. Whether in juices or whole, besides being a delicious alternative, it helps to achieve this goal.
11. Moisturized hair
Consuming grapefruit helps to keep hair hydrated. It also stimulates hair growth and keeps it healthy. This is because consuming grapefruit on a regular basis helps the production of collagen which is involved in healthy hair growth.
Rather than using it as a mask, as some suggest, it is best to eat it or drink it in a juice. This should be on a constant basis, at least one grapefruit a day. Both skin and hair will benefit from the properties of grapefruit.
12. Potassium
Grapefruit also contains a significant amount of potassium. This mineral aids in nerve impulse generation and muscle activity. In addition, its frequent consumption helps to eliminate liquids and its frequent consumption helps to eliminate liquids and salt surplus of the organism..
For this reason it is recommended to consume grapefruit to prevent diseases such as hypertension and urinary tract infections. It is also recommended when cramps appear too often or any type of spasm.
- To continue reading: “Pineapple: the 8 benefits of this tropical fruit for your health”.