The grapefruit is a juicy citrus that resembles orange but differs from it in the taste. The bitter fruit has many therapeutic properties, but the bark is equally useful.
So do not hurry to throw the shells in the trash, since they can be very useful. Now, what fruit to choose and how to keep and reuse the shells?
The chemical composition of the skin
Of course, the first thing to know about the citrus peels is their chemical composition. The most valuable thing about the Pomelo peel are essential oils. But beyond these, the shell contains many different nutrients.
For example, it is rich in group B vitamins, as well as in vitamins A, H, PP, C and many others. Pomelo bark minerals are not offended either. In the greatest amount it contains elements such as: potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc and others.
Among other things, the peel contains a lot of fittings, as well as fiber, pectin, bet a-carotene, coumarin, fiber and péctic acid.
Caloric value
The weight of the cortex of a mediu m-sized fruit is about 100 grams, and its caloric value is 29 kilocalories. In the peel there is not much fat or protein, but more carbohydrates, about 6. 5 grams.
Pomelo shell properties
Useful and therapeutic properties
- The shell is a prophylactic for the development of diabetes, since it is excellent for reducing blood sugar levels.
- Thanks to the Pomelo shell, iron is better absorbed, which prevents the development of anemia. The grated grapefruit shell can be added to plates containing iron.
- Ascorbic acid reinforces immunity.
- Group B vitamins have a positive effect on the nervous system. It also improves general wel l-being.
- Antioxidants help reduce cholesterol levels and prevent toxin deposition.
- Pomelo shell prevents cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
- The phytocidas help inhibit the reproduction of various bacteria and fungi.
- Essential oil is often used in cuisine and cosmetology.
- The consumption of bark tea helps lose excess weight.
- Cortex consumption helps fight various inflammatory processes in the body.
- Prevents premature aging, improves the status of the skin.
- Increase concentration and attention, it helps fight stress and depression.
Help if you put the shell on a hot radiator or a heater, the air will be scented, freer and more clean, and your mood and vitality will increase.
Possible damage and contraindications
Of course, like any other product, the Pomelo shell has its contraindications. Consumption is not recommended if a person has:
- stomach ulcer;
- duodenal ulcer;
- intestinal disorder;
- individual intolerance;
- Citrus allergy.
Nor should the shell be consumed if the person is taking analgesics or antidepressants. Consumption is not recommended to pregnant women or in breastfeeding period.
Anyone, even the healthiest, should avoid abusing it, since it can cause discomfort and cause disease.
How to choose a good grapefruit?
When buying the fruit you have to take into account the weight and thickness of the skin. A mature and body grapefruit must weigh.
A thicker skin has less nutrients, as well as less allergens. The sweetest varieties have a darker reddish skin and a pink pulp.
If you cannot cut the fruit to test it (as usually happens in the market, for example), you can distinguish a good by its smell.
Herbaceous and bitter aromatic notes indicate corresponding characteristics of the pulp. And a sweet aroma indicates maturity.
But there are also some external signs of a good grapefruit. The fruit must
- … be firm and firm;
- … detach a characteristic smell ..;
- be big;
- have a smooth and bright bark, without spots;
- Not having the base blacken or spots under the bark;
- It should not have dark or moldy spots.
Important: Pomelos are treated chemically so that they do not deteriorate during storage. Therefore, you always have to wash the fruit with hot water well and you can even use a brush.
When and what time of day is it better to consume it?
When the day consuming the grapefruit cortex, it is not important. Of course, it is not desirable to do it with an empty stomach in the morning.
But nutritionists, for example, advise to eat the fruit and their peel just before a meal. But apart from diets, there are also many occasions in which the shell may be necessary:
- Insect bites, psoriasis and other skin conditions: grated shell can relieve itching. You can add crushed shell to a remedy to cure wounds, since it is a natural antiseptic and will help avoid infection in case of cutting or scratch.
- Stomach acidity: Dry and crushed peel can help cure this discomfort. Take 1 teaspoon a day with water (approximately half glass).
- To strengthen the walls of the blood vessels you must add dry peel dust to food.
- Pomelo shell is often used in cosmetology, for example during exfoliation. Citrus powder can also be added to an exfoliant or a lotion.
- A bath with grapefruit is an excellent remedy against fatigue. In addition, your skin will feel softer and more velvety.
How to prepare and drink
Pomelo, ginger and honey peel tea
- The cytric peel;
- 3 g of ginger;
- 1 cup of water;
- 1 teaspoon of honey;
- Pour the water on the zest.
- Take everything to boil and keep it on the fire for a couple of minutes.
- Enter the ginger into the hot drink and let it infuse about 10 minutes.
- Tell it and add honey.
This tasty drink will improve digestion and metabolism.
Pomelo shell salad
- tomato
- cucumber;
- Half Light of lettuce
- half cup of yogurt;
- 3 sprigs of parsley;
- 1 tablespoon of zest.
- Put the zest in the freezer for 8 hours and defrost (frozen zest can be used if you have).
- Chop vegetables and herbs and mix.
- Show the salad with yogurt and sprinkle the zest.
Pomelo zest tincture
- 1 tablespoon of zest;
- 1 tablespoon of boiling water.
- Pour the zest into boiling water.
- Cover and let stand 20 minutes.
Take 3 tablespoons 3 times a day before a meal (20 minutes).
Pomelo shell decoction
- Citrus peel;
- 1. 5 liters of water.
- Pour the zest with water, cook.
- After boiling, let cook for a quarter of an hour.
Drink half a broth before meals. Bitter drink perfectly free the body of toxins and excess fluid.
Storage characteristics
Prepare and store the grapefruit shells in 2 ways:
- Dry the shells. To do this, just put them in the sun or baked. Then, Muela la Cáscara in a coffee grinder. If you don’t have this miraculous device at home, you can dry the shell.
- Freeze the grated skin of citrus fruits in the freezer.
What grapefruit is healthier: white or red?
The red grapefruit and white are species of the same genus, a grapefruit and orange hybrid. However, the red pulp fruit is more caloric than its counterpart. It also contains more vitamin A, crucial for young skin. In addition, red fruit is more effective in the fight against cancer, since it has more antioxidants and lycopene.
The white grapefruit, on the other hand, is richer in fiber, essential to clean the colon. It is difficult to judge which is healthier. It depends on the individual needs of each person and their health benefits.
The grapefruit is a unique fruit. Not only its pulp is useful, but also the skin. And yet, often this amazing product, rich in vitamins and minerals, goes directly to the trash. There is no reason to hurry. A jar of dried powdered citrus or a frozen skin bag does not occupy much space. The red grapefruit and white are species of the same genus, a grapefruit and orange hybrid. However, the red pulp fruit is more caloric than its counterpart. It also contains more vitamin A, crucial for young skin. In addition, red fruit is more effective in the fight against cancer, since it has more antioxidants and lycopene.
