Grapefruit juice is the “ugly duckling” next to the “beautiful swan” of orange. In terms of antioxidants, grapefruit is superior to orange, ranking among the foods with the highest levels of these substances. It would be a great appetizer for breakfast and before meals in general; Despite its acidity, grapefruit juice has an alkalizing effect on the body.
But beware! The ingredients in this fruit are so potent that they can interact with various medications (often enhancing their effect). Therefore, before taking any medication you should consult your doctor. Let’s find out how grapefruit juice affects the body (benefits and harms of the drink).
Caloric content and composition of grapefruit juice
This original ornamental plant was discovered on the island of Barbados. As a fruit, grapefruit did not become popular until the 19th century. Today it is one of the best among the foods called vitamin bombs. It contains natural flavonoids and is rich in vitamins C, B1, K. White, yellow, pink, red… Whatever its color, grapefruit must be present in a healthy diet.
A glass (250 ml) of grapefruit juice contains:
- 1. 45g of protein;
- 74 calories;
- 2. 5 g of fiber.
| minerals | Amount, mg/250 mL | Vitamin | Amount, mg/250 mL |
| Potassium | 320 | Folic acid | 0. 023 |
| Match | 18 | Pantothenic acid | 0. 651 |
| Magnesium | 18 | Niacin | 0. 575 |
| Manganese | 0. 028 | А | 2132 IU |
| Copper | 0. 108 | В1 | 0. 083 |
| Selenium | 0. 007 | В2 | 0. 046 |
| Calcium | 28 | В6 | 0. 097 |
| Zinc | 0. 16 | С | 79. 1 |
| Iron | 0. 21 | Е | 0,3 |
Grapefruit juice properties
What are the benefits of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice:
- stimulates the appetite;
- removes and dissolves inorganic calcium accumulated in joint cartilage as a result of excessive consumption of white flour products;
- cleanses the intestines;
- reduces the risk of lung and stomach cancer;
- helps treat skin conditions such as eczema, fungal infections, rashes, warts, psoriasis;
- helps against asthma and fungal infections;
- strengthens the immune system, fights colds
- Helps in the treatment of varicose veins.
Benefits
Since the nutritional value of grapefruits is very low, most of the therapeutic properties are due to their non-nutritive components.
Immune system booster
Regular consumption of grapefruit juice is good for the immune system. It is appreciated for its high content of vitamin C. It has antioxidant properties, so it protects cells from harmful bacteria and viruses. In addition, vitamin C contributes to a speedy recovery from colds.
The grapefruit contains small amounts of vitamins of group B, zinc, copper and iron. The combination of these substances in the body favors the immune system. They also help maintain skin integrity, which acts as a protective barrier against infections.
Reduces cholesterol levels
Pomelo juice contains pectin, a soluble fiber form that reduces blood cholesterol levels.
Prevention of insulin resistance and diabetes
The consumption of grapefruit and its freshly squeezed juice can help control insulin levels, thus reducing the probability of developing insulin resistance, diabetes. Insulin resistance occurs when cells stop responding to this hormone.
Prevents renal calculations
The consumption of grapefruit juice can reduce the risk of renal calculations due to the accumulation of waste products in the kidneys. These waste products are metabolic products that are normally filtered through the kidneys and are eliminated with urine.
The most common type of renal calculation are calcium oxalate calculations. Citric acid, an organic acid present in the grapefruit, effectively prevents them from joining calcium in the kidneys. Citric acid also has the ability to increase the volume and pH of urine, creating a less favorable environment for the formation of renal calculations.
Hydration
The grapefruit and its juice contain a lot of water, so they hydrate the organism well. In fact, water constitutes most of the weight of the fruit (around 88% of the total weight).
Hence it is an excellent option for body hydration.
For external use
When the immune system is weakened, the beneficial juice can be applied externally. The grapefruit is a clear winner in the fight against herpes and the gusts. It also helps cure cracked lips.
Damage and contraindications
Be careful with simultaneous consumption of grapefruit and some medications. In this case, your juice can be harmful, increasing the effect of drugs up to 6 times. It is generally the following drug groups
- Cholesterol reducing drugs
- statins
- antibiotics;
- cancer medications;
- other medications (even for free sale).
A typical example is the medication for hypertension (for example, drugs of the group of calcium channel blockers). An excessive decrease in blood pressure causes a dangerous situation for the elderly, which in extreme cases can endanger their lives (people with a heart muscle and ineffective blood vessels are in danger). The most common reactions are palpitations, darkening of the eyes and other symptoms typical of low voltage.
The combination of grapefruit juice with medications that contain psychoactive substances can cause hallucinations. North combinations with other medications: muscle problems, respiratory, etc.
Pomelus juice is riskier than fruit itself. This is because the juice is squeezed from raw fruit. The amount of furancumarines contained in the pulp and the cortex passes to the drink. Its inhibitor effect on enzymes can last up to 72 hours.
How to make newly squeezed grapefruit juice at home
To make a classic juice you will need
- 2 Pomelos;
- Honey.
- Rinse the fruit well, cut it in half.
- Squeeze the juice with a manual or electrical policyr.
- Watch it in a glass and add honey. Bébelo on an empty stomach and at any time of the day.
Vitamin cocktail
To prepare it, you will need the juice of:
- 1 grapefruit;
- 1 lemon;
- 1 orange;
- + 300 ml of warm water.
Mix all the ingredients and take the resulting drink.
How to use
The most beneficial thing is to consume grapefruit in the morning. It depends on you if you use it as a supplement in milkshakes, if you prepare a juice with it or if you simply pee it and eat it. In any case, do not complement its taste with sugar, however strong the temptation is. Use honey or sweet fruit, like a banana, to add a sweet taste.
In popular medicine.
Pomelos have many positive effects on human health. Probably its most important therapeutic property is anticancer, preventing this disease. Pomelo juice can also help in the treatment of some types of cancer.
For cardiovascular diseases
Regular consumption of grapefruit juice is ideal for improving the health of the heart. This effect is due to the reduction of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, high cholesterol levels.
The grapefruit is relatively rich in potassium, a mineral responsible for many aspects of heart health. Medium grapefruit juice contributes approximately 5% of daily potassium needs. A sufficient potassium intake is associated with a lower risk of arterial hypertension. In addition, it has been shown that a contribution of this substance reduces the risk of death due to heart disease.
Biliary gallbladder
Pomelo juice helps clean the liver and gallbladder of harmful toxins. This fruit is suitable for liver detoxification and gallbladder, which helps relieve symptoms of chronic diseases such as depression, chronic headaches. Detoxification also eliminates the dangerous toxins that surround the person in daily life.
For stomach burning
Did you know that citrus juices can ruin any Sunday dinner to people prone to heartburn?
Citrus juices, with their natural acidity, are one of the greatest triggers of stomach acidity. And 67% quotes them as the only guilty of the problem. Some studies have shown that grapefruit juice has the worst effect compared to the rest of the drinks. If you like citrus juices, try to dilute them: thus reduce the negative impact on stomach acidity.
In cosmetology
The miraculous effects of the grapefruit were discovered by cosmetic companies, which began to use it on a large scale. Today its extract is included in many shampoos. Its popularity is due to its positive effect on irritated and dry skin and its ability to remove dandruff.
The grapefruit contains many antioxidants that favor the fight against wrinkles and the aging of the skin. It is rich in substances that favor collagen production, keeping young, fresh and radiant skin.
Oily skin
If you bother you to have a bright face, try the following treatment. Cut a red grapefruit in half, take a half in each hand and massage the problematic areas with the pulp for about 20 minutes.
Remember to clarify your face before and after cleaning.
Wrinkles
Add some grapefruit juice to white yogurt. Remove it. Apply it on the face. Cover with cucumber slices. Leave act for 15 minutes.
Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, the next recipe will help you.
Mix 1 tablespoon of yogurt and honey and add 1 teaspoon of grapefruit juice.
Remove all ingredients. Apply the mask on the face, let it act for 15 minutes and crowd it. To get better results, apply 3-4 times a week.
Particularities
Pomelo juice is a delicious drink that has the healing and nutritious qualities of lemon or orange juice. You can sweeten with honey to enhance your therapeutic properties.
Drinking it in excess or ingesting pulp can cause stomach burning and belching in sensitive people.
Women (pregnant and infants)
The consumption of grapefruit during pregnancy is important due to its high content in vitamin C. Pregnant women must ingest at least 85 mg of vitamin C per day (the approximate content of a middle grapefruit).
In addition to vitamin C, this fruit is a source of large amounts of lycopene, a substance that helps lower blood pressure, thus reducing the risk of preeclampsia.
By consuming pink or red grapefruit, women get enough lycopene, limonoids, which prevents breast cancer.
The red grapefruit reduces cholesterol and controls the weight thanks to its high pectin content, a soluble dietary fiber. Of course, every woman wins a few more kilos during pregnancy. But drinking grapefruit guarantees that weight gain is acceptable.
In case of breastfeeding, it is very important to take into account the interaction of the grapefruit juice with the medication. A large amount of drink can cause health problems in the form of heartburn. There are no other contraindications.
Men
The grapefruit is full of antioxidants that attack carcinogens. Studies have shown that this fruit repairs damaged cells. Drinking 3 glasses of grapefruit juice per day helps prevent prostate cancer.
Children
It is an ideal fruit for young and adolescents. Folic acid and pulp acid acts as an important growth stimulant and favors hematopoiesis.
To lose weight
The grapefruit is rich in fiber: 2 g per ½ mediu m-sized fruit. The fiber slows the stomach emptying speed, prolonging digestion time. That is why it is not surprising the popularity of the grapefruit diet. It consists of eating ¼-½ of the fruit or drinking 1 cup of your juice before each meal. If enough water is added and avoid (as in any diet) heavy and fatty foods, the results are insured.
Pomelo drink to lose weight
If the grapefruit juice is too bitter, prepare the next drink. Mix 50 ml. of grapefruit juice and carrot, add 1 teaspoon of honey and dilute with 100 ml. From mineral water.
If you are lucky enough not to suffer from any health problem, use this fruit as a prevention. In the future you will appreciate its benefits for your body.
