This citrus is the result of an accidental natural selection of orange and grapefruit. It was announced in the mi d-18th century. It owes its name to its great rafams of grapefruit, similar to those of the grapes. Several varieties of grapefruit are known. Pomelo varieties vary in color and flavor. It can be green, yellow, orange, pink, red or even white. Red is considered the healthiest, while green is the sweetest.
Those who meet the grapefruit for the first time are attracted to their brilliant and appetizing cortex color and their incredibly vigorizing aroma. But those who want to try the sweet pulp of citrus take a “bitter” disappointment. Due to its rare taste, many people do not like. However, there are also real lovers of grapefruit.
It is interesting. The peculiar bitterness of the grapefruit is due to the vegetable flavonoid narking. It is only found in the fine skin that separates the segments and membranes. If you remove them, the fruit will not be bitter.
Let’s try to find out what makes this unusual citrus so special.
Pomelo nutritional value
| Component | Contained in 100 g of food, G | Nutritional value in % of the daily ration |
| Proteins | 0,8 | 1 |
| Fats | 0,1 | 0,2 |
| Carbohydrates | 10. 7 | 3,4 |
| Water | 88. 8 | 3. 47 |
| Fiber, food fibers | 1,9 | 9 |
| Fructose | 1,0 | 2,9 |
| Glucose | 2,0 | 20 |
Group B vitamins are responsible for the proper functioning of the nervous system, protect against stress, improve brain function. Folic acid is essential for pregnant women, since it eliminates the risk of fetal malformations.
Mineral composition
| Minerals | Content per 100 grams of product, mg | Nutritional value in % of the daily ration |
| Potassium | 184 | 7,4 |
| Calcium | 23 | 2,3 |
| Magnesium | 10 | 2,5 |
| Iron | 0,5 | 2,8 |
| Match | 18 | 2,3 |
| Sodium | 13 | 1 |
The grapefruit is not rich in micronutrients. Its consumption can only be a useful complement to the main sources of these essential components.
- Potassium is responsible for the normal functioning of the heart and blood vessels;
- Calcium guarantees strong bones and teeth
- Magnesium is a wel l-known antiestrés micronutrient;
- Iron participates in hematopoiesis and saturates oxygen cells
- Phosphorus fills the body of energy
- The sodium regulates metabolism and favors water-exit balance.
Caloric value
The energy value of citrus fruits is 35 kcal per 100 grams of product. The grapefruit belongs to lo w-calorie products. It is often included in the menus of the diets to lose weight. Another of its advantages for those who want to maintain a figure is the low glycemic index – 25 units, and the low sugar content.
Vitamin content
| Vitamins | 100 g of food | Nutritional value in % of the daily ration |
| A (Retinol) | 345 mcg | 33 |
| Betacarotene | 686 micrograms | 13. 7 |
| C (ascorbic acid) | 31. 2 mg | 34 |
| E (Tocoferol) | 0. 1 mg | 0,9 |
| B1 (thiamine) | 0. 05 mg | 3,3 |
| B2 (Riboflavina) | 0. 03 mg | 1,7 |
| B3 (nicotinic acid) | 0. 2 mg | 1,3 |
| B4 (hill) | 7. 7 mg | 1,5 |
| B5 (Pantotenic acid) | 0. 3 mg | 5,2 |
| B6 (pyridoxin) | 0. 3 mg | 4,1 |
| B9 (folic acid) | 13 micrograms | 3,3 |
The vitamin composition of the grapefruit is quite rich, despite the small concentration of useful substances. However, all of them are of vital importance for the body:
- Vitamin A and bet a-carotene are powerful antioxidants. They are not only responsible for ocular health. These vitamins favor collagen production, so they are essential for blood vessels and skin. The red grapefruit contains more than other varieties;
- Vitamin C is a strong source of immunity and has ant i-inflammatory properties. It must be obtained in sufficient amounts of food, since it is not synthesized in the body;
- Vitamin E is considered the “youth vitamin”. Prevents the aging of cells, cleanses the toxins and harmful substances;
- Group B vitamins are responsible for the proper functioning of the nervous system, protect against stress, improve brain function. Folic acid is essential for pregnant women, since it eliminates the risk of fetal malformations.
Mineral composition
| Minerals | Content per 100 grams of product, mg | Nutritional value in % of the daily ration |
| Potassium | 184 | 7,4 |
| Calcium | 23 | 2,3 |
| Magnesium | 10 | 2,5 |
| Iron | 0,5 | 2,8 |
| Match | 18 | 2,3 |
| Sodium | 13 | 1 |
The grapefruit is not rich in micronutrients. Its consumption can only be a useful complement to the main sources of these essential components.
- Potassium is responsible for the normal functioning of the heart and blood vessels;
- Calcium guarantees strong bones and teeth
- Magnesium is a wel l-known antiestrés micronutrient;
- Iron participates in hematopoiesis and saturates oxygen cells
- Phosphorus fills the body of energy
- The sodium regulates metabolism and favors water-exit balance.
Grapefruit properties
This citrus is probably the only fruit that generates so much controversy over its properties. The composition of fruit makes it difficult to doubt its health benefits. This does not mean that the composition of the grapefruit raises doubts about his health, but in recent years we hear more about research that demonstrates his unquestionable damage and even danger to human health.
Let’s see in detail the properties of the grapefruit, both useful and harmful. Each can make a conclusion for themselves, to be friends with this fruit or ignore the side.
Benefits
The vital substances of the grapefruit have a beneficial effect on the body. In some cases, this fruit is used in traditional medicine to treat diseases.
Reinforces immunity
Citrus fruits are usually consumed during colds or during viral epidemics. The grapefruit has a high vitamin C content and other antioxidants that have strong ant i-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. They will face any viral attack, in addition to helping to recover soon from prolonged disease. Due to the high content of essential oils, even during grapefruit aroma inhalation triggers the stimulation processes of the immune system.
Improves the function of intestines
Dietary fiber and fiber qualitatively perform the “general cleaning” of the digestive tract, gently eliminating all accumulated toxins, cholesterol and food waste gently. The high content of essential acids and oils accelerates the digestion process, avoiding fermentation and gases. The grapefruit is recommended for low stomach acidity.
Protects the heart and blood vessels.
Antioxidants and niningine help reduce “bad” cholesterol, which decreases the risk of thrombosis. V vitamins and keep the blood vessels flexible. Pomelus is recognized as an excellent remedy for the prevention of stroke, myocardial infarction and atherosclerosis. Its consumption improves blood circulation, normalizes the rhythm of the heart and reduces blood pressure. To keep blood vessels healthy and the heart is enough to drink 50 grams of juice or eat a couple of slices before meals.
Important: Do not take grapefruit together with any medication that reduces blood pressure or cholesterol! The grapefruit blocks the absorption of these medications, which can have negative consequences for your health.
Reduce blood sugar levels
It has been scientifically demonstrated that the n Lingin is able to slow down the glucose rate and even reduce its level after a meal. In addition, the grapefruit has a low glycemic index. Diabetics should undoubtedly include this fruit in their diet, and eat it without peeling the delicate skin and membranes.
Normalize the nervous system
Essential oils, group B vitamins, Magnesium: a powerful antidepressant complex. The juice and the fruit of pomelo tones, gives strength and energy, helps to deal with stress and irritability. The fruit is good for women during menopause, as well as for mothers who suffer postpartum depression. Pomelo oil is widely used in aromatherapy as aphrodisiac.
Take care of the skin
In cosmetology, citrus is used to rejuvenate the skin of the face and body. Tone the skin, relieve wrinkles, eliminates eruptions, pigment spots and fatty glitter. It is used successfully to combat cellulite. Fruit or oil pulp are used for wraps and massages.
Favors weight loss
Originally it was believed that the grass burned the fat. Hence his great popularity among the thinning ones. This myth dissipated. However, there was something really. The grapefruit can really help to lose the extra kilos.
Accelerates metabolism, reduces appetite, has a gentle choretic and diuretic effect and, at the same time, contains a minimum of calories. It is an ideal product to combat overweight. To obtain the maximum effect, it is recommended to eat some slices immediately after the food.
Dangers and contraindications
The dangers of the grapefruit have long been the subject of debate and discussion. This citrus hybrid may do more bad than good to the organism. There are several good reasons not to eat grapefruit:
- Due to its high acid content, it has a strong irritating property. People suffering from gastritis, ulcers or hyperacidity are prohibited from eating this fruit. It can cause strong pain and exacerbate the disease;
- Like all citrus fruits, grapefruit has negative effects on dental enamel. If you have dental problems or dental sensitivity, avoid grapefruit or rinse and brush your teeth well after taking it;
- Scientific studies carried out over more than 20 years have reached some disappointing conclusions. It was discovered that grapefruit, like all citrus, contains psoralene. Increase skin sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation. It can cause skin and breast cancer. It has been discovered that, of all citrus, the grapefruit is the one that has the most side effects of this type;
Important: Do not eat or drink grapefruit juice if you are exposed to direct sunlight!
- The fruit is incompatible with many medications. The active ingredients of the grapefruit inhibit and inhibit the liver enzymes responsible for the absorption and excretion of the medicinal active ingredients. As a result, its concentration can increase several times, which will inevitably cause side effects due to overdose. This is very dangerous. There are more than eighty medications of this type. Among them are statins, antihistamines, psychotropic drugs and medication for blood pressure. When taking any medication, it is better to avoid grapefruit or consult a doctor beforehand.
Attention. The interval between medication taking and grapefruit ingestion or their juice should be at least 4 hours.
What is the correct way to choose?
The main signs of a mature and tasty grapefruit are
- The bright bark color. The more intense the color is, the sweeter its flavor will be. You will have special luck if you find a fruit with red spots;
- Its surface is flat. It should not have abolish, scratches or black spots;
Important: Do not buy a grapefruit with an unnaturally bright bark. In fact, this fruity and fres h-looking fruit is treated with chemicals.
- A strong aroma. If it does not smell, it is not mature or fresh;
- A large size. Small fruits have thick skin and a bitter taste. The bigger the citrus, the finest the skin will be and the sweeter will be the fruit. Mature fruits are not only larger, but also much heavier.
How to peel the fruit?
Before peeling and eating the fruit, you have to rinse it well under the water. You can even rub the skin with a soft brush to make sure the dirt and chemicals that have been used to treat fruit.
There are several ways to reach the juicy pulp of the grapefruit:
- If the bitter of the fruit does not scare you, you can carefully cut the upper and lower part with a knife without touching the pulp, remove the skin with your hands and divide the sliced fruit. If white and sepals are left out, the grapefruit will remain as healthy as possible. If you wish, you can extract the slice pulp. Simply cut the white part by the narrowest point with a fine strip and turn around.
- To eat the fruit without too much effort, just cut it into two halves and use a spoon. You eat carefully the pulp of halves, separating it from the skin. Interestingly, there are even special spoons to eat the grapefruit, with dentated edges.
- The most laborious method is adequate when you want clean and peeled pieces. For example, to make salads. The first thing to do is peel the fruit. It can be removed by hand or cutting it carefully with a sharp knife, careful not to grab the pulp. Next, making longitudinal incisions from the outside to the heart of the fruit, you have to cut the juicy part of each slice. Thus, quite uniform slices are obtained, ready to consume or use in dishes.
Basic standards and rules of food
A healthy person should not eat more than 2 grapefruits per day. You should not consume it for more than three consecutive days, after which you must pause 7-10 days.
You must remember some important rules, so that citrus does not harm your health:
- Do not eat the fruit or drink your juice with an empty stomach. This will cause irritation of the gastric mucosa;
- consume in the first half of the day, not to overload the intestines before bedtime;
- Do not lower the medicine with grapefruit juice;
- Before starting any pharmacological treatment, consult your doctor on the possibility of consuming grapefruit;
- Do not mix the grapefruit with legumes, nuts or dairy products to avoid digestive discomfort;
- It does not consume it with alcohol. The grapefruit will increase the concentration of alcohol in the body, which will cause serious poisoning and poisonings.
How to correctly conserve the grapefruit?
The peeled and cut grapefruit should not be kept more than two days. Even in the refrigerator it will wither very quickly. The entire fruit can be kept at room temperature for a maximum of a week. It must be kept away from sunlight and radiator.
The grapefruit is the fruit that is more time in the refrigerator. It can be kept fresh and tasty up to two weeks in the fruit compartment. A longer storage will make the fruit dry, soften and the pulp becomes bitter.
Pomelo is an unusual and unique fruit created by nature. It is appreciated for its bitter and unpleasant taste for its “unhealthy” character. Knowing all the advantages and disadvantages of this fruit, each one decides if he enjoys his refreshing pulp or considers it a “prohibited fruit.”
