The benefits of grapefruit are many. Like many citrus fruits, grapefruit is loaded with vitamin C, a nutrient that helps boost your body’s immune system. Grapefruit is also loaded with vitamin A, another vitamin that has been proven to aid immune function. This powerful combination can help keep spending time to a minimum while you’re sick. Here we are going to discuss the benefits of grapefruit and its side effects.
Health Benefits of Grapefruit
Supports wound healing
Vitamin C is essential for wound healing in the body. But researchers aren’t sure if this benefit applies to people who lack the vitamin.
Promotes eye health
Vitamin A, provided by grapefruit in the form of beta-carotene precursor, is important for normal vision. Vitamin A may also play a role in the management of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Studies have shown that taking supplements rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and other nutrients can reduce the risk of developing advanced AMD by 25%. Other experts have explored dietary sources of nutrients important to eye health. In one published study, grapefruit and grape juice were listed as the main dietary sources.
May help prevent cancer
Pink grapes contain the antioxidant lycopene, which gives them their beautiful pink hue. A 2015 study suggested that eating lycopene-rich foods may reduce the risk of prostate cancer.6 But the topic of vitamin C and cancer prevention is hotly debated, and researchers aren’t sure whether vitamin C supplements or high vitamin C foods really do the trick. can provide convenience
Heart supports health
Studies have shown that consuming grapefruit is associated with lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and higher HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels in the blood. It may also help lower blood pressure in overweight adults.
Researchers who have studied cardiovascular risk factors have investigated grape consumption along with the consumption of other fruits such as blueberries, pomegranates, and apples. In a published review, the study’s authors concluded that other fruits were associated with greater benefits for heart health, but that fruit consumption, in general, may help modify related conditions such as high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and overweight/obesity.
Reduces inflammation
Grapefruit contains flavanones, a subclass of flavonoids. Flavonoids have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombogenic, antidiabetic, anticancer, and neuroprotective activities.
Reduces acidity
The citric acid in this bitter-sweet fruit creates an alkaline reaction after digestion. This, in turn, acts as an important remedy against colds, coughs, and flu. The bitter properties derived from a substance called ‘naringin’ protect the system and the digestive system. Having said that, the nutritionist points out that no single fruit can prevent acidity by itself.
Increased metabolism and weight loss
Scientists at the American Nutrition and Medical Research Center have shown that grapefruit contains unique plant compounds that lower insulin levels and, as a result, reduce weight. Advocates of the famous ‘Hollywood Diet’, which first appeared in the 1970s, tout grapes as an active fat burner. Low starch levels make it a safe option for diabetics with a sweet tooth. Fiber-rich fruits make you feel fuller for longer, thus acting as an excellent suppressant.
Reduces the risk of stroke
A study conducted by the American Heart Association (2012) highlights that consuming large amounts of grapefruit can reduce the risk of ischemic (blood clot-related) stroke and intracerebral stroke. Women who ate the most had a 19% lower risk than women who ate the least.
Increases vitality
The Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition points out that grapefruit can work at a cellular level, increasing the amount of ATP, which is a fancy way of referring to ‘increasing cellular energy’. It gives the human body a feeling of fullness and normalcy, and it helps fight fatigue and lethargy. Moreover, the high water content helps to keep the skin soft and reduce irritation caused by fever and similar conditions. Nootkatone found in grapefruit helps relieve general fatigue caused by mundane tasks.
Builds strong bones
According to Texas A&M University’s Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Research, lab rats fed orange and grapefruit juice regularly prevented osteoporosis, long considered an inevitable aging disease that increases the risk of bone fractures.
Grapefruit side effects
Grapefruit is usually consumed as food or juice. Grapefruit products are probably safe when taken by mouth as medicine. But consuming large amounts of grapefruit is probably unsafe for postmenopausal adults.
If you are taking any medications, check with your healthcare provider before adding grapefruit to your diet or using it as a medicine. Grapefruit interacts with a long list of medications.
