Grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi) has several health benefits associated with it due to its ease of adding to the diet and its phytochemical makeup.
One of the lowest-calorie fruits, Grapefruits are high in water content, helping you to stay hydrated.
Grapefruit has a high content of vitamin C, as well as other immune-boosting vitamins and compounds, such as vitamin A, B vitamins, zinc, copper iron, as well as antioxidants, like naringin.
They are often promoted for appetite control and weight loss, due to its content of fiber and water, which helps promote the feeling of fullness.
They may also promote digestive health due to its content of naringin, a bitter principal that can aid digestion.
Other interesting health-promoting compounds in Grapefruit include quinine, known for its antimalarial properties, as well as tryptophan, which may help promote healthy sleep.
Grapefruit also has been associated with preventing insulin resistance, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Due to its citric acid content, Grapefruit may be beneficial in reducing the formation of kidney stones.
In traditional medicine, Grapefruit has been used for its digestive, antiseptic, and weight-regulating properties. The fruit, seeds, and peel have been applied for their tonic and antimicrobial qualities, and grapefruit juice in often often consumed to aid liver function and reduce fever. Grapefruit seed extract, in particular, has been used as a natural remedy for bacterial and fungal infections.
Some studies suggest that the scent of grapefruit, especially in women, can make them appear younger and slimmer to others due to subconscious scent-based cues.
Through scientific investigation, Grapefruits and their extracts have been found to exhibit antioxidant, lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, and enzyme-inhibiting activities.
In one study, people who ate a half a fresh grapefruit before meals also had a reduction in insulin levels and insulin resistance. And although its consumption is also associated with reductions of blood pressure and improvements of cholesterol, it is contraindicated for those people who are already taking certain pharmaceuticals, including statins, due to its interaction with cytochrome P450 enzymes.
*This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.