Grapefruit or the fruit from paradise was originally cultivated in the West Indies. It is a citrus fruit which is found in a range of colors from orange to pink to even purple. This thick skin fruit which has appearance similar to orange in the inside can be sour to sweet in taste with a slight bitter taste at times. Grapefruit has several health benefits and should therefore be a part of your fruit plate as often as possible.
Beneficial In Weight Loss
Grapefruit is has very few calories. It is high in water content and it has ample quantity of water soluble fiber. As a result the keep your stomach full for a longer time. They have enzymes that prevent absorption of carbohydrates and facilitate the burning of fat. Therefore grapefruit is a must for a person who wants to lose weight.
Good For The Eyes
Grapefruit has beta carotene which gets transformed to vitamin A which is very good for the eyes. It also contains several antioxidants like naringenin and naringin and compounds like xanthin and lycopene. All these collectively improve eyesight and prevent the premature ageing of eyes.
Helps Overcome Stress And Fatigue
A compound known as nootkatone found in grapefruit helps perk up metabolism. It has low sodium content and high water content which also improves the body’s metabolism and helps do away with stress and fatigue and keeps one energetic and fresh.
Improves Digestion
Grapefruit stimulates the digestive enzymes in the stomach and thereby make digestion of food better. Grapefruit by itself is very easy to digest and filling due to presence of the fibers in it. Grapefruit contains pectin which improves digestion. Grapefruit also helps keep acidity away. It also improves bowel movement and helps in the treatment of constipation. Taking a few drops of grapefruit juice before meals helps reduce flatulence.
Helps Fight Cancer
Grapefruit contains flavanoids which protect the body from carcinogens. Naringenin compound present in grapefruit repairs DNA and prevents the formation of cancerous cells. Grapefruit also contains lycopene which prevents tumors and cancerous cells.
Helps Against Arthritis
Grapefruit contains salicylic acid which helps prevent arthritis and also gives relief from symptoms of arthritis. Add a few drops of apple cider vinegar to a glass of grapefruit juice and drink the mixture regularly for best results.
Improves Body’s Immunity
Grapefruit contains flavanoids and vitamin C both of which are known to improve the body’s immune power and help fight infections better.
Useful In Treatment Of Malaria
Grapefruit is one of those rare natural foods that contain quinine which is used in the treatment of malaria. You can either have the fruit or its juice to treat malaria. One more way of extracting the quinine in the grapefruit is by simply boiling the pulp and then strain the mixture. The liquid will contain quinine.
Useful Against Insomnia
Grapefruit contains a compound called as tryptophan which helps in inducing sleep. Having a glass of grapefruit juice before bedtime helps overcome insomnia.
Helps Control Diabetes
Research shows that the falvanoids in grapefruit are very effective in maintaining the blood glucose levels. Grapefruit also helps tone down the starch level in the body. Therefore grapefruit can be used to control diabetes.
Useful For The Respiratory System
The vitamin C present in grapefruit is very effective against respiratory tract infections and is found to give relief from symptoms of asthma ,cold and even cough.
Reduces The Occurrence Of Kidney Stones
The high concentration of vitamin C in the grapefruit helps remove citric acid from the body, helps maintain the ph of the urine and reduces the occurrence of calcium stones in the kidney. In order to avoid kidney stones regular intake of about a liter of grapefruit juice is expected.
Keeps Blood Pressure Under Control
Grapefruit has high amount of potassium which helps in maintaining the electrolyte balance and keeps the blood vessels relaxed and dilated thus helping in smooth flow of blood. It thus helps maintain blood pressure and decreases the risk of heart attack.
Good For The Hair
Grapefruit contain vitamin C and A which improve the blood circulation to the scalp which helps in growth of hair. They also strengthen the hair follicles and prevent hair loss. Grapefruit has antimicrobial properties which help keep dandruff and other scalp infections at bay.
Good For The Skin
Grapefruit is high in water content which keeps the skin hydrated and glowing. It has antioxidants which keep the skin free from infections and prevent premature ageing of skin. Vitamin C protects the skin from the harsh environmental hazards and potassium reduces wrinkles.
Cleans The Liver
Grapefruit acts as detoxifying agent and removes toxic substance from the liver. Naringenin present in grapefruit does not let fat stay in the liver instead it burns it.
Good For Oral Health
Regular intake of grapefruit juice is found to give relief from bleeding gums and also helps keep dental problems away.
Decreases Cholesterol
The antioxidants present in the grapefruit help decrease cholesterol levels. It not only helps in controlling cholesterol levels it also helps in maintaining the triglyceride levels in the body.
Grapefruit is truly fruit from paradise which is an absolute boon to human health. Make sure that you enjoy the goodness of this tasty and beautiful colored fruit everyday.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.