Grapefruit: 12 benefits and properties of this fruit

It is known as grapefruit in some countries and grapefruit in others. It is a citrus that bears many similarities with others such as lemon, orange and mandarin. However, grapefruit has benefits and properties that are different from the rest.

It has a bitter taste, yet it is still pleasant to the palate. It is larger than an orange and there are different varieties, which depend on the color of the peel, the intensity of the flavor and the ripening time of this fruit.

All the benefits and properties that you should know about grapefruit

Grapefruit has been widely used as an aid in weight loss regimens. It is also said to help reduce cellulite. Although this has some truth, the reality is that this fruit has properties beyond those related to reducing fat.

Grapefruit or grapefruit can be consumed in juices or accompanied by other ingredients. Either as a dessert or as part of a delicious salad, the flavor of grapefruit adds an eccentric touch due to its bitter taste. In addition to enjoying all the benefits and properties of grapefruit.

1. Vitamin C

Grapefruit is high in Vitamin C. A single grapefruit exceeds the minimum recommended intake of vitamin C in a day. In this way, this fruit helps the correct absorption of iron and helps to produce collagen.

In addition, vitamin C is an ally against respiratory diseases such as flu, so consuming it frequently shortly before and during winter will help to raise the defenses.

2. Diuretic

This fruit is made up of 90% pure water. And it's also very low in carbohydrates. For this reason is thatIt is considered ideal to complement diets aimed at reducing weight and measures.

These properties make grapefruit a diuretic fruit. So it can help when there is fluid retention and thus reduce inflammation. To take advantage of this benefit of grapefruit, you have to eat it whole, not in juice.

3. Pectin

Grapefruit, like all citrus fruits, contains pectin. This component helps to eliminate bad cholesterol and promote the increase of good cholesterol. For this reason It is recommended to consume grapefruit in segments when there is a tendency to accumulate bad cholesterol.

The highest concentration of pectin in a grapefruit is in all the white part of the peel and that covers the segments. For this reason, the recommendation is not to frequently consume grapefruit in juice and always prefer to eat it directly to take advantage of its properties.

4. Fiber

Grapefruit contains a good amount of fiber. Although it is not one of the fruits with the highest amounts of fiber, it does provide a benefit to the digestive system by favoring the intestinal tract. In addition, this property, together with pectin, helps reduce bad cholesterol.

For this reason, it is common to find grapefruit in recipes for some salads. In addition to giving it a touch of different flavor,the fiber of this fruit in conjunction with other fruits and vegetables, helps regulate the function of the intestine.

5. Flavonoids

Naringin is a flavonoid found in grapefruit.This flavonoid has antioxidant propertiesBut it has been thoroughly studied and has even been recognized for anticancer properties.

Although grapefruit can be consumed in juice and is delicious, the best to enjoy all its benefits, including the naringin, is to eat it in segments and without removing too much skin, because that is where there is a high concentration of the properties of the grapefruit.

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6. Auxiliary in fighting infections

Grapefruit, like orange, are efficient in fighting infections. This is because its high content of vitamin C favors the strengthening of the immune system, helping to fight infections.

For this reason is that It is recommended to consume grapefruit or grapefruit, during episodes of infections, especially of the respiratory tract. However, any infection can be reduced if a good amount of this fruit is consumed.

7. Folic acid

Folic acid has multiple properties and benefits for the body. Grapefruit has among its compounds, folic acid. This acid helps the production of red and white blood cells, and also to the development of antibodies of the immune system.

Another very important benefit of folic acid is the formation of genetic material. Therefore, its consumption is recommended in people who are looking for a pregnancy and with a greater quantity when the woman is already during pregnancy.

8. Limonoids

Grapefruit is high in limonoids, which are beneficial to health. Limonoids are the essence of all citrus. All contain them in a significant quantity. This compound has a detoxifying function especially in relation to the liver.

It is also to the limonoids that the anticancer action is attributed. But its most prominent function is that of detoxifying. For this effect, it is recommended to drink grapefruit juice every day on an empty stomach.

9. Firming

Another property of grapefruit is that helps firm or maintain skin firmness. Due to this property it has been used a lot to reduce measures and eliminate cellulite. You can even find creams to apply on areas with more cellulite.

This property is thanks to the fact that grapefruit favors the production of collagen. So many people use it externally to enjoy this benefit. However, it is best to consume it frequently so that it acts internally.

10. Speeds up metabolism

The high content of water and fiber, make grapefruit help accelerate metabolism. Specifically, it intervenes in the acceleration of lipolysis, this means that fat is transformed into energy and in this way its accumulation in the body is avoided.

This excellent property of grapefruit makes it one of the favorite fruits to add to weight loss diets. Whether juiced or whole, as well as a delicious alternative, it helps achieve that goal.

11. Hydrated hair

Consuming grapefruit helps keep hair hydrated. In addition to stimulating its growth and keeping it healthy. This is because consuming grapefruit regularly helps the production of collagen. that intervenes in the healthy growth of the hair.

Rather than using it as a mask, as some suggest, it is best to eat it or drink it in a juice. This should be constantly, at least one grapefruit a day. Both skin and hair will benefit from the properties of grapefruit.

12. Potassium

Grapefruit also contains a significant amount of potassium. This mineral helps to generate nerve impulses and muscle activity. What's more, its frequent consumption helps to eliminate excess fluids and salt from the body.

For this reason, it is recommended to consume grapefruit to prevent diseases such as hypertension and urinary tract infections. It is also recommended when cramps appear too frequently or any type of spasm.

• To continue reading:"Pineapple: the 8 benefits of this tropical fruit for your health"

Bibliographic references

• Morton, Julia F. (1987). Fruits of warm climates. Miami: Creative Resource Systems.