When talking about slimming diets, his name is often mentioned. And in reality, there are plenty of reasons to do so since the properties of grapefruit make it a potent diuretic, and it is also citrus abundant in vitamins.
Indeed, it is worth including it in the usual diet since it helps maintain healthy skin. However, as it has a low glycemic index, it provides nutrients without harming blood glucose levels. But, these are some of its advantages, then we will explain its many benefits.
Grapefruit Nutritional Information
100 grams of grapefruit is as follows:
- Calories: 35g
- Fiber: 1.3g
- Vitamin C : 37 mg
- Carbohydrates: 5.4 g
- Proteins : 0.7g
What is grapefruit for? Properties
Although many shy away from its acidic and bitter taste, the Spanish Nutrition Foundation considers that its contribution of vitamin C “exceeds the recommended daily intake for this nutrient by 30 milligrams.”
Knowing its properties and therapeutic benefits will undoubtedly help you appreciate grapefruit more.
- It is a natural antioxidant.
- It has antiseptic properties.
- Contains salicylic and citric acid
- It is a healthy cardio fruit.
Health benefits of grapefruit
Perhaps it has not been done justice since it is not as popular as other citrus fruits. However, its applications to the field of health will make you reconsider your opinion of it.
Improves heart health
In a grapefruit of only 200 grams, you can find 278 milligrams of potassium vital for heart health. For this reason, some doctors have recommended grapefruit to lower blood pressure.
The American Heart Association reported that consuming flavonoids, a compound present in grapefruit, reduces the risk of stroke among women.
Helps reduce weight
This property of grapefruit is related to the fact that being a citrus fruit, it improves blood lipid levels and blood pressure, factors that affect obesity.
On the other hand, some scientists claim that the nutrients contained in grapefruit can favor long-term weight control.
Improves the body’s defenses
Due to the significant amount of beta-carotene it contains, grapefruit is an ally in delaying aging and preventing oxidative stress.
Similarly, as a source of folic acid, it collaborates in the production of red and white blood cells and the formation of antibodies of the immune system, thus strengthening it.
How to use grapefruit?
It is hard to conceive that this fruit has so many benefits since it has not been publicized. Many may appreciate only their juices or juices. However, its chemical components serve as the basis for medicinal and aesthetic products.
Of course, if you do not know how grapefruit can benefit you and you want to experience its full potential, it is recommended that you consult your trusted doctor to receive advice on how to consume it safely. By the way, in pharmacies and health food stores, you can get them in these presentations:
- Fragrances. Its citrus scent has served as inspiration for men’s and women’s fragrances.
- Food supplements. In combination with other natural ingredients, it is used to soothe the throat, soothe irritation and help the immune system function properly. In general, these products include instructions on the doses to be used.
Advantages and disadvantages of grapefruit
You have probably underestimated the valuable grapefruit for a long time. Now, after analyzing its benefits for the body, you will surely think about incorporating it into your diet. If you decide to do it, first consider its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of grapefruit
- Because it is rich in citric acid, it has antiseptic properties on the digestive and urinary tracts.
- Its salicylic acid component intervenes in the decomposition of inorganic calcium accumulates in the joints, thus preventing arthritis.
- Lycopene, which gives it its red pigmentation, lowers the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
- It can promote metabolism.
- Helps eliminate fatty tissue.
- It is an ally of heart health.
- Improves the immune system.
Disadvantages of grapefruit
- If you consume any medication, you should consult your doctor before consuming grapefruit. This citrus fruit can bind to enzymes, which can cause the drug not to follow its usual course and increase medication levels in the blood.
- If a person suffers from kidney problems, they should avoid eating grapefruit due to its high potassium content because damage to their kidneys can prevent the elimination of excess potassium from the blood.
- Since it is an acidic fruit, those who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux will aggravate heartburn and regurgitation when consuming grapefruit.
It is time to honor this fruit, as its benefits and properties are an excellent ally for a healthy diet.
