Citrus fruits are a set of essential foods for the body, since they have compounds necessary for the proper functioning of our organs and help us purify them of pathogenic microorganisms.
In this sense, one of those citrus fruits is grapefruit, which has incredible properties and benefits for our health , in addition to having a characteristic acid flavor that can be combined in different preparations.
For this reason, in this article we will discover the most interesting benefits of grapefruit, as well as see its elements in the structure and how it should be consumed to make the most of it.
What is grapefruit?
Grapefruit or pomelo (called that in other countries) is a natural citrus fruit of the Rutáceas family , with the scientific name “Citrus paradisi” , which is of Caribbean origin and is usually eaten fresh or served in salads and desserts.
It contains several nutrients, especially with unique elements of natural origin such as inositol, apart from having a pleasant appearance since it is a yellow fruit with a juicy pink pulp and from this the bitter but rich flavor emanates.
Note: An analysis adds that : “Grapefruits have tap roots (straight down) and deep that need soils in perfect condition, fresh, loose and with good drainage.” (1)
What are the benefits of grapefruit?
Next we will begin to explore the most relevant benefits regarding the consumption of this citrus fruit (also commonly called grapefruit), which can be interesting:
1. Strengthens the immune system
Grapefruit shares similarities with lemon as it is a citrus fruit, since both fruits work to strengthen the immune system thanks to its vitamins and antioxidants, which improve the body’s defense mechanism.
In this sense, grapefruit antioxidants are housed in leukocytes (white blood cells of the immune system) and vitamin C increases the production of these cells, as well as the biological responses of neutrophils to deal with bacteria or viruses.
To highlight: According to what has been studied in the United States, it is known that : “The ascorbic acid of grapefruit or grapefruit is essential to stimulate the immune system , therefore vitamin C increases the production of defenses, the strength and protection of the organism ” . (two)
2. Protects heart health
Grapefruit is a great citrus food that helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, as measured by lowering the development of total cholesterol (especially bad LDL cholesterol).
You should know : This citrus fruit contains flavonoids that have antioxidant effects, which is favorable for heart health by improving blood pressure , decreasing the development of triglycerides and leveling lipids.
3. Slows cellular oxidative damage
Grapefruit has a key element that is ascorbic acid, which, like many antioxidants, manages to stay in the body, specifically in white blood cells and prevents premature aging , caused mainly by free radicals in the body.
To highlight : This fruit also prevents oxidative damage or premature aging from spreading to cause alterations in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), this is achieved in the long term when grapefruit juice is consumed frequently.
4. Prevents strokes
Grapefruit also contains anti- inflammatory effects , which are essential for a healthy nervous system. This is because it is part of those citrus fruits that contain very essential flavonones and flavonoids.
Note : These compounds are important in preventing the unexpected risks of stroke or ischemic strokes , as they enhance the dilation of the blood vessels that carry hemoglobin throughout the brain, even preventing clot formation.
5. Lowers blood sugar levels
Grapefruit is a highly recommended fruit for patients with type 2 diabetes, since it is a great food that controls glucose or the presence of sugar in the blood. It is a great food for reducing insulin resistance, which results in the greatest drop in hemoglobin sugar .
Important : In the results obtained from a study, it was determined that : “In patients with metabolic syndrome, reduction of symptoms has been reported with grapefruit products and insulin resistance was improved with fresh grapefruits” . (3)
6. Promotes digestive processes
Grapefruit can favor the digestive process of the human being, having the purifying capacities that various citrus foods also have, where citric acid plays a fundamental role and also provides some fiber to the digestive processes.
To highlight: An analysis determines that: “Grapefruit contains limonoids , substances that help the liver to better dissolve toxic compounds for their expulsion from the body . ” (4)
7. Improves visual health
Grapefruit is relevant to the nervous system and is necessary to improve cognitive aspects such as sight, that is, it promotes visual health by preventing cataracts and spontaneous blurred vision.
You should know: This is because antioxidants, along with the beta-carotene pigment, are elements that are responsible for protecting nerve endings and the cornea, avoiding wear and tear on the visual field.
8. Contributes to weight loss
Related to glucose control and boosting the immune system, grapefruit is an essential food to help people lose weight , primarily because it is a low-calorie fruit.
On the other hand, for weight loss, the fruit provides minerals that reduce edema or fluid retention, including enzymes and an abundance of water that provides satiety and an adequate increase in metabolism.
9. Promotes healthy skin and hair
It can be said that grapefruit increases the production of collagen, enough to improve the health of the skin and hair in the majority , for these reasons grapefruit is widely used in very careful aesthetic treatments, mostly contributing to the skin its high content. of vitamin C.
To highlight: Grapefruit helps with the supply of collagen and is essential for hydrated and firm skin , it also provides smooth and clean hair along with faster growth, keeping both tissues protected from external agents.
10. Reduces the risk of cancer
The positive effects of grapefruit help against breast cancer or colon cancer have been studied a lot, especially in the United States . It has also been possible to show that grapefruit increases the actions of medications and by raising the defenses of the immune system it can prevent the appearance of cancer cells.
Another important detail is naringenin, an element that inhibits breast cancer cells and helps increase estrogen in women.
Grapefruit nutritional properties
Once the wonders of grapefruit are known, it’s time to learn what are the nutritional values and properties that help grapefruit to provide the aforementioned benefits: .
1. Vitamins
Grapefruit or grapefruit contains a high content of vitamin C, B complex vitamins such as vitamin B2 and B3, all of which have important actions in the body , especially in the immune system.
2. Minerals
The most important minerals in grapefruit are potassium , iron (which is even better absorbed by the body), phosphorus and a large amount of calcium , essential even for cartilage and bones.
3. Other compounds
This fruit has interesting nutrients such as inositol, dietary fiber , carbohydrates, sugar at a lower level and certain proteins , taking into account other elements such as lycopene (carotenoid responsible for the color of the red-fleshed variety), high content of flavonoids and limonoids. .
How should grapefruit be consumed?
The grapefruit in the kitchen can be consumed fresh or in the form of grapefruit juice, said juice can be accompanied with many foods , it must be remembered that it must be prepared carefully since it would change the value of the nutrients.
Another interesting way to consume grapefruit, but one that must be done carefully and without excess, is in the form of supplements, capsules, or aesthetic oils, which are made from the grapefruit peel.
Key Findings
- Grapefruit or pomelo is a bitter-tasting fruit called ” Citrus paradisi” , which is grown in soils with perfect conditions.
- The benefits of eating grapefruit are positive for the cardiovascular system and it also firms the skin due to its high content of antioxidants.
- It is high in vitamin C, flavonoids , potassium, calcium and limonoids.
- It can be consumed fresh, in the form of juice and even through capsules and cosmetic oils.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.