Grapefruit juice: benefits and properties for health

Grapefruit, also known as grapefruit, is the fruit of a tree in the Rutaceae family. It is a very healthy fruit, due to its diuretic properties, it is widely used in diets to lose weight.

This fruit is mainly consumed fresh and can accompany salads and different dishes, its sugary peel is also consumed as jam, it also favors the immune system and is rich in folic acid.

But it is also good against diabetes and in some cancer medications, it is also a source of vitamins and nutrients, its water composition is quite high and compared to other citrus fruits it has fewer calories.

In this article we are going to talk a little more about the properties and benefits that grapefruit juice brings to our health.

What is grapefruit?

Grapefruit is a citrus fruit, from the grapefruit tree, whose scientific name is Citrus Paradisi and also known by the names of pomel tree, pomelero or grapefruit, belonging to the Rutaceae or peach family.

This fruit is not only known by the name of grapefruit, but also as grapefruit or pink grapefruit. This tree originates from Caribbean plantations in the 17th century.

The grapefruit is of tropical and subtropical climate, and its consumption occurs in the months of October to March.

Health benefits of grapefruit juice

Grapefruit juice has many benefits for our body, which is why it is an ideal fruit to be included in weight loss diets, since it does not contain lipids and is rich in vitamin C and carotenoids, which makes it an excellent antioxidant.

On the other hand, it is also beneficial to help reduce cholesterol, prevent heart disease, strengthen the immune system, combat anemia; likewise it contributes to fight allergic pictures, among other benefits for our health.

Next we will talk about some of the multiple benefits that consuming grapefruit juice brings us:

Regenerates the immune system

This fruit is prized for its vitamin C and flavonoid content, which supports the immune system.

With its antioxidant properties, grapefruit juice protects cells from harmful bacteria and viruses, scientists reported in a publication in the United States National Library of Medicine .

Decreases hypertension

Grapefruit or grapefruit contain a high content of bioflavonoids, both in the peel and in the pulp, which helps prevent the fragility of blood vessels and helps tone the arteries.

In addition to consuming medications to control hypertension, it is worth consuming natural products that also provide us with benefits.

In the same way, to help control hypertension, it is advisable to change your lifestyle, acquiring diets rich in vegetables and fruits and doing physical exercises regularly.

Reduce the cholesterol

Thanks to the vitamin C content that grapefruit juice contains, it is a good ally to avoid high cholesterol levels.

In addition, the pulp should be eaten with a little of the white part, which contains pectin and galacturonic acid, which are responsible for absorbing cholesterol that is eliminated by the liver and discarding it with the feces.

Lowers blood sugar

According to the thesis carried out by Dr. Ana Laura de la Garza, from the Department of Food Sciences and Physiology of the University of Navarra , she points out that grapefruit juice is rich in flavonoids, likewise it has hypoglycemic properties in the intestine that improve hyperglycemia by regulating glucose metabolism in the liver.

In the same way, grapefruit juice has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, since it contains naringenin, a type of flavonoid, this substance also improves the resistance of cells to insulin.

Improves intestinal transit

The contribution of water and fiber that grapefruit makes us, which is usually consumed as juice, turns out to be a natural remedy, to improve intestinal transit. As a consequence, improving the absorption of nutrients and digestion.

As everyone knows, fiber being inside the body fulfills its function, increasing the stool and facilitating its expulsion, it also increases the number of beneficial bacteria, all for the strengthening of our intestines.

Fight anemia

On the other hand, we have that grapefruit juice helps stimulate the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells, so it becomes a very useful ally for anemia.

Likewise, in case the levels of hemoglobin and red blood cells are very high, the stimulating properties of grapefruit juice reduce excess production.

Decreases fluid retention

Consuming grapefruit juice helps us retain fluids, thanks to its high water content and its vitamin C content, which is very useful for purifying the body, because it cares for the liver.

That is why grapefruit juice is indicated in cases of gout, high blood pressure or other diseases associated with fluid retention.

Strengthens bones and muscles

Since the vitamin C that grapefruit juice contains has been mentioned, it continues to give us reasons to consume it.

Since this vitamin is essential for the formation of collagen, which forms the bones, muscles, cartilage and blood vessels. So in this way they stay strengthened.

Fight the flu and cold

All citrus fruits, and in this case grapefruit, are a great source of vitamin C which is an ally to avoid colds and flu, as well as to speed up our recovery.

Reduces insomnia

Fruits, especially citrus fruits, are necessary to include in our daily diet, in order to improve our body and that it gets the daily vitamins and antioxidants.

Citrus fruits are allies in the battle against tiredness, fatigue or nerves, thanks to citric acids and mineral salts. In the case of grapefruit, it also helps us with states of apathy, lack of concentration and being able to fall asleep. calm and restful.

Fight fungi, bacteria and viruses

Grapefruit juice, like its seeds, have antiseptic properties, which prevent the growth of bacteria, viruses and fungi. This can treat infections of the mouth, neck, intestinal tract, among others.

On the other hand, because it is an antioxidant it helps protect damaged organs such as the pancreas, it also serves to disinfect vegetables and fruits.

Rise the levels of energy

Another of the benefits that consuming grapefruit juice brings us for our health is the increase in energy since it contains sugars and natural carbohydrates.

What makes it become a more restorative drink and of course healthy, when taken, than those commercial energy drinks.

Improves skin health

One of the components that grapefruit has is retinol, which is an antioxidant, which favors clarity and uniformity in the complexion, since it repairs damaged skin cells.

Like other citrus fruits, this fruit contains vitamin C, which contributes to maintaining good skin health. In fact, there are several beauty products that include grapefruit, as exfoliants, astringents for oily or acne-prone skin.

Increases gum health

The antibacterial properties that grapefruit juice contains are useful in the treatment of oral problems, such as halitosis and oral candidiasis.

By coming into contact with the dental pieces, it helps to eliminate germs, which may not be easily removed with daily brushing, thus creating protection against inflammation. In the same way it helps in the relief of bleeding gums.

Grapefruit juice properties

There are multiple properties that grapefruit juice brings us for the benefit of our health, it is a fruit with a high carbohydrate content, it contains few calories and it is a good source of vitamin C, which is a nutrient that facilitates the absorption of iron from foods. other foods.

On the other hand, it also provides us with malic, oxalic, tartaric and citric acids, it contains carotenoids, flavonoids such as naringin and quercetin, powerful antioxidants. As if that were not enough, it also provides us with minerals such as potassium and magnesium, as well as fibers both in its pulp and in its rind.

vitamins

It is a fruit rich in vitamin C, which is beneficial for health, contributes to the formation of collagen, red blood cells, bones, it also helps in the absorption of iron and boosts the immune system.

It is a source of group B vitamins, which help to assimilate the sugars that grapefruit contains, as well as that of the food we consume daily. Grapefruit juice also contains vitamin A and lycopene.

The contribution of folic acid (vitamin B9) is very important since it is involved in the production of red and white blood cells, in the genetic material and in the formation of antibodies of the immune system, folic acid is also essential during pregnancy.

minerals

Grapefruit juice also makes us a great contribution of minerals, mainly potassium and magnesium. Potassium being necessary for the generation and transmission of the nerve impulse and for good muscular activity.

In the case of the magnesium that it provides us, it is necessary for the proper functioning of the intestines, nerves and muscles. In addition, this mineral is part of the bones, teeth and helps improve the immune part.

How to prepare grapefruit juice?

As we could see, grapefruit brings us many health benefits thanks to its great properties. This fruit can be consumed in different ways, the most common being to eat it naturally, cutting it and eating it directly.

It is used in the kitchen in different preparations, such as salads, vinaigrettes, among others, but nevertheless it is also enjoyed in the form of juices. The important thing is to include grapefruit in your daily diet, in order to enjoy its great flavor and benefits.

Here are some ways to prepare grapefruit juice.

Grapefruit and ginger juice

Not only grapefruit brings us health benefits, ginger also makes a great contribution as it helps us improve digestion, fight the flu, reduce muscle pain, prevent cardiovascular accidents, among others.

Combining these two ingredients is a bomb of health benefits for our body.

Ingredients

• 1 grapefruit
• ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• Honey or sweetener to taste
• Ice

Preparation

• Wash the grapefruit very well, then cut it in half and squeeze it until all the juice is obtained.
• In a glass, place the freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, add the ginger, honey or the desired sweetener and finally add the ice.

Grapefruit and watermelon juice

Grapefruit and watermelon juice is ideal to quench thirst, it is highly recommended for people who want to follow a diet to lose weight, since it has a high content of water and citric acid, which makes it a detoxifying, purifying juice that It also strengthens the immune system.

Ingredients

• 1 grapefruit
• 1 slice of watermelon cut
• Ice
• Honey or sweetener to taste

Preparation

• Wash the grapefruit very well, cut it in half and squeeze it.
• Wash the watermelon very well and cut a slice.
• Place a little ice, the diced watermelon and the grapefruit juice in the blender.
• Blend very well, pass through a strainer stirring with a spoon to extract all the juice.

Grapefruit, apple and aloe vera juice

This is a juice full of many benefits, consuming it on an empty stomach will help us purify ourselves inside and out, as well as being digestive, preventing fluid retention, urinary infections, which will bring us health and well-being.

Ingredients

• 1 grapefruit
• 1 apple
• 2 tablespoons of aloe vera pulp
• Water
• Honey or sweetener to taste

Preparation

• Wash and dry the Aloe Vera, Apple and Grapefruit stalk.
• Remove the core, the seeds and chop the apple, peel and chop the grapefruit, remove part of the skin from the aloe vera stalk.
• Place in the blender the 2 tablespoons of aloe pulp, grapefruit, apple and a little water.
• Serve in a glass and add a little more water if necessary.