Grapefruit is a member of the citrus family that grows in bunches on trees, much like grapes - and it is believed that this is where the term grapefruit came from. Citrus fruits, such as grapefruits, come in a variety of colours, including yellow, pink, and red, and their flavours range from sweet to sour, depending on their diversity of colours.
Grapefruit has a high nutritional value
An 80g serving of fresh grapefruit includes the following nutrients:
- 24 kcals/101 KJ
- 0.6g protein
- 0.1g fat
- 5.4g carbohydrates
- 1.4g fibre
- 160mg potassium
- 29mg vit C
Fresh grapefruit or 80g of canned grapefruit counts as one five-a-day serving, whereas 150ml of unsweetened grapefruit juice qualifies as one five-a-day serving, but only once owing to the high sugar level of grapefruit.
The following are the top five health benefits of grapefruit:
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- Grapefruit has a high nutritional value
- 1. It is high in antioxidants
- 2. It has the potential to improve heart health
- 3. It has the potential to aid with weight reduction
- 4. It is possible that it will help with blood sugar control
- 5. It has the potential to improve brain function
- 6. It helps to keep you hydrated
- 7. Grapefruits are beneficial in maintaining bone strength
- Is it possible for grapefruit to have an effect on prescription medications?
1. It is high in antioxidants
Grapefruit has a variety of minerals that are both useful and protective, as well as plant components that have antioxidant capabilities. That is to say, they aid in the protection of cells against the potential harm produced by unstable molecules known as free radicals.
These foods include a very high concentration of beta-carotene, which is processed by the body into vitamin A and is considered to lower the risk of chronic diseases such as macular degeneration. Grapefruit is also a good source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to a lower risk of developing cancer.
2. It has the potential to improve heart health
Women's stroke risk may be reduced by eating a diet rich in flavonoids, which are substances found in citrus fruits such as grapefruit, according to a paper released by the American Heart Association in 2012. More study, however, is required to determine precisely why this is the case.
Grapefruit is high in potassium and fibre, as well as preventive antioxidants that may be beneficial in the management of blood pressure and cholesterol levels. A number of human studies have revealed the potentially positive function that grapefruit, and notably red grapefruit, may have in lowering cholesterol levels, particularly in those who suffer from atherosclerosis (heart disease).
3. It has the potential to aid with weight reduction
The consumption of grapefruit, despite its low caloric content and high fibre content, is unlikely to result in the dramatic weight reduction promised by certain fad diets; yet, there is some evidence to indicate that doing so may be beneficial. After 12 weeks of research, researchers in Japan found that people who had half a grapefruit before meals lost much more weight than those who did not.
4. It is possible that it will help with blood sugar control
There have been many animal studies conducted to investigate the potential benefits of grapefruit juice in lowering blood glucose levels and decreasing insulin resistance. This is further bolstered by the fact that a larger diet of fruits and vegetables, particularly green vegetables, is linked with a much lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
5. It has the potential to improve brain function
In recent years, there has been some encouraging study on the role of flavonoids in the diet in terms of memory and cognitive enhancement, as well as the prevention of neurodegenerative disorders. The jury is still out on whether grapefruit, in particular, has a substantial influence on brain health at this point in time.
6. It helps to keep you hydrated
In addition to your normal S'well bottle habit, grapefruits are a fantastic method to remain hydrated since they contain 88 percent water (one full fruit has 216 grammes of the stuff!). While grapefruit juice is a popular morning beverage, it is more advantageous to the body to consume the fruit itself, which provides fibre as well as vitamin C.
7. Grapefruits are beneficial in maintaining bone strength
Grapefruit includes significant levels of calcium and phosphorus, which both contribute to the health of the bones and teeth.
Is it possible for grapefruit to have an effect on prescription medications?
It is recommended by the National Health Service that fresh grapefruit or grapefruit juice should not be ingested with some drugs since it has been demonstrated to impair their breakdown and excretion, which may result in elevated blood levels of the medication. Some of these drugs include but are not limited to, statins, calcium channel blockers, immunosuppressants, some cancer treatments, and Entocort, which is used to treat Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis In the event that you are on prescription medicine, always consult your doctor before ingesting citrus fruits or grapefruit juice.
