34 Major Benefits of Grapefruit
Grapefruit is a citrus fruit of the subtropical citrus “Grapefruit” plant. This hybrid plant originated in Barbados by an accidental cross between the sweet orange and the Pomelo. Grapefruit provides many health and beauty benefits as they contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, dietary fibers, etc.
Health Benefits of Grapefruit
Some major health benefits of grapefruit are as follows.
(1) Promotes Weight Loss
Grapefruit promotes weight loss as it has a low calorific value of 42 calories per 100 grams.
Dietary fibers in grapefruit provide stomach satiety, reduces food craving, and control overeating, which is, a major cause of obesity.
Grapefruit smell stimulates cholecystokinin ( a hormone that regulates digestive juices) and reduces hunger.
As per a study by Dr. Ken Fujioka of Scripps Clinic, obese people who consumed grapefruit juice regularly for 12 weeks lost more weight than other groups on placebo capsules.
On average, the group that consumed fresh juice lost 3.52 pounds, the group that took grapefruit capsules lost 2.42 pounds, and the group which was on placebo capsules lost 0.66 pounds during the study.
(2) Reduces The Risk Of Influenza
Regular and moderate intake of grapefruit reduces the risk of Influenza as it contains “Naringin”, a powerful flavonoid that tones up our digestive system.
It is a powerful antioxidant that possesses antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Naringin reduces stomach acidity, strengthens immunity, and protects against influenza.
source-pixabay.com(3) Effective Against Malaria
Grapefruit is effective against malaria as they contain quinine.
Quinine is a powerful alkaloid that helps in the treatment of malaria, as well as lupus, arthritis, and nocturnal leg cramps.
To extract quinine from grapefruit, boil a quarter of peeled grapefruit and strain the pulp.
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(4) Helps In Recovering From Fever
Grapefruit helps in treating fever and reduces the burning sensation experienced by the patients during high temperatures.
It has an abundance of water ( around 91 percent) and replenishes the loss of water during fever.
Vitamin C and other antioxidants in grapefruit strengthens our immune system and protects against infections.
(5) Helps In Tackling Fatigue
Grapefruit helps in fighting fatigue as it is a good source of energy ( 42 calories per 100 grams), and keeps us energetic and refreshed.
Vitamins and minerals in grapefruit provide us nourishment and enhance our stamina.
To combat fatigue, mix an equal portion of grapefruit juice and lemon juice, and enjoy the drink. Regular use boosts our energy level and improves our stamina.
Nootkatone in grapefruit activates AMPK, an enzyme that plays an important role in cellular energy homeostasis, and improves energy metabolism.
(6) Improves Digestive Health
Grapefruits are good for the stomach and improve our digestive health.
Vitamin C, vitamin A, and other antioxidants in grapefruit protect our digestive system from free radical damage and reduces the risk of colon cancer, abdominal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and intestinal cancer, etc.
The laxative properties of dietary fibers in grapefruit improve our bowel movement, relieve constipation, and other gastrointestinal problems such as abdominal pain, gas, bloating, and flatulence.
Grapefruit improves the flow of digestive juices in the stomach and treats indigestion.
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(7) Helps In Controlling Insomnia
Not getting proper sleep may harm our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Grapefruit helps in controlling insomnia, and other sleeping disorders as they contain tryptophan.
Tryptophan is an amino acid that stimulates the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that induces sleep and relaxes our mood.
Magnesium and B vitamins in grapefruit relax our brain, reduces stress and anxiety, and improve sleep quality.
(8) Regulating Blood Sugar
Grapefruit helps in managing diabetes as it has a low glycemic index of 25, and releases sugar into the bloodstream at a slow pace.
This prevents a sudden spike in blood sugar levels.
Dietary fibers in grapefruit slow down the rate at which sugar is absorbed by the bloodstream, and thus regulates blood sugar levels.
Despite the advantage, enjoy grapefruit in moderation as overeating grapefruits may drop blood sugar levels below the healthy range, and give rise to symptoms such as excessive hunger, excessive sweating, dizziness, fast heartbeat, confusion, irritability, or moodiness.
(9) Provides Relief From Acidity
Drinking grapefruit juice helps in treating acidity and other digestive issues because of its alkaline properties.
Grapefruit improves the flow of digestive juices in our stomach and is effective against indigestion.
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(10) Relieves Flatulence
The probiotic properties of flavonoids present in grapefruit help in relieving flatulence.
For this, consume 10-20 drops of grapefruit juice before all three meals of the day.
(11) Helps In Treating Urinary Disorders
Grapefruit is good for kidneys and helps in treating urinary disorders such as urinary tract infections.
Vitamin C and other antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids, etc in grapefruit protect our kidneys from free radical damage.
Dietary fibers in grapefruit remove toxins and other impurities from the system. It reduces the burden of detoxification from the kidneys and improves kidney health.
The diuretic properties of grapefruit improve the frequency and flow of urination and help in treating urinary tract infections.
(12) Reduces Bad Cholesterol
Grapefruit helps in cholesterol management as dietary fibers reduce LDL cholesterol.
This reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, a leading cause of cardiovascular problems.
Atherosclerosis is a condition that hardens and narrows our arteries due to the accumulation of toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances.
(13) Regulates High Blood Pressure Or Hypertension
Hypertension or high blood pressure is a common health condition that affects millions around the world and is a leading cause of cardiovascular and other health problems.
Grapefruit contains potassium, a natural vasodilator that relaxes our blood vessels, improves blood circulation, and provides relief from hypertension or high blood pressure.
Despite the advantage, eat grapefruits moderately as otherwise high potassium level may drop the blood pressure below the healthy mark, and cause severe headache, nosebleed, fatigue, chest pain, breathing difficulty, and irregular heartbeat, etc.
If you take blood pressure medication, eat grapefruits only after consulting with your doctor to ensure there is no food-drug interference risk.
(14) Improves Cardivascular Health
Grapefruits are good for the heart and improve our cardiovascular health.
Vitamin C, vitamin E, and other antioxidant compounds like flavonoids, etc in grapefruit protect our cardiovascular system from free radical damage.
Dietary fibers in grapefruit reduce LDL cholesterol and minimize the risk of atherosclerosis, a leading cause of cardiovascular problems.
Grapefruit contains potassium, a vital mineral that relaxes blood vessels, improves blood circulation, and provides relief from hypertension or high blood pressure.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, magnesium, and B vitamins, etc in grapefruit also play a significant role in improving cardiovascular health.
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(15) Protection Against Cancer
Grapefruit contains several antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, and other relevant compounds such as flavonoids, and phytonutrients, etc.
These compounds protect our cells and tissues from free radical damage and reduce the risk of various cancers such as colon cancer, abdominal cancer, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, and intestinal cancer, etc.
Free radicals are unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from the neighboring molecules, and doing so causes oxidative damage to them.
(16) Keep Us Hydrated
Water plays an important role in keeping us healthy as it is needed by our body for various biochemical reactions.
Our body is made up of around 70 percent water, and some vital organs like the liver and kidneys contain more than 80 percent water.
Grapefruit has an abundance of water ( around 91 percent) and keeps us well hydrated.
This reduces the risk of dehydration which could otherwise give rise to excessive thirst, dark yellow and strong-smelling urine, fatigue, dizziness, joint pain, extreme headache, constipation, and other gastrointestinal problems.
Grapefruit helps in maintaining our electrolyte balance.
(17) Improves Respiratory Health
Grapefruits are good for the lungs and improve our respiratory health.
Antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients, etc in grapefruit protect our respiratory system from free radical damage.
Anti-inflammatory compounds such as vitamin C, and, beta-carotene in grapefruit reduce lung inflammation and minimizes the risk of inflammatory conditions such as asthma and bronchial asthma.
The antimicrobial properties of grapefruit protect the respiratory system from bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
(18) Strengthen Immune System
Grapefruit strengthens our immune system, the defense mechanism of the body that prevents and treats various infections, injuries, diseases, and wounds.
Antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and other relevant compounds like flavonoids, etc in grapefruit protects our immune cells or white blood cells from free radical damage.
This strengthens our immune system and reduces the risk of getting a cough, cold, fever, and flu, etc.
Vitamin C further strengthens immunity by enhancing the production of white blood cells.
The antimicrobial properties of grapefruit protect against bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
Other nutrients like calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, and B vitamins, etc in grapefruit also play a significant role in strengthening immunity.
(19) Detoxifies Liver
Grapefruit is good for our liver, and keep it healthy.
Vitamin C, vitamin A, and other antioxidants in grapefruit protect the liver from free radical damage and improve its efficiency.
Dietary fibers in grapefruit remove toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from our system, and helps with liver detoxification.
Detoxifying the liver improves our overall health, and reduces symptoms of chronic conditions like depression, stiff muscles, and chronic headaches, etc.
(20) Prevents Gum Diseases
Vitamin C in grapefruit aids in preventing gum diseases.
It is an essential nutrient that reduces the risk of scurvy, an inflammatory condition that causes swollen and bleeding gums.
Grapefruit inhibits the growth of bacteria in the mouth and reduces the risk of oral problems.
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(21) Eating Grapefruit During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding
Grapefruit is an abundant source of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and dietary fibers, etc.
These compounds play an important role in maintaining a healthy pregnancy.
Antioxidants such as vitamin C, and other relevant compounds like flavonoids, etc in grapefruit protect the fetus from free radical damage.
Folate or folic acid in grapefruit aids in the brain development of the fetus, and reduces the risk of neural tube defects.
Grapefruit regulates blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of gestational diabetes.
Potassium in grapefruit regulates high blood pressure during pregnancy.
Other nutrients like iron, magnesium, calcium, manganese, and B vitamins, etc in grapefruit also play a significant role in maintaining health.
Despite the advantages, consult your doctor before eating grapefruit during pregnancy, and stick with the doctor’s recommendation.
This is to ensure that there is no complication or any other food-drug interference.
Nursing mothers should follow the same precaution, and consult their doctor before enjoying grapefruits.
(22) Good For Our Eyes
Grapefruit benefit our eyes and improve ocular health.
Vitamin C, vitamin A, and other antioxidant compounds like flavonoids, etc in grapefruit protects our eyes from free radical damage and reduces the risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and glaucoma, etc.
Vitamin A is an essential nutrient for the eyes as it improves vision, prevents dryness of the eyes, and reduces the risk of night blindness.
Antioxidant compounds like naringenin, lycopene, xanthin, and lutein, etc in grapefruit also play a significant role in keeping eyes healthy.
Beauty Benefits of Grapefruit For Skin
Some major beauty benefits of grapefruit for skin are as follows
(1) Keeps Premature Aging At Bay
Grapefruit is good for the skin and improves skin health.
Vitamin C, vitamin A, and other antioxidant compounds like flavonoids, etc in grapefruit protect our skin cells from free radical damage.
This reduces fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, dark spots, and other signs of premature aging.
Vitamin C in grapefruit enhances collagen production.
Collagen is an essential amino acid that maintains skin elasticity and prevents wrinkles and skin sagging.
Eating as well as topical application of grapefruit benefit against premature aging.
For this, mix half cup plain organic yogurt, and half grapefruit juice.
Apply it on the clean face, and leave it for 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, rinse off with warm water and moisturize.
Regular use improves skin tone and keeps signs of premature aging at bay.
(2) Helps In Getting Rid of Oily Skin
Grapefruit helps in treating oily skin because of its astringent properties.
It clears out toxins, and other unwanted substances from our skin pores, and controls the secretion of sebum from the sebaceous glands of the skin.
To get rid of oily skin, mix freshly squeezed grapefruit juice and a small amount of fresh lavender or mint oil in a spray bottle.
Let it sit for at least 3 hours.
Use a cotton ball to gently apply this skin toner on the skin.
Regular use tighten skin pores, treats oily skin, and improves skin health.
(3) Aids In Treating Acne
Acne is a common skin problem mainly caused by the accumulation of toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances within the skin pores.
Dietary fibers in grapefruit remove toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from our system.
When there are fewer toxins, they are less likely to accumulate in our skin pores and reduces the risk of skin problems like acne and pimples.
Dietary fibers regulate the secretion of excess oil from the sebaceous glands of the skin and prevent acne from worsening.
For treating acne, a grapefruit honey face mask can be used.
For this, mix one tablespoon of honey, half cup cornmeal, and half cup grapefruit juice to form a paste.
Apply it on the face, and let it dry for 10 minutes.
Wash off with warm water.
Regular use helps in treating skin problems like acne and pimples and improves skin health.
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(4) Protects Our Lips From Damage
Applying grapefruit essential oil on lips protects the lips from damage.
It prepares our lips for wearing dark lipstick as it acts as a barrier between the lips.
It also protects our lips from the harmful UV rays of the sun.
Grapefruit extract is also used as an ingredient for lip balm to increase the smoothness of lips.
(5) Getting Rid of Dead Skin
The salicylic acid present in grapefruit helps in getting rid of dead and dry skin cells.
To get rid of dead skin, mix half grapefruit juice, one cup powdered sugar, and 3 tablespoons of grapeseed oil to form a paste.
Use this paste on the skin to get scrub off dead and dry skin.
Regular use eliminates dead skin and brings out the natural glow of the skin.
(6) Wonderful Skin Cleanser
Grapefruit is a wonderful skin cleanser as it keeps our skin free of toxins and other impurities.
It improves skin health, and makes our skin soft, supple, and radiant.
To use it as a skin cleanser, mix some grapefruit peels, two tablespoons of grapefruit juice, and half a teaspoon of borax powder in half a cup of extra virgin olive oil.
Microwave this mixture for few minutes, and let it cool.
Once cooled, apply it on the face and neck, and let it air dry.
(7) Combats Dry Skin
Grapefruit benefit against dry skin problem.
For this, mix half a teaspoon of grapefruit juice, one teaspoon of organic honey, and whipped egg yolk to form a paste.
Apply this paste on the skin, and leave it for 10-15 minutes.
Wash off with water.
Regular use increases skin smoothness and prevents skin dryness.
(8) Protects Skin From Harmful UV Rays
The prolonged exposure to the harmful UV rays of the sun may damage our skin, and give rise to wrinkles, leathery skin, age spots, liver spots, actinic keratosis, and solar elastosis.
Grapefruit contains several antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and other relevant compounds like flavonoids, etc.
These compounds protect our skin from oxidative damage caused by the harmful UV rays of the sun.
It reduces the risk of skin cancer.
The topical application of grapefruit extract reduces sunburn because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
Beauty Benefits of Grapefruit For Hair
Some major beauty benefits of grapefruit for hair are as follows.
(1) Strengthens Hair Follicles
Grapefruit is good for our hair and scalp and keeps them healthy.
Vitamins, minerals, and other essential compounds in grapefruit provide nourishment to our hair follicles and strengthen them.
Vitamin C, vitamin A, and other relevant compounds like flavonoids, etc in grapefruit protect our hair follicles from free radical damage.
It reduces the risk of premature greying of hair, hair fall, split ends, and hair dryness, etc.
(2) Promotes Hair Growth
Antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and other antioxidant compounds like phytonutrients, et in grapefruit protect our hair from free radical damage.
It reduces hair fall, split ends, premature greying of hair, and other signs of premature aging.
Essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals in grapefruit nourish our hair follicles and scalp and promote scalp health.
It improves scalp health and encourages the growth of new hair.
The antimicrobial properties of grapefruit protect our scalp from bacterial infections.
(3) Boost Blood Circulation
Grapefruit improves blood circulation in the scalp as it contains potassium, a natural vasodilator that relaxes blood vessels and improves blood circulation.
The improved blood circulation of the scalp ensures helps in proper nourishment of the scalp.
It improves scalp health and reduces the risk of scalp problems.
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(4) Helps In Removing Chemicals From Hair And Scalp
These days it’s common to expose our hair and scalp to chemically laden shampoos, hair conditioners, hair colors, and so on.
Most of these products are loaded with toxic chemicals that may damage our hair and scalp.
Grapefruit helps in removing these toxic chemicals from our hair and scalp.
For this, wet our hair and rinse them with one cup of grapefruit juice.
Regular use nourishes our hair and scalp, and aids in getting rid of harmful chemicals.
Disclaimer
The information contained in the post is for general purpose only and shouldn’t be considered as medical advice or as an alternative to medical advice. Although I’ve tried my best to keep the information contained in this post as accurate and updated as possible, I make no guarantee of the accurateness of the same.
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