Do you like grapefruit? Do you eat his juice regularly? If your answer is yes, then you are right. Because you have in your hands a drink that can have as many benefits as lemon water while being pleasant to drink. What are the benefits of this juicy citrus fruit? Here they are !
What is the difference between grapefruit and other citrus fruit?
Grapefruit (Citrus X paradisi) is a hybrid fruit between grapefruit and orange. It has been called "forbidden fruit" by many botanists and amateurs.
This fruit is rich in nutrients, antioxidants and fiber, making it one of the healthiest citrus fruits you can eat. Science shows that grapefruit juice can have health benefits.
Benefits of grapefruit
Grapefruit is a very low calorie food. It also promotes weight loss, fat burning and the prevention of obesity.
According to an animal study published in the journal African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, the results showed that grapefruit juice is more effective than anti-obesity drugs when it comes to losing weight. Specifically, the study compared grapefruit juice to sibutramine, which is no longer available due to fears about increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Not only was grapefruit juice more effective for weight loss than sibutramine, it also did not affect neurotransmitters in the same way as the anti-obesity drug.
Protects and rejuvenates your skin
Citrus fruits, including grapefruit, can prevent your skin from becoming photosensitive to both UVA and UVB rays. Grapefruit contains strong phenolic acids, flavonoids and polyphenols that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin.
According to a study published in Food and Nutrition Research, the polyphenols contained in grapefruit eliminate free radicals, block anti-inflammatory compounds, delay the development of the effects of sunburn or redness (erythema) on the skin and improve the stiffness and the elasticity of the skin.
Regulates blood cholesterol levels
Grapefruit helps regulate the level of cholesterol in the blood thanks to the polyphenols it contains, namely naringine, which is an important phytochemical in grapefruit. In addition to giving the fruit its characteristic bitter taste, Naringin has potent lipid-lowering and antioxidant properties that increase HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. The researchers concluded that naringine can be used as a cardio-protector in preventing thrombosis, according to a study published in the journal Journal of Pharmacy and BioAllied Sciences.
Helps with liver detoxification
Grapefruit juice also has the ability to stimulate liver detoxification by stimulating liver enzymes. According to a rat study published in Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology, regular consumption of grapefruit juice has shown stimulating effects on liver enzymes. These protect the liver from inflammation due to peroxidation and lipid accumulation.
Stimulates digestion
Grapefruit contains a good amount of soluble fiber such as pectin and insoluble fiber such as lignin, as well as vitamin C and potassium. According to a study published in Advances in Nutrition, these molecules act as laxatives and increase the water weight of stools. In this way, the stool easily passes through the digestive system, thus preventing constipation.
Since fiber is digested more slowly than carbohydrates or fats, it provides a feeling of fullness. Thus, it prevents you from eating a lot and often, which helps to better control body weight. To this end, do not forget to integrate the grapefruit pulp into the juice, for greater efficiency.
Strengthens the immune system
Eating grapefruit regularly can be beneficial for your immune system.
It is prized for its high vitamin C content, which has known antioxidant properties to protect your cells against harmful bacteria and viruses. In addition, according to a study published in Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, the results showed that vitamin C was beneficial in helping people recover more quickly from colds.
How to prepare grapefruit water?
Just add the juice of a grapefruit and a spoon of rosemary to 1 liter of warm water. Infuse this drink in a glass bottle and drink in a glass in the morning on an empty stomach for a week.
Warnings
The consumption of grapefruit is not recommended when taking certain drugs because of possible interactions with them. Among them we can name statins, tranquilizers, immunosuppressants or drugs to treat heart disorders.
Grapefruit is not recommended for people with citrus allergies.
