VIVA LA GRAPEFRUIT: Learn about the benefits and properties of grapefruit

Grapefruit juice, or grapefruit depending on the country, is refreshing and has fantastic properties. And it is that this fruit that we sometimes overlook has a lot to contribute to your diet, nutrition and your health.

Let’s see some of the properties and ways of eating grapefruit so that from now on you have it on your list of essentials.

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Immune system.

The first thing we can say about all that glorious density of nutrients that the grapefruits is that they are a good source of vitamins A, C and Ea triplet that works together to keep the immune system active.

nutrients

Eating grapefruit regularly is linked to increased nutrient intake. One study found that women who ate grapefruit had higher intakes of vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, dietary fiber, and better diet quality.

Grapefruit can provide a healthy option for adults who are struggling to meet fruit recommendations.

Diabetes

Grapefruit could help prevent diabetes. And there is evidence that eating grapefruit can help keep insulin levels even, protecting against type 2 diabetes.

Higher consumption of blueberries, grapes, apples, bananas, and grapefruit was significantly associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes

blood health

Grapefruit might help prevent fat from building up on the walls of your arteries. There is evidence, at least in mice, that naringin (a flavonoid in grapefruit) can help prevent atherosclerosis, when plaque and cholesterol build up in the arteries. Again, this is just a mouse study, but adding grapefruit to a heart-healthy lifestyle is certainly worth it.

antioxidants

It is also a good source of antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and fight free radical damage in the body. Even grapefruit peels are high in antioxidants, so don’t just enjoy the refreshing, vibrant flesh and juice of the fruit; use the peels as zest in various dishes, such as poultry, or in baked goods.

Hydration

Grapefruits are 88 percent water, which makes them a pretty stellar way to stay hydrated. While grapefruit juice is a popular breakfast drink, it’s more beneficial for your body to eat the fruit, so you’re also getting fiber.

Bones

Grapefruit contains decent amounts of calcium and phosphorous, which help keep bones and teeth strong.

Potential risks of eating grapefruit

Okay, it’s pretty obvious that eating grapefruit regularly is hugely beneficial for the body.

However, there is a catch. Grapefruit may interfere with an enzyme that metabolizes a wide variety of drugs, allowing more of the drug to reach the bloodstream and increasing the risk of side effects and even overdose.

This is not to make you freak out about eating grapefruit. But people who eat the fruit regularly should definitely discuss it with your doctor every time they are prescribed a medication to make sure citrus does not cause a potentially dangerous interaction.