Several people have asked us about the benefits of grapefruit or grapefruit seed extract and also about its contraindications and side effects.
In this sense, it is convenient to clarify these doubts, but first we ask ourselves: What is grapefruit seed extract and how is it prepared?
This extract is made from the pulp, seeds, and white membranes of grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), which comes from the grapefruit tree. Grapefruit seeds and pulps are mixed in a highly acidic liquid. After further processing, the mixture will turn into a thick, yellow liquid with a strong, bitter taste. Vegetable glycerin is then added for lower acidity and bitterness.
The main bioactive compounds in this extract include the polyphenols naringenin and limonoids.
As a result, grapefruit extract liquid supplements can have many incredible health benefits. It is used for its antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. Grapefruit seed extract might also boost the immune system, fight skin conditions, and more.
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Grapefruit Seed Extract Benefits
May improve the immune system Studies have shown that people HIV AIDS You can improve your immune system by consuming this extract. According to a 2002 study, published in the journal Biological Research, this extract can reduce the number of HIV receptors and cause a cellular drop in the number of co-receptors, which means that GSE can reduce the impact of HIV.
It can heal stomach ulcer and gastric injury In a study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology in 2005, researchers found that the high amounts of flavonoids in grapefruit seed extract may help activate the gastric defense mechanism, which has been able to protect animals from injury. laboratory-induced gastric
Some of the animals were pretreated with this extract, while others were not. The animals were induced with stress that led to gastric damage. Pretreated animals suffered significantly fewer gastric lesions than non-pretreated animals.
Consuming grapefruit seed extract can also help heal stomach ulcers. Dissolve one capsule in juice or water and consume with food. If you don’t feel stomach irritation, start taking two a day and then increase to three capsules a day.
Kills antibiotic resistant UTIs Researchers have found resistance rates greater than 25% to 50% to antibiotics often used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). Most UTIs are caused by E. coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria that can live around the urinary tract, intestines, and vaginal cavities. Symptoms include difficulty urinating, abdominal pain, and pelvic pain in women.
A study published in the Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2005 found that grapefruit seeds effectively killed antibiotic-resistant UTIs. The patients received five to six grapefruit seeds every eight hours for two weeks.
Protects against pancreatitis Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, a small organ near the upper abdomen, in front of the spine and behind the stomach.
Acute pancreatitis comes on suddenly and may last only a few days. On the other hand, chronic pancreatitis is believed to be incurable, and symptoms are often made worse by drinking alcohol or eating a large, high-fat meal.
A study published in the Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology in 2004 found that laboratory rats treated with grapefruit seed extract suffered significantly less pancreatic damage from ischemia and reperfusion than those that had not received grapefruit seed extract. The positive effect of this extract was due to the flavonoid naringenin.
Fight against tooth decay Streptococcus mutans is a bacterium found naturally in the mouth of humans; however, it is also the main cause of dental caries. Grapefruit seed extract may help inhibit the growth and acid production of this strain of strep.
A study published in the journal Acta Academiae Medicinae Militaris Tertiae in 2011 found that low concentrations of GSE were not only effective against S. mutans bacteria, but also exhibited additional antibacterial activity.
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Other benefits of grapefruit seed extract
What are other benefits of grapefruit seed extract? The following are some additional grapefruit seed extract benefits and uses to consider.
- Instead of using chlorine, add GSE as a germicide to swimming pools and your bath water to help keep your skin clean and healthy.
- For those with diarrhea or dysentery due to food poisoning or other illness, use one drop of GSE with one ounce of filtered water.
- If your dog has fleas, put a drop or two of GSE in your dog’s food twice a day. This is also a great way to help prevent your pet from getting fleas and other infections.
- Spray GSE on your plants to prevent insects from eating them; it is a non-toxic disinfectant.
- Add 10-15 drops of GSE to the final rinse of your clothes to kill bacteria and fungus.
- Add a few drops of GSE to carpet cleaners to kill pathogenic bacteria.
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Contraindications and Side Effects of Grapefruit Seed Extract
Although there are many benefits, there are also grapefruit seed extract side effects to consider. For example, never get grapefruit seed extract in your eyes, and avoid using full-strength GSE on your ears, nose, mouth, or other sensitive areas of the body.
When used in abundance on the skin, it can cause irritation.
See a doctor right away if you notice signs of a severe allergic reaction after using grapefruit seed extract. Allergic reaction symptoms include tingling or swelling in the throat or mouth, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, rash, hives, or swelling on the hands or face.
Some commercial products of this extract contain benzethonium chloride and preservatives such as methylparaben and triclosan. These can affect its effectiveness and cause allergic reactions.
Other reports suggest that grapefruit seed extract significantly increases levels of the drug warfarin (“Coumadin”) in the body, which will increase the risk of bleeding.
It is also a good idea to consult your doctor before using extract if you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or planning to become pregnant while using this extract.
Also, be sure to tell your doctor before taking this extract if you are allergic to any medications, are taking medications such as blood thinners or medications used after an organ transplant, or have any other health problems such as high blood pressure or a blood vessel problem. or heart
Grapefruit seed extract side effects are not common when taken as directed. That being said, other possible adverse effects include a swollen or painful tongue; vomiting; nausea; and burns to the throat, mouth, or stomach. Stop using this extract if you experience any negative effects.
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