Grapefruit is a citrus fruit. People use the fruit, oil from the peel, and extracts from the seed as medicine. The grapefruit seed extract is processed from grapefruit seeds and pulp obtained as a byproduct from grapefruit juice production. Vegetable glycerin is added to the final product to reduce acidity and bitterness.
Grapefruit is a tropical citrus fruit known for its sweet and somewhat sour taste, It’s rich in nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber, making it one of the healthiest citrus fruits you can eat.
Nutritional Value
Here are some of the major nutrients found in half of a medium-sized grapefruit.
- Calories: 52
- Carbs: 13 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Vitamin C: 64% of the RDI
- Vitamin A: 28% of the RDI
- Potassium: 5% of the RDI
- Thiamine: 4% of the RDI
- Folate: 4% of the RDI
- Magnesium: 3% of the RDI
How does it work?
Grapefruit is a source of vitamin C, fiber, potassium, pectin, and other nutrients. Some components might have antioxidant effects that might help protect cells from damage or reduce cholesterol.
What is this product used for?
It comes in a few forms like fruit, juice, and seeds. It is used by some people to treat infections. Others may use it to help with stomach problems. Some people believe it will help lower cholesterol. Some people use this for weight loss.
What are the health benefits of grapefruit?
1. It’s great for your immune system
Exhibit A of all that glorious nutrient density: grapefruits are a good source of vitamins A, C, and E—a trifecta that works together to keep the immune system up. (Specifically, one whole grapefruit has 77 mg of vitamin C—more than what you’d get in a large orange.) So you know those times of the year when everyone in your office seems to be sick? (Um, like right now?) It’s the perfect time for some grapefruit.
2. Increases Metabolism and Weight Loss
Grapefruit contains unique plant compounds that reduce insulin levels and in turn promote weight loss. Advocates of the renowned ‘Hollywood diet’, which first appeared in the 1970s, present grapefruit as an active fat burner. The lower starch levels also make it a safe alternative for the diabetics’ sweet tooth. The fiber-rich fruit makes you feel full for longer, thus functioning as an excellent suppressant.
3. May Promote Appetite Control
Grapefruit contains a decent amount of fiber — 2 grams in half of a medium-sized fruit.
Research shows that a diet high in fiber-rich fruits is beneficial for inducing feelings of fullness. This is because fiber slows the rate at which your stomach empties, increasing digestion time. Thus, consuming adequate amounts of fiber may automatically help you eat fewer calories throughout the day by keeping your appetite at bay.
4. Digestion
grapefruit contains water and fiber. Specifically, a small grapefruit weighing 200 g contains 182 g of water and 2.2 g of fiber. Both water and fiber can help prevent constipation and promote regularity for a healthy digestive tract.
Adults should try to consume 28 to 33.6 g of fiber per day, depending on their age and sex. Here is also evidence to suggest that a high intake of dietary fiber can help prevent colorectal cancer.
5. Builds Stronger Bones
As per Texas A&M University’s Vegetable and Fruit. Improvement research, orange and grapefruit juice regularly given to lab rats prevented osteoporosis, long considered an unavoidable aging disease in which bones become more likely to break.
6. May Improve Heart Health
Regularly consuming grapefruit is thought to improve heart health by reducing risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol.
In one study, people who ate grapefruit three times daily for six weeks experienced significant reductions in blood pressure over the course of the study. They also showed improvements in total cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol levels. These effects are likely due to the important nutrients that grapefruit contains, which play a role in keeping your heart functioning properly.
7. Reduce the Risk of Kidney Stones
Consuming grapefruit may reduce your risk of developing kidney stones, which result from a buildup of waste materials in the kidneys. These waste materials are products of metabolism that are normally filtered through the kidneys and removed from the body in urine.
However, when they crystallize in the kidneys, they become stones. Larger kidney stones may cause a blockage in the urinary system, which can be incredibly painful.
The most common type of kidney stone is calcium oxalate stones. Citric acid, an organic acid found in grapefruit, may be effective at preventing them by binding with calcium in the kidneys and flushing it out of the body.
8. It’s high in antioxidants
Grapefruit is also a good source of antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and fight damage caused by free radicals in the body. Even grapefruit peels are high in antioxidants, so don’t just enjoy the refreshing, vibrant meat and juice of the fruit; use the peels as zest in various dishes, such as poultry or in baked goods.
9. Get rid of dandruff
Dandruff can be caused by a yeast-like fungus that lives on your scalp. Juice contains a compound that helps to lower the amount of yeast in your system. Dr. Taz Bhatia recommends using grapefruit juice topically to help reduce dandruff and kill the fungus that causes dandruff. Grapefruit juice also removes the buildup caused by hair products, which can contribute to dandruff.
Grapefruit Is Not for Everyone
There are a few reasons why some people may need to avoid eating grapefruit.
Medication Interactions
For some people, consuming grapefruit and its juice may lead to medication interactions. This is because it contains substances that inhibit cytochrome P450, an enzyme your body uses to metabolize certain medications.
If you eat grapefruit while taking these medications, your body may not be able to break them down, which could cause an overdose and other adverse effects.
The medications most likely to interact with grapefruit include:
- Immunosuppressants
- Benzodiazepines
- Most calcium channel blockers
- Indinavir
- Carbamazepine
- Some statins
If you are taking any of these medications, talk with your doctor before adding grapefruit to your diet.
Tooth Enamel Erosion
In some instances, eating grapefruit may lead to tooth enamel erosion.
Citric acid, which is found in citrus fruits, is a common cause of enamel erosion, especially if you consume it in excess.
If you have particularly sensitive teeth, you may need to avoid acidic fruits. However, there are some things you can do to preserve your tooth enamel while still enjoying grapefruit:
- Never suck on grapefruit or other acidic fruits and avoid putting them directly against your teeth.
- Rinse your mouth with water after eating the fruit and wait 30 minutes to brush your teeth.
- Eat cheese with the fruit. This helps neutralize the acidity in your mouth and increase saliva production.
What are the precautions when taking this product?
1. Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with drugs or other natural products.
2. This product interferes with MANY drugs. It reduces the effectiveness of many drugs. It increases the side effects of some drugs. Talk with your doctor before you start using this product.
3. This product may interfere with some lab tests. Be sure to talk with your doctor about this and all drugs you are taking.
4. Be sure to tell your doctor that you take this product if you are scheduled for surgery or tests.
5. Take extra care if you are at high risk for infection. This includes people who have had a transplant, are on chemo or have an autoimmune disease.
6. Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have cancer.
How to Select and Store Grapefruit for the Best Quality and Taste
Select fully ripe grapefruit that’s free of bruises and cuts. A yellow rind indicates that your grapefruit is fully ripe. You can keep the fruit at room temperature for up to a week. Refrigeration can help extend the life by an additional week or two.
How to Eat Grapefruit
Grapefruit is a typical breakfast food; the fruit is cut in half and the pulp is eaten with a spoon. Some people sprinkle sugar on top to balance out the sour taste, but this can take away some of the benefits. If you must sweeten your grapefruit, try no-calorie stevia instead. It is also sometimes used to make jellies, marmalades, and syrups.
When is grapefruit in season?
This is available from fall through spring, thanks to the different climates from the big states that grow them like Texas, Florida, and California. If you don’t live in a state that grows grapefruit, you can still get high-quality ones in your area. That’s because they ship well, thanks to their thick, protective peel.
Texas and Florida are the two dominant grapefruit growers, with their season starting in November and lasting until May.
Southern California has recently become a big player in the grapefruit industry and their season covers the summer supply gap in the Florida and Texas market. California grapefruit are available from January through June.
Also read: Ginger Water: Benefits Of Raw Ginger In Empty Stomach
Side Effects
The grapefruit seed extract is possibly safe when used orally and appropriately for medicinal purposes. However, given the evidence that many grapefruit seed extract products contain synthetic chemicals not listed on their labels, it’s important to take caution when using any type of grapefruit seed extract, especially dietary supplements.
Supplements haven’t been tested for safety and, due to the fact that these products are largely unregulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, their content may differ from what is specified on the label.
Also keep in mind that the safety of supplements has not been established in pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical conditions or who are taking medications.