Grapefruit Benefits 8 Reasons to Eat This Fruit
When we speak of citrus fruits, oranges and lemons immediately come to mind. But there is yet another mouthwatering fruit that is often underestimated for its citrusy potential: the grapefruit.
Characterized by a divinely succulent taste that is tart and tangy in equal measures, with a tinge of sweetness to it, grapefruit can just as well contend for the position of your new citrus favorite.
Some would say that the pungent flavor of grapefruit can take some getting used to, but don’t let the naysayers deter you from giving it a try.
There’s much more to grapefruit than its flavor and inherent juiciness. Much like other citrus fruits of its ilk, grapefruit has been in good standing with health experts for some time now.
The multiple health-promoting benefits of grapefruit have earned it a permanent spot on breakfast tables around the world. Being a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, it can replenish energy levels in your body and provide a perfect start to your day.
Although grapefruits grace the markets throughout the year, their peak season is from winter through early spring.
Here are the top 10 health benefits of grapefruit.
1. Aids in Weight Loss
A 2015 rat study from the Journal of Medicinal Food found rats supplemented with grapefruit extract for 5 weeks gained less weight compared with rats not on the supplement.
The fiber and water content of grapefruit even aid in reducing hunger pangs. This fruit can also help absorb and reduce the starch and sugar in the body.
An easy way to add grapefruit to a weight loss diet is drinking a glass of grapefruit juice or half of a fresh grapefruit before your meals.
2. Stabilizes Blood Sugar
The flavonoid known as naringenin in grapefruit increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin and also helps maintain a healthy body weight.
3. Boosts Immunity
Some, but not all, studies suggest that regular intake of vitamin C may reduce the duration of colds. Because grapefruit is a good source of vitamin C, eating grapefruits regularly may help lower risks from the common cold.
The vitamin C in grapefruit works as a powerful natural antioxidant and scavenges harmful free radicals. This, in turn, helps the body develop resistance against pathogens that cause common colds and other infectious diseases. It may even help shorten the duration and lessen the symptoms of infectious diseases.
Vitamin C also helps in the maintenance of healthy connective tissue and aids in early wound healing.
4. Protects Heart Health
A 2015 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that those who ate the most fruits and vegetables had a 15 percent lower risk of developing heart disease. Those having the highest vitamin C levels in their blood plasma had even more reduced rates of heart disease.
The high potassium content in grapefruits works as a vasodilator, which means it helps the blood vessels and arteries relax. This, in turn, reduces blood pressure and lessens the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
5. Lowers Bad Cholesterol
Grapefruits are a rich source of several flavonoids. The predominant flavonoid hesperidin in grapefruits has been shown to boost “good” high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and lower “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides.
A rat study published in the Journal of Food and Drug Analysis found that administration of grapefruit juice to rats fed a high-cholesterol diet caused a significant reduction in plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL cholesterol levels and an increase in HDL cholesterol levels.
6. Improves Skin Health
As this citrus fruit is rich in vitamin C, it is also good for your skin health. Vitamin C is essential for the production of healthy collagen, which is needed to keep your skin plump and smooth.
Also, its antioxidant nature combats the body’s cell aging triggered by harmful free radicals.
Plus, the mild acidic nature of grapefruits helps fade spots from your skin by reducing excess production of skin pigment.
7. Fights Gum Disease
Vitamin C is essential for healthy gums, which help keep our teeth firmly in place. As grapefruits are a good source of vitamin C, they play a key role in fighting gum disease.
A healthy gum line is important for strong teeth.
A study published in the British Dental Journal found that daily consumption of grapefruits reduced gum bleeding among those who suffer from gum disease. This was due to the increase in their vitamin C levels, which aids in the repair of gums.
8. Protects Against Cancer
Grapefruit helps reduce the risk of cancers of the stomach, colon, bladder, breast, and esophagus.
The rich antioxidant property of grapefruits combats free radicals, harmful substances that cause damage to the cells in the body and are ultimately responsible for deadly diseases such as cancer.
