Grapefruits were discovered in Barbados in XVIII century – experts believe that grapefruit appeared after natural cross breeding between orange and pomelo. Its name fruit received in 1814 in Jamaica – actually the name “grapefruit” reflects the way of grapefruit’s grow (hanging in clusters like grapes). In XIX century grapefruit trees were planted in Florida and were spread to Texas, California, Arizona, Brazil, South Africa and Israel. Grapefruit health benefits based on several powerful nutrients including antioxidants and vitamin C.
Grapefruit health benefits – powerful nutrients
Grapefruit has high level of strong antioxidants (vitamin C, lycopene) which fight the damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. These antioxidants strengthen the immune system and help to prevent several diseases including cold, flu, cancer, diabetes, atherosclerosis and different types of inflammation.
Lycopene has anti-tumor activity – having strong capacity to help fight oxygen free radicals, which are compounds that can damage cells. It is important to mention that lycopene exists only in pink and red grapefruits.
Grapefruit health benefits – different health conditions
Cancer
Free radicals (product of oxidative stress) are the leading cause of cancer – actually free radicals damage DNA of cells which turns into cancerous cell. Antioxidants can neutralize free radicals and protect DNA. Lycopene (carotenoid phytonutrient) is the main grapefruit’s anti-cancer property – lycopene protects from free radicals as it actively fights to neutralize it. Maximum amount of lycopene was noted in pink grapefruits. According to scientists, lycopene helps to fight prostate cancer.
Grapefruits contain also limonoids which can protect from colon, breast, mouth, skin, stomach and lung cancer. Grapefruits also contain naringenin that helps in restoring and healing damaged DNA.
Interesting facts were described by research concerning effectiveness of grapefruits in preventing and/or treating hormone-sensitive breast tumors. The bioflavonoids present in grapefruits increase draining the excessive concentrations of estrogen from the body – reduced levels of estrogen decrease risks developing breast cancer.
Inflammation
Grapefruit’s vitamin C (as pretty effective antioxidant) protects from inflammations (flu, osteoporosis, arthritis) by insuring synthesis of collagen that repairs and heals blood vessels, tendons, joints, and bones.
Atherosclerosis
Grapefruit health benefits
Atherosclerosis characterized by accumulation of fat, cholesterol and some other negative elements in the inner lining of arteries – it is harmful to the flow of blood to the other parts of the body from the heart and transportation of oxygen to the heart itself. It was noted that grapefruit’s pectin can reduce this accumulation and deposits in the arteries. In addition, vitamin C strengthens arteries, retains arterial elasticity and prevents atherosclerosis as well as leads to better blood transportation through the body.
Cholesterol
It was noted that grapefruits can balance levels of cholesterol. Grapefruits have properties which can reduce so called “bad cholesterol” (LDL) and increase “good cholesterol” (HDL). This grapefruit effect was observed only in cases of regular long-term use of the fruit.
Diabetes
Experts of natural medicine believe that grapefruits can reduce risks for diabetes. In general, many fruits are not recommended to patients who suffer from diabetes because of high sugar content in most fruits. However, recent studies show that diabetic clients can safely eat grapefruit and even increased consumption of this fruit helps to reduce and burn the starch and sugar content in the body.
Grapefruits are recommended to people with family history of diabetes (as prevention strategy).
Sleep disturbances
Natural medicine recommends drinking a warm glass of grapefruit juice just before going to bed because above mentioned antioxidant lycopene is the property in grapefruit that is responsible for better sleep quality.
Weight loss
Grapefruits have fat burning enzyme that ensures the reduction of starch and sugar content in the body. At the same time, fiber content makes you full and the high content of water in this fruit also makes up the fluid and electrolyte loss while exercising.
Sore Throats and/or Coughs
Sore throats and coughs are symptoms of inflammation. Anti-inflammation effect of grapefruits was already mentioned above. Natural medicine recommends grapefruits 0or grapefruit juice mixed with warm water and honey – it soothes the throat and reduces coughing.
Liver Cleansing
Grapefruits help the liver by cleansing unhealthy toxins from the body – it improve overall help alleviate symptoms of chronic conditions.
