Advantages of Grapefruit For Health
A sour, pink citrus fruit with a big reputation, grapefruit is loaded with nutrients. Its benefits include fending off hunger, boosting nutrient intake and supporting immunity.
A half of a grapefruit contains only 41 calories and is packed with vitamin C. It is also a good source of potassium, which supports healthy blood pressure levels.
1. Lowers Cholesterol
Researchers have found that consuming grapefruit reduces cholesterol and prevents fat from building up in the walls of arteries. A flavonoid in grapefruit called naringin may help keep plaque from forming in the first place, according to one study in mice.
Grapefruits and grapefruit juice are high in vitamin C. One whole fruit or 150ml of unsweetened grapefruit juice counts as one portion of your daily five-a-day. Fildena 100 and Fildena 150 are best medicines to treat erectile dysfunction in men.
However, you should avoid grapefruit if you take medication for hypertension or for lowering cholesterol such as statins like Lipitor. It can interfere with how these drugs work by blocking how your body absorbs them. Speak to your pharmacist or doctor about this before you start eating it if you are taking any of these.
2. Boosts Immune System
Grapefruit contains a large amount of vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system. Vitamin C also has antioxidant properties, which help protect cells from damage.
Another health benefit of grapefruit is the presence of a mineral called potassium. This mineral is essential for several body functions, including regulating heartbeat and nerve function, maintaining proper fluid balance and hydration, and moving nutrients in and out of cells.
A cup of grapefruit juice can provide a significant amount of potassium, magnesium and vitamin C. It can be a great way to boost the immune system and stay hydrated, especially if you are dehydrated. The refreshing aroma of citrus fruits like grapefruit can also reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. A 1995 study found that smelling the fragrance of grapefruit reduced levels of cortisol in the blood, a marker of stress.
3. Reduces Inflammation
One study found that people who eat grapefruit three times a day see a significant drop in their blood pressure and also experience reduced cholesterol levels. The anti-inflammatory properties of this citrus fruit are believed to play a role in the health benefits.
Grapefruit is high in vitamin C and potassium, which are important for heart health. It’s also a good source of zinc, B vitamins and iron. A single medium grapefruit supplies about 10% of your daily needs for vitamin C and 8% for potassium.
A recent study found that people who eat grapefruit regularly report higher dietary intakes of vitamin C, magnesium and potassium. They also have better diet quality and lower body weight, waist circumference, triglycerides and CRP than non-grapefruit eaters.
4. Promotes Weight Loss
Grapefruit has a reputation for being a diet superfood. It’s true that the fruit is low in calories, but it also contains a combination of fat-burning compounds and natural acids that promote weight loss.
Eating half of a grapefruit before meals reduces insulin levels, which may help to keep your metabolism in check and prevent weight gain. Moreover, there’s evidence (at least in mice) that the flavonoid naringin helps prevent atherosclerosis, which is when cholesterol and plaque build up on the walls of the arteries.
You can find fresh grapefruit in grocery stores from October through June, and the fruit is usually available canned or frozen year-round. Look for grapefruit with a smooth skin and bright color and avoid fruit with soft spots or a dull, soggy appearance.
5. Helps With Blood Sugar
Grapefruit is a low-calorie fruit that’s also rich in nutrients. It provides Vitamin C, a nutrient that boosts the immune system and helps prevent heart disease. It also contains potassium, a mineral that may help lower blood pressure.
A compound in grapefruit called naringin has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, which may help lower blood sugar levels. However, it’s important to talk with your doctor before eating grapefruit if you take certain medications.
A medium grapefruit has only 41 calories and provides almost half of your daily vitamin C needs. This citrus fruit can be eaten by itself, in a salad or added to your favorite smoothies. It can be white, pink or red in color with a taste that ranges from sour to sweet.