Grapefruit Health Benefits

Sweet with a tangy kick, grapefruit is a citrus fruit with a twist. It comes in pink and white varieties, both of which are healthy and very nutritious. Although it is widely consumed for weight loss, there are more grapefruit health benefits to discover.

Grapefruit Nutrition Profile

Like all its citrus relatives, grapefruit is loaded with vitamin C. It is also has ample amounts of vitamin A, B1 and biotin. The fruit contains minerals copper and potassium, and provides an impressive amount of antioxidants. Pink grapefruits also contain a potent antioxidant called lycopene.

Grapefruit Health Benefits

Grapefruits are delicious snacks and make refreshing beverages. More importantly, they are nutritious. A cup a day can help you meet your daily nutrient requirements and ward off a lot of common health problems.

Beats Colds and Cancer

Any food high in vitamin C is good for your immune system. This is your body’s natural defense against all type of diseases. When paired with lycopene, this vitamin also attacks tumors and cancer cells. In one study, men who were given lycopene reduced their risk of prostate cancer by more than 80%, On top of destroying bacteria and tumors, vitamin C also prevents heart attacks and strokes. It does this by interrupting the oxidation of cholesterol, which causes plaque. When plaque attaches itself to the heart and ruptures, you can have a heart attack. Vitamin C is not the only nutrient at work. Vitamin A is also an immunity-enhancer. It helps prevents bacteria from invading your respiratory system by keeping mucous membranes healthy. This is beneficial for people who suffer from asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis and other breathing problems.

Improves Vision and Skin

Protecting your body from germs and reducing the risk of cancer are not the only grapefruit health benefits. The fruit also offers copper, a nutrient that improves eyesight and the health of your skin. Copper paired with antioxidants can improve your appearance naturally from head to toe.

Normalizes Blood Pressure

If your blood pressure is high, consider eating or drinking grapefruit juice a few times a week. This is because it provides potassium, which is effective at lowering blood pressure. Potassium can also relieve muscle cramps and reduce spasms.

Regulates Weight

Grapefruit juice is wonderful weight loss drink for several reasons. It has few calories and can be a great replacement for sweetened juices and sodas. The juice of one grapefruit has only 39 calories, a very low count compared to many beverages. Squeeze it fresh for best results. Another way grapefruit fights fat is by boosting metabolism. Vitamin B1 and biotin are energy-producers. Energy comes from food. When you increase your body’s ability to convert food into energy, getting in shape becomes easier.

Cooking with grapefruit

Apart from eating it alone and juicing, there are many ways to enjoy grapefruit. You can use it to season fish, shrimp and other seafood. Some use it to make marmalade, mixed-fruit juices and smoothies. Grapefruit also gives baked goods like sweet bread and cake a tasty, tart flavor.