Health Benefits of Grapefruit | The Forbidden Fruit

Health Benefits of Grapefruit

Grapefruit (citrus x paradisi)  is a citrus fruit that originated in Barbados in the 18th century as an accidental cross of a pomelo and an orange with a sour to semisweet, somewhat bitter flavor. Grapefruit is also known as the Forbidden Fruit.

Grapefruit has essential vitamins and minerals including thiamine, calcium, zinc, copper, potassium, folate, and magnesium. Grapefruit is rich in vitamin C which contains 64% of the recommended dietary intake. Grapefruit is rich in vitamin A, which contains 28% of the recommended dietary intake.

Grapefruit has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antibacterial properties. Grapefruit is also rich in antioxidants.  Antioxidants help fight free radicals in the body and may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Grapefruit may help promote weight loss due to its dietary fiber content and water content. Studies have shown that participants who consumed grapefruit daily with their meals had a reduced waist size.

Grapefruit may boost your immunity due to its high vitamin C content. 

Grapefruit may also promote heart health and may reduce the risk of stroke. Grapefruit may also help manage diabetes. 

Grapefruit may also promote skin health, anti-aging and improve hyperpigmentation.

Grapefruit may also promote digestive health.

Grapefruit may interact with certain medications.

As always consult with your physician.

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2147024/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4016745/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/280882

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-benefits-of-grapefruit

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/grapefruit-benefits