Top 12 Reasons you should give grapefruit a try
01/26/2021 / By Joanne Washburn / Comments
Top 12 Reasons you should give grapefruit a try

Next to oranges, grapefruits are one of the most popular citrus fruits around. Said to be a cross between a sweet orange and a pomelo, grapefruit is known for its unique combination of sweetness and bitterness.

Though an acquired taste to some, grapefruit has tons of essential nutrients to offer. Several studies have found that this humble fruit can also confer a wide range of benefits, from better digestion to a lower risk of cancer.

Here are some good reasons you should start eating more grapefruit:

1. It gives you many nutrients

Grapefruit is a nutrient powerhouse. Just half a grapefruit contains 64 percent of your daily intake of vitamin C and 28 percent of your daily intake of beta-carotene, a pigment that your body converts into vitamin A. Grapefruit also offers small amounts of minerals, such as calcium, potassium and magnesium.

2. It helps boost your immune system

Vitamins A and C are two important nutrients for immune health. In fact, research indicates that low vitamin C levels can hurt your immune system, especially if it’s already weak. And while grapefruit may not actually prevent a cold, it may at least help reduce the severity of its symptoms and maybe even its duration.

3. It kicks free-radical butt

Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage your cells and trigger diseases. Luckily, that white bit you see after peeling away grapefruit’s outermost layer is very rich in antioxidants. These compounds scavenge for free radicals and neutralize them so that they can’t cause damage that could eventually lead to health issues.

4. It helps reduce inflammation

Grapefruit is a powerful inflammation-fighting food thanks to flavanones. Research shows that flavanones help reduce chronic inflammation, a root cause of serious illnesses like cancer and diabetes.

5. It keeps you hydrated

Grapefruit is 92 percent water, making it one of the best foods for quenching thirst. Roughly 60 percent of your body is water and many of the important bodily processes that take place inside your body run on water. This is why it’s crucial to stay hydrated by drinking water and eating hydrating foods like grapefruit.

6. It helps improve gut health

Eat grapefruit for breakfast to jumpstart digestion and boost your metabolism. Pectin, a type of fiber typically found in apples, is also present in grapefruit. It supports digestion by moving food along your intestines so that you’re less likely to feel bloated. It also binds to stool, adding bulk so that it’s easier to pass.

7. It speeds up the natural healing process

Vitamin C isn’t just for beefing up immune health. It’s also needed for wound healing. Research shows it assists in the formation of collagen, one of the main building blocks of bones, skin, muscles and tendons. In fact, experts advise taking a vitamin C supplement before going into surgeries so that wounds heal faster after.

8. It protects your heart

Research has shown that grapefruit can protect your heart by reducing LDL cholesterol, which can clog arteries and put you at risk of heart disease. Grapefruit can also reduce triglycerides, a kind of fat in your blood that can also quickly clog arteries. Additionally, grapefruit can help lower your blood pressure thanks to potassium.

9. It helps you stay a healthy weight

While eating grapefruits won’t lead to a shocking weight loss, doing so could make you less likely to gain weight and may even keep weight off for longer. A recent study even found that naringenin, an antioxidant found in grapefruit, can help treat fatty liver disease. People who are obese are particularly at risk of this condition.

10. It controls blood sugar

Grapefruit is a great option for people with diabetes or those at risk of the disease because it has a low glycemic index (GI). Low GI foods slowly release glucose, unlike high GI foods that are typically full of sugar.

11. It may prevent cancer

Grapefruit contains a variety of nutrients and beneficial compounds that may reduce your risk of cancer. These include vitamin C, beta-carotene and flavanones. One study even found that people who ate more grapefruits and other citrus fruits had a lower risk of pancreatic and prostate cancer than those who didn’t eat as much.

12. It’s easy to add to your diet

The best part about getting on board with grapefruit is that there are no rules on how to prepare it. Halve one if you only need a quick pick-me-up or serve grapefruit slices on a bed of greens for a nutrient boost. You can add grapefruit to sauces and salsa, blend it up into a breakfast smoothie or pair it with a handful of nuts.

Grapefruit is a versatile superfood with tons of nutrients and health benefits to offer. To reap these benefits, try incorporating grapefruit into your salads and savory mains or just grab one for a midday pick-me-up.

Sources:

Health.com

NutritionData.Self.com

MedicalNewsToday.com

BMCComplementMedTherapies.BioMedCentral.com

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