Why is grapefruit good for health and beauty?

Grapefruit is rich in vitamins and minerals and is beneficial for the cardiovascular, digestive and reproductive systems. Grapefruits support skin health and help speed up cell regeneration. These fruits can also be eaten by people who want to lose weight.

What is grapefruit?

Grapefruit is a citrus fruit created by crossing an orange with a pomelo. Grapefruit has a round shape, a diameter of 10-15 cm and a thick rind that, depending on the variety, can be light yellow, pink or red. Inside the fruit is juicy pulp ranging in colour from pink and yellow to deep red. The flavour of the fruit is sweet and sour with a slight bitterness.

How many calories does grapefruit have?

Grapefruit is a low-calorie product. According to the US Department of Agriculture, the calorie content of 100 g of grapefruit is 42 kcal. Ripe fruit contains 10.7 g of carbohydrates, 0.77 g of protein and 0.14 g of fat per 100 g of product. Thanks to its low carbohydrate content, grapefruit can be used in weight-loss diets.

Why is grapefruit healthy?

Grapefruit contains vitamins C and A, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, which support the health of the heart, skin, eyes and digestive organs. Benefits of grapefruit for the body:

• strengthens the cardiovascular system — helps normalise blood pressure and lowers cholesterol levels;

• improves digestion — thanks to its high water and fibre content, it prevents constipation and improves intestinal motility;

• supports skin health — the antioxidants in the fruit protect the skin from the effects of free radicals and slow down the ageing process;

• speeds up wound healing — the vitamin C in grapefruit promotes collagen synthesis and cell regeneration;

• supports eye health — the vitamin A in the fruit strengthens the cornea and retina;

• promotes weight loss — as part of a balanced weight-loss diet, it helps speed up metabolism and prevent the risk of developing obesity;

• strengthens immunity — antioxidants help protect the body against inflammation and infection.

Regular consumption of grapefruit helps lower blood sugar levels. The vitamins and minerals in the fruit also have anti-cancer properties and may reduce the risk of developing cancer.

Why is grapefruit seed extract healthy?

Grapefruit seed or fruit extract is obtained from the seeds, pulp and membranes of the fruit. Grapefruit seed extract may potentially have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects and be used against fungal and bacterial infections, but data on its effectiveness is insufficient. Grapefruit seed extract may be available in the form of drops, capsules and tablets, but it is not a medicine and is intended for use only on the recommendation of a doctor.

What are the benefits of grapefruit for women?

Grapefruit has a low glycaemic index (22), which helps lower sugar levels and improve metabolism and makes it suitable for women with diabetes or who are overweight. The antioxidants in the fruit strengthen the heart and blood vessels and may reduce the risk of developing cancer. The folates in grapefruit are beneficial during pregnancy because they support foetal development.

Grapefruit is beneficial for women because it protects the skin from oxidation and premature ageing, which is why fruit extract is added to cosmetic products. For example, an oil with grapefruit extract contains ingredients that stimulate the growth of new cells and the production of elastin. The scent of grapefruit has a positive effect on the nervous system and can help reduce irritability.

Why is grapefruit good for skin and hair?

The vitamin C in grapefruit promotes the production of collagen, which makes the skin firm and elastic and also aids wound healing. Cosmetics with grapefruit extract are suitable for all skin types and help normalise sebum secretion and reduce breakouts. For example, a mask containing grapefruit helps improve skin nourishment and regeneration.

The antioxidants in grapefruit improve blood circulation in the scalp, which can help strengthen hair and promote its growth. The antiseptic properties of grapefruit can reduce scalp oiliness, lower the risk of dandruff, add shine to hair and reduce greasiness. Grapefruit essential oil can be added to shampoos and masks. Grapefruit oil can also be used in cleansing gels and face creams to cleanse and moisturise the skin.

What are the benefits of grapefruit for the liver?

Grapefruit contains antioxidants (naringin and naringenin) that reduce inflammation and protect liver cells from damage. Antioxidants also help reduce the risk of developing liver fibrosis, in which excess connective tissue accumulates in the organ. The vitamins and minerals in grapefruit help improve metabolism and may be helpful in lowering the level of fat in the liver.

Can you eat grapefruit if you have diabetes?

Grapefruit can be eaten if you have diabetes because it has a low glycaemic index and does not raise blood sugar levels. Regular consumption of the fruit reduces the risk of developing insulin resistance (a lack of cell response to the hormone insulin). The high fibre content of grapefruit slows the absorption of carbohydrates and prevents spikes in blood glucose. Fresh fruit is healthier than grapefruit juice because it contains fibre.

Can you eat grapefruit at night?

Grapefruit can be eaten at night if you do not have gastrointestinal diseases. The benefit of eating grapefruit at night lies in its low calorie content and its ability to improve digestion. However, the fruit contains acid, so it is not recommended for people with gastritis and ulcers to eat it before bed, so as not to irritate the gastric mucosa.

How to peel a grapefruit?

To peel a grapefruit, use a sharp knife to make the process easier and to minimise damage to the pulp. Instructions on how to peel a grapefruit:

1. Wash the fruit under running water.

2. Cut off the top and bottom of the grapefruit to expose the pulp.

3. Cut away the rind from top to bottom along with the white membrane, following the curve of the fruit.

4. Cut out the segments of pulp from between the white partitions.

After cutting off the rind, it is recommended to hold the grapefruit over a bowl to collect the juice that runs off. You can also cut the grapefruit in half and scoop out the pulp with a spoon.

How much grapefruit can you eat per day?

Healthy people can eat one or two grapefruits a day, split between two meals. It is best to eat grapefruit after a meal or as a snack. It is not recommended to eat the fruit on an empty stomach, so as not to irritate the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal organs. When eating grapefruit for breakfast, you can combine it with other foods (such as porridge or salads).

Why can grapefruit be harmful?

Grapefruit can be harmful in cases of individual food intolerance and gastrointestinal diseases. Contraindications to eating grapefruit:

• an allergic reaction;

• gastrointestinal diseases (gastritis, stomach ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease);

• taking certain medications (blood pressure-lowering drugs, statins, antidepressants);

• sensitive tooth enamel.

In the case of a severe allergic reaction, grapefruit can be life-threatening and cause anaphylactic shock (difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness). If symptoms of anaphylactic shock occur, call emergency services.

Grapefruit can affect the action of certain medications and increase the risk of side effects. Therefore, if you take medication regularly, it is better to consult a doctor before adding grapefruit to your daily diet.