12 PROPERTIES OF GRAPEFRUIT FOR HEALTH - NUTRITION - 2025

The health properties of grapefruit are extensive: it strengthens the immune system, prevents the appearance of tumors, fights kidney stones… and others that I will explain below.

It is known that citrus fruits are a vitamin explosion, but grapefruit has a myriad of other properties that justify the name that many give it today: superfruit. And although grapefruit –also known as grapefruit- has a particular bitter taste that is sometimes difficult to get used to, here you will find enough reasons to never stop.

But let's start with a useful clarification: For those who speak English, this fruit has probably caused more than one mess. And it is that what we call grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) in English is called grapefruit.

Instead, what English speakers call pomelo is a variety similar to grapefruit / grapefruit and in Spanish is called pampelmusa (Citrus maximum), Chinese grapefruit or shaddock.

Properties and benefits of grapefruit

Strengthens the immune system

Vitamin C is practically the most important in the immune system, and as grapefruit is an immense source of it - in addition to vitamin B2, B3, potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, minerals… -, it will allow you to combat the classic winter flu, relieving your symptoms and promoting a faster recovery.

Grapefruit seed extract is a powerful bactericide, fungicide and also antiviral. And best of all, it is selective, since it does not harm the "beneficial" bacteria in the body, such as those present in the intestinal flora.

Its antibacterial property is such that in exceptional circumstances, you could use it to disinfect water or even some surfaces, becoming a multipurpose antiseptic.

Prevents the appearance of cancerous tumors

Its important contribution of lycopene, an antioxidant flavonoid also present in tomatoes and watermelons and which gives the segments its distinctive red color, makes it a great anticancer agent.

Certain studies suggest that this flavonoid, being a great neutralizer of free radicals - highly reactive and harmful molecules - can reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, especially of the prostate, lung and stomach.

To take advantage of these components, we recommend that you choose to remove the peel and eat it in segments, instead of cutting it in half to squeeze it or scoop out the pulp by spoonfuls, since the white membrane that remains on the segments has almost three times more flavonoids than the rest of the fruit.

Another useful fact: your body absorbs lycopene much better if you cook the grapefruit first.

However, if you do this you should be aware that vitamin C will be lost, since it is destroyed by heat. That is why you should consume raw grapefruit if you want to take advantage of it.

Fight kidney stones

It contains a large amount of d-limonene, the compound that gives citrus fruits their characteristic aroma, and which is effective in preventing the formation of kidney stones, as well as progressively dissolving existing ones, increasing citric acid and the urinary pH value.

Take care of your heart

Having high cholesterol is known to increase your chances of having a heart attack.

However, it is good that you know that although cholesterol is always talked about as something harmful - and there is a lot of reason - there are two types: HDL, known as "good" cholesterol, and LDL, the hated "bad" cholesterol..

Unfortunately for us, it is LDL cholesterol that is found in the highest proportion in the body and accumulates in the arterial walls.

But to everyone's joy, thanks to its levels of fiber and antioxidants, grapefruit is a very effective weapon in lowering the levels of the harmful LDL cholesterol. Something more than positive for those who suffer from genetic hypercholesterolemia, as who writes you.

Prevents vascular diseases

Again thanks to its high power to attack harmful cholesterol, it facilitates blood circulation. Besides that, it has a regressive effect on vascular diseases such as arteriosclerosis, which hardens and thickens arterial walls.

It also fights annoying, painful and unsightly varicose veins. And although the grapefruit does not make those that already exist disappear, it does generate a relief in them. In addition, the appearance of new varicose veins will stop.

Helps to lose weight

Let's be honest, most of us are happy to find out about a food that can be eaten without guilt. And if it helps us lose some weight - it's not a miracle either - so much the better.

If that is your case, we tell you that the component behind the characteristic bitter taste of grapefruit, the flavonoid naringin, has shown an inhibitory power of the cellular absorption of fatty acids. In this way, our body does not keep all the carbohydrates that we often consume in excess.

In addition, you should not forget that thanks to its high water content, it will help you achieve a feeling of satiety with a contribution of less than 32 calories per hundred grams, much less than other citrus fruits.

And as if that were not enough, its high level of potassium and its minimum level of sodium, generates a diuretic effect, reducing fluid retention.

Protect your eyes

When little did they ever tell you 'you must eat carrot to have good vision'? They convinced me that that's why rabbits were fans of vegetables.

Well, if you are still not a fan of carrots, grapefruit is the solution, as it also has high levels of beta-carotene and Vitamin A, preventing eye diseases such as cataracts or macular degeneration caused by age.

Improve the quality of your skin

Do the commercials show you smooth skin worthy of a photoshop edit?

It no longer has to be a dream: a glass of grapefruit juice when you wake up will provide you with the necessary antioxidants to show off vital and beautiful skin. Maybe not the one in the magazines, but very healthy.

Vitamin C is necessary for the production of collagen, which in turn generates keratin, a protein that protects skin cells and gives them flexibility. In this way you can reduce the depth of wrinkles and dryness, delaying premature aging.

And if you suffer from acne or psoriasis, it is very important that you include it in your diet, since vitamin C stops the free radicals that cause the aggressive damage and skin inflammation of these pathologies.

Grapefruit is also a great exfoliator, so take some cotton wool and apply its juice to your skin to clean pores, remove excess oil, and progressively whiten blemishes.

And if your skin is sensitive and prone to irritation, opt for the concentrated grapefruit extract - don't even think about using the juice directly! - which will soothe your skin and improve its appearance.

Fight rheumatoid arthritis

Its high content of salicylic acid - the same that works as the base of acetylsalicylic acid or aspirin - helps to eliminate inorganic calcium that is deposited in the cartilage of the joints and that generates the characteristic swelling and pain of arthritis

Improves respiratory problems

Again, thanks to salicylic acid and its anti-inflammatory properties, grapefruit helps mitigate respiratory diseases such as asthma.

Enemy of diabetes

The naringenin in grapefruit helps insulin work better by enhancing the muscle's ability to absorb and use glucose.

This helps prevent sugar ups and downs, which often leave sufferers without energy, as well as triggering cravings.

Friend of your hair

Between so much beauty treatment, these days it is difficult to know how much chemical - and how innocuous - we are using on our hair every day.

That is why the antiseptic properties of grapefruit will give you the assurance that your hair is free of any residue, from chemicals, medications or simply shampoo. And not only that, it also makes it very shiny.

That is why we recommend that when washing your hair, you rinse the shampoo with grapefruit juice and then rinse again, but this time with water. Extra fact? Pink grapefruit is the most aromatic.

Digestive protection

Its contribution of malic acid facilitates digestion. In addition, it reduces flatulence by controlling the pathogenic flora in your intestines, which is the culprit of increased gas. So keep it in mind after eating beans or any other legume.

It is also especially effective against intestinal parasites. Therefore, if you are one of those who travel often, your stomach will thank you for drinking grapefruit juice.

It is that those who like to venture into different places often eat equally diverse foods; many times too rustic or simply not very healthy, which bring stone guests to your body.

Some data for your consumption

* Grapefruit can be eaten in segments, in small pieces as a snack -if you want, with some salt-, or you can also roast them to achieve caramelize the little sugar it contains and reduce its bitter taste. Even so, you can also roast it with brown sugar or some honey.

* You can eat it in salads or desserts; in the latter case, a little creamy yogurt mitigates its strong flavor.

* A grapefruit tea is another alternative, just let it rest a couple of slices in freshly boiled water for a few minutes.

* If you consume it in the form of juice, cinnamon is a good ally. Other options are honey or mixing it with orange juice. And if after all that it still tastes too bitter for your taste, you can add sugar (but hopefully you don't, the idea is to make it healthy!).

* Be original: transform it into a novel sauce or cocktail, how about making a grapefruit margarita? Or a grapefruit sour?

* Since it is quite resistant to high temperatures, if stored correctly, they can last for centuries. Well, not that long, but at room temperature it easily lasts for a week, and if you refrigerate it, up to 3 months.

* If you do not want to consume the fruit directly, you can opt for grapefruit essential oil, or its concentrated extract, which, depending on its purpose, are used directly or are dissolved in water.

* If you find yourself taking medication, pay attention: Grapefruit is known to interact with liver enzymes that metabolize the drugs we ingest, which can complicate their absorption in certain cases. Consult your doctor before consuming grapefruit or any of its derivatives.