Grapefruit: Contraindications, Benefits, Side Effects And Uses

What is grapefruit?

It is the name given to the fruit of the pommel tree , which grows in the United States, China and South Africa; It belongs to the family of the Rutaceae.

Grapefruit is said to come from the union between Citrus x sinensis and Citrus Máxima (sweet orange and grapefruit), in the middle of the 17th century.

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Origin of grapefruit

According to different investigations, the origin of grapefruit has not been defined It is said that in the 17th century, a spontaneous crossing between the sweet orange tree and the tropical citrus pummelo was made, in the West Indies, present-day Barbados Islands.

Grapefruit history

It is said that grapefruit seeds were brought to Barbados by an English captain named Phillip Shadkock (1649), but it was from the year 1823 that there are references to this fruit.

The grapefruit has presented a greater expansion from Barbados to the Caribbean, the United States and South America, mainly Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.

The cultivation is carried out in subtropical and tropical countries, standing out in the United States, being the first and main producer.

In Spain, specifically in Murcia and Valencia, this fruit is grown; where the main export destination is to the European Union.

This grapefruit production is derived towards fresh consumption and for the production of juices, juices and jams.

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Grapefruit characteristics

The grapefruit corresponds to a tree that has evergreen foliage; the branches are not very dense, with a leafy and rounded crown. It reaches approximately 6 meters high. Green leaves, oval and simple; these leaves when they are young have a brilliant color than the older ones; some thorns can be seen on young stems.

The flowers are of the hermaphroditic type, white in color, the aroma is very similar to that of orange blossom and jasmine.

The fruit consists of a pink or yellow, very fleshy rind that secretes an oil with a pleasant aroma, bitter or sweet taste, depending on the variety, and its interior is yellow or intense red.

Scientific name of grapefruit

Grapefruit is known by the scientific name of citrus x paradisi, although it is also known by the name of grapefruit.

Grapefruit chemical composition

Grapefruit contains 39 calories, 90% water, 17 milligrams (mg) of calcium, 57 mg. of phosphorus and 16 of iron, as well as vitamin C (40 mg), vitamin B2 (2 mg), vitamin B1 (4 mg) and vitamin A (80 mg), it has a high content of: Vitamin C, Folic acid, Antioxidant carotenoids Potassium and magnesium, Malic, oxalic, tartaric and citric acids,

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Active ingredient of grapefruit

Among the active principles that grapefruit has are vitamin C and folic acid, Potassium (190 / 100mg), calcium (14mg), magnesium (10mg), fluorine (0.04) low in sodium (2mg); Malic, oxalic, tartaric and citric acids, the latter enhances vitamin C, gua and fiber (0.08%) and carbohydrates (6%).

Grapefruit cultivation

The grapefruit is characterized by being a tropical tree, although it is considered a tree that resists cold, it does not survive frozen areas; It requires a lot of sunlight for most of the year, it should not be exposed to strong winds, and the soil should be sandy, free of salts. The humidity must be optimal, when it is slightly dry it must be watered frequently; Sometimes it is pruned, to allow the reception of sunlight on which a higher production depends and therefore a better collection of fruits.

Uses and benefits of grapefruit

Among the uses and benefits of grapefruit, the following are mentioned:

  • Protects the heart, helping to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
  • Due to its vitamin C content, it helps in the appearance of the skin, eliminating certain spots that appear on the knees and elbows.
  • It stimulates the production of collagen, giving firmness to the skin and delaying aging.
  • Increases metabolism, which helps stabilize blood sugar levels, accelerates the fat burning process and helps in good digestion.
  • It helps in cases of diabetes, since due to its bitter taste, it tends to increase susceptibility to insulin, in addition to helping to break down fatty acids in the liver.
  • For cancer patients, it is a great ally with the drug rapamycin , because it increases its effectiveness, in addition to its lycopene component, it prevents the formation of cancerous tumors.
  • Relieves joint pain, due to its salicylic acid content.

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What are the benefits for the skin?

  • Due to its high content of vitamin C, grapefruit helps to revitalize the skin, together with bioflavonoids and beta-carotenes, they increase the body’s defenses and its protection against free radicals.
  • Helps remove impurities on the skin.
  • Provides vitality, strength and luminosity to the skin, delaying aging.
  • Controls excess oil and helps against acne, increasing the pH of the skin.
  • It keeps the pores of the skin open and acts against varicose veins.
  • Helps to regenerate dead cells, improving appearance.
  • All this, thanks to the natural production of collagen, and lycopene phytochemicals , which act against free radicals and naringin reduces toxins that tend to contaminate the liver, thus improving purifying functions.

Does it have slimming properties?

It is considered an important complement in the treatment to lose weight, because grapefruit helps to lose weight through the elimination of liquids (diuretic), in addition to its satiating property, due to its high water content, it accelerates the metabolism, allowing it to digest well food, control blood sugar levels, reducing triglycerides and bad cholesterol.

There are weight loss diets based on exclusively consuming this fruit, but it can be harmful because it does not provide any type of nutrients and calories that the body needs.

Grapefruit does not act directly on weight loss, this whole process must be accompanied by a healthy and varied diet.

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It is a natural diuretic

Grapefruit is considered an excellent diuretic, since it favors the elimination of fluids through the urine. Contains 90% water, which satisfies the stomach and provides few calories.

How is grapefruit oil extracted?

Grapefruit essential oil is admired for its stimulating, energizing and refreshing properties.

The essential oil is extracted through cold compression from the fresh peel of the Citrus paradisi plant.

Pregnancy and grapefruit

Thanks to its content of vitamin C and flavonoids, they act as antioxidants helping to regulate the immune system, reducing at the same time, the risk of intolerance of the baby. The selenium and vitamin B that grapefruit contains, help the liver in the process and expulsion of toxins that can be harmful to the fetus.

It also controls the natural levels of pH, so that vital processes are carried out efficiently, allowing a healthy exchange of oxygen and nutrients with the fetus.

Can it be used while breastfeeding? Why?

It is not recommended to consume grapefruit during breastfeeding, because it can cause irritation to the baby’s stomach, cause vomiting, diarrhea or nasal congestion.

Is grapefruit a natural contraceptive?

Grapefruit has a certain incidence with some medications, especially with contraceptives that contain ethinylestradiol, which can increase their plasma concentrations, do not reduce their effect but can cause intoxication or create adverse effects.

Grapefruit laxative or astringent?

The use of grapefruit can cause a small laxative effect, which helps to eliminate toxins from the body; Likewise, it also acts as an astringent, thanks to its folic acid content, it helps eliminate toxins and protects from antioxidant and bacterial agents.

Grapefruit against cancer, how does it help?

Grapefruit has certain properties that make it a complement for cancer treatment, since it increases the effectiveness of the drug rapamycin, in addition to its lycopene component, it prevents the formation of cancer tumors.

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Grapefruit and grapefruit the same?

If grapefruit and grapefruit are the same, only that the name differs according to the country where it is located.

Grapefruit cosmetic uses

Grapefruit can be used in cosmetics, because it can be used as a natural exfoliant for the skin (for this, the peel is used, combined with rosehip oil and sea salt).

Helps against acne, increases the production of collagen that affect the health of the skin.

Acts as a blemish lightening on the skin

Helps in the reduction of cellulite.

Medicinal uses of grapefruit

  • Thanks to its pectin content, grapefruit helps control bad cholesterol levels.
  • Due to its diuretic effect, it helps to decongest the cardiovascular system (low in sodium and high in potassium)
  • Effective in lowering high uric acid levels.
  • Due to their detoxifying action (limonoids), they activate liver function, allowing the elimination of toxic substances from the body.
  • Due to its high content of vitamin C and flavonoids, it stimulates the immune system.
  • Consuming grapefruit, on a regular basis, is a complement in the prevention of cancer.

Serves for diabetes

In studies carried out on the incidence of grapefruit against diabetes, it was determined that natural extracts of grapefruit are rich in flavonoids; it has hypoglycemic properties that improve hyperglycemia and help regulate glucose metabolism in the liver; provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are beneficial in case of diabetes.

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Lowers cholesterol

Grapefruit contains a flavonoid naringenin, which affects the elimination of fat in the body, allowing fat to enter the cells to burn it and thus provide more energy.

Additionally, it increases insulin resistance, controlling the level of sugar in the blood, which prevents the formation of endogenous cholesterol, a product of glucose substances.

For hypertension and hypothyroidism

In a study carried out on a patient with hypothyroidism, who consumed grapefruit juice, a great decrease in thyroxine in the blood was determined, despite the fact that a high dose of medication was prescribed to treat this condition, a study that revealed the Intake of 200ml of juice three times a day for two days, I decrease levothyroxine by 10%.

As for hypertension, grapefruit is rich in potassium, which favors the elimination of water and sodium, and its citric acid content helps control high levels of blood pressure, which can affect the heart, brain and kidneys. .

It is important to note that the use of grapefruit during these treatments must be under medical supervision.

Agricultural use of grapefruit

Grapefruit is considered a very decorative fruit tree, it is ideal for growing in small and large gardens, occasionally in pots; because its height does not exceed 6m, and its roots are not very invasive.

Due to its rounded crown, the grapefruit offers shade in the planted space, which is why it can be planted in rows to have a more protected space.

Grapefruit in gastronomy

This fruit, grapefruit, is used in gastronomy to make jams, as an ingredient in the preparation of sweet cakes, salads, desserts, biscuits, it is used as a filling for meat, chicken and fish, and naturally as juice.

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Contraindications and risks of grapefruit

Overuse of grapefruit could lower blood pressure, leading to tiredness, drowsiness, and light-headedness.

Decrease in blood sugar levels, causing dizziness, exhaustion and drowsiness.

Adverse effects to people taking medications.

Grapefruit toxicity

Grapefruit can be toxic if it is combined with a medicine indicated for the treatment of common diseases.

Advantages and disadvantages of using grapefruit

Among the advantages that stand out from the use of grapefruit are:

  • It is a great cleanser, urinary system and digestive system laxative
  • Grapefruit is rich in vitamin A, it has 5 times more vitamin C compared to tomato, orange and lemon.
  • It has a great content in contains vitamin B1 and B2
  • Helps reduce appetite, acts in the treatment of flu, colds and osteoarthritis.
  • Improves iron absorption
  • Regulates the nervous system
  • Despite its acidic barum, it helps fight stomach ulcers.
  • It is a good complement in weight loss diets.

A great disadvantage that can be attributed to the use of grapefruit is combining it with the consumption of other medications, which can cause adverse reactions such as sudden death, kidney and respiratory problems, gastrointestinal bleeding, bone marrow suppression in people with immunodeficiencies. and kidney toxicity.

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Grapefruit nutritional information

The nutritional value of grapefruit is referenced for every 100 gr. groceries.

  • Vitamin C: 40 mg.
  • Vitamin B12: 2 mg
  • Vitamin B1: 4 mg.
  • Vitamin A: 80 mg.
  • Provitamin A: 1.8 mcg.
  • Potassium: 190 mg.
  • Magnesium: 10 mg.
  • Iron: 16 mg.
  • Carbohydrates: 6 gr.
  • Phosphorus: 57 mg.
  • Fiber: 8 gr.
  • Calories: 6 Kcal.
  • Calcium: 17 mg.
  • Folic acid: 18 mcg.

Glycemic index

Grapefruit is considered a very low glycemic index food, which means that it will not raise your blood sugar or insulin level. IG 25

Grapefruit datasheet

  • Common name: Grapefruit or grapefruit.
  • Scientific name: citrus x paradisi
  • Extraction: Steam distillation, which is carried out on the leaves and stems.
  • Active components: Contains 39 calories, 90% water, 17 milligrams (mgr.) Of calcium, 57 mgr. of phosphorus and 16 of iron, as well as vitamin C (40 mg), vitamin B2 (2 mg), vitamin B1 (4 mg) and vitamin A (80 mg), it has a high content of: Vitamin C, Folic acid, Antioxidant carotenoids Potassium and magnesium, Malic, oxalic, tartaric and citric acids.
  • Main nutrients: Carotene, coumarin, falvonoids, limonoid, terpenes, Vitamin C,
  • Properties: Anticancer, antioxidants.
  • Recommendations: Do not combine with prescribed medications for common illnesses.
  • Glycemic index: 25.
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Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.

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