Description
Grapefruit is a citrus fruit that is low in calories and high in vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and pectin.
Possible Benefits
- May improve immunity
- May help you lose weight
- May improve cardiovascular health
- May boost energy
- May improve digestion
How to Do It
You can eat the grapefruit, prepare a juice, jam, or eat in a salad. You can also add a little sweetener to reduce its acidic taste.
An easy juice recipe includes grapefruit, orange, some carrot, and ginger. Try it!
Why it works
- Vitamin C is essential for strengthening the immune system. It helps strengthen the cells that fight viruses and other infections.
- Given its low-calorie content, it is ideal for adding to a weight loss diet. In addition, it generates a feeling of satiety, so you can maintain a low-calorie intake.
- Magnesium is important for muscle function, the nervous system and the generation of energy.
- Thanks to pectin, a natural fiber present in this fruit, it can improve the digestive process and protect the walls of the digestive tract.
Time Commitment
1-5 minutes
Suggested Frequency
2 times per week
Time of Day
Morning
Possible Side Effects
Grapefruit can decrease the absorption of some medications, so you should check with your doctor.
It may also cause nausea and a lowered heart rate.
Tips
- Add it to your diet in a moderate amount.
- The white fruit pulp has the highest fiber content.
- If you keep it in a cool place, it can last between 4 and 6 weeks.
Supporting Studies and Articles
Expand Collapse- Grapefruit: Some perspectives in pharmacology and nutrition. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5580961/
- The grapefruit: an old wine in a new glass? Metabolic and cardiovascular perspectives. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3721883/
- The effects of daily consumption of grapefruit on body weight, lipids, and blood pressure in healthy, overweight adults. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22304836/
- Consumption of grapefruit is associated with higher nutrient intakes and diet quality among adults, and more favorable anthropometrics in women, NHANES 2003–2008. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4016745/
- Duration of effect of grapefruit juice on the pharmacokinetics of the CYP3A4 substrate simvastatin. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11061578/
- Grapefruit and medication: A cautionary note. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/grapefruit-and-medication-a-cautionary-note
- [Health-promoting properties of pectin]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24864109/
