Grapefruit juice: benefits and harms

The benefits and harms of grapefruit juice have been studied quite well in our time: everyone knows what kind of fruit it is and what useful properties it has.

Grapefruit is an evergreen tree of the Citrus genus, which has a height of 6-12 meters and grows in the subtropics. This fruit dates back to the 18th century. The birthplace of grapefruit is called Barbados, where it was obtained by crossing an orange and a pomelo: in the end, 20 of its varieties were obtained. Grapefruit grows in clusters on trees.

Composition and calorie content of grapefruit juice

Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice benefits the body: with a calorie content of 30-40 kcal per 100 g, this citrus contains a large amount of useful minerals and vitamins:

Organic acids. Ensure the full functioning of all organs of the digestive system. Deficiency of these substances leads to serious diseases. Acids are not synthesized by the human body and can only be obtained from foods. Therefore, it is so important to eat fruit;

• Copper. The properties of this mineral play an important role in maintaining the hematopoietic system and the functioning of metabolic processes;
• Pectins. As part of grapefruit, they play a key role in removing toxins and maintaining a healthy intestinal microflora. Pectin is often referred to as "the body's orderly";
• Vitamin A. One of the most important for humans, since it strengthens the immune system, vision, ensures the health of the skin, participates in the metabolic processes of the body;
• Vitamin C. Benefits in the fight against viral and colds;
• Beta carotene, lycopene. Strong antioxidants of grapefruit, destroy free radicals and prolong youth and longevity;
• B vitamins. There are many of them, and they all have their own functions and properties. In general, they strengthen the work of the heart muscle, renal muscles and the nervous system, improve intestinal peristalsis.
• Sodium. Participates in cellular metabolism, maintaining water balance in organs;
• Vitamin PP. Known as nicotinic acid. It benefits the work of the brain, memory, thinking, attention. Participates in the body's redox reactions, protein synthesis. Nicotinic acid is called the "calm vitamin". She is responsible for the resistance of the nervous system to stress;
• Potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium as part of grapefruit - they are the builders of strong bones and muscles. Their benefits for the growing child are especially important.

Benefits of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice

Fresh fruits contain much more benefits than processed ones: during the cooking process, 50% of vitamins are destroyed, so it is recommended to drink freshly squeezed grapefruit juice.

Fresh grapefruit is beneficial and capable of:

• improve well-being, strengthen immunity, give strength and energy;
• cure vitamin deficiency;
• overcome depression, cheer up;
• increase hemoglobin;
• stimulate appetite and normalize bowel function by stimulating the production of gastric juice;
• help with insomnia and headaches;
• have a diuretic effect;
• eliminate inflammation on the skin;
• break down fats and thereby contribute to weight loss;
• reduce fever, fever, defeat colds and flu;
• remove stones from the gallbladder and stop pain attacks;
• normalize liver function;
• help in the treatment of cancer.

For men

The benefits of grapefruit juice for men are expressed in the fact that it:

• increases libido;
• helps with alcohol poisoning, reducing the level of intoxication in the body;
• regulates the production of cortisone (stress hormone);
• supports the work of the heart and blood vessels, reducing the risk of developing heart attacks;
• is part of a sports diet, helps build relief.

For women

The properties of this fruit also help the fair sex. The benefits of grapefruit juice for women lies in its ability to:

• fight aging of the skin and the body as a whole;
• strengthen hair and nails;
• treat insomnia;
• remove cellulite;
• ease the course of menopause;
• remove excess fluid, relieve swelling;
• cope with toxicosis and maintain fetal immunity during pregnancy.

Studies have found that women living in sunny countries are harmed by the fruit. It increases the risk of breast tumors.

How much grapefruit juice can you drink per day

Despite the fact that grapefruit is rich in beneficial micronutrients, if taken incorrectly, it can easily cause harm. A large amount of drunk fresh grapefruit is a shock dose of vitamins for a person, which can also cause harm: citrus acids injure the gastric mucosa, causing paroxysmal pain. Such its properties can aggravate gastritis, harm the enamel of the teeth, and the fructose contained in it can cause obesity. In addition, pills should not be taken with grapefruit juice.

How to drink grapefruit juice for weight loss

Those who seek to lose weight are also connoisseurs of the beneficial properties of this drink. Diet on grapefruit juice is beneficial in that it promotes the breakdown of fats, removes unnecessary fluid from the body.

On the Internet, you can find many diets that promise the benefits of drinking grapefruit juice for weight loss. Fast results are guaranteed: up to 2 and 5 kg per week. But there are few places where it is indicated that drinking grapefruit juice must be careful, otherwise such diets can become dangerous to health.

At the norm of drinking no more than 2 glasses a day, grapefruit diets suggest replacing each meal with grapefruit juice. However, if each reception is replaced with a grapefruit drink, it is fraught with health consequences due to product abuse: the intestines, kidneys, liver, and stomach will be hit.

An option for a safe and healthy diet with juice can be as follows:

1. For 1-2 days, reduce the calorie content of the diet and consume only boiled vegetables, fruits, herbs, meat and fish of low-fat varieties, exclude flour, sweet and fatty ones.
2. Replace 1-2 meals with a glass of grapefruit juice. Drink not in a row, but every other time: only 2 glasses a day.

And here there are rules that must be followed so as not to harm the stomach and the body as a whole:

• Do not drink juice with food.
• Drink a grapefruit drink 15-20 minutes before lunch or dinner, and do not drink it on an empty stomach.

Such a grapefruit juice diet will give good results and benefit. And let only 1 kg be dropped, but this will be done without risk and harm to health.

Will freshly squeezed grapefruit juice bring benefits or harm, depending on its correct use in food.

Can pregnant women drink grapefruit juice?

Grapefruit juice during pregnancy, especially in the early stages, should be drunk correctly.

Constipation, edema, toxicosis, gastritis, ulcers, heartburn, insomnia, depression are unpleasant companions of pregnancy. Getting rid of them can be very difficult.

It has been scientifically proven that the beneficial properties of grapefruit are capable of:

• ease the course of toxicosis;
• reduce the manifestations of heartburn;
• reduce pressure;
• improve digestion;
• relieve swelling;
• help with diabetes mellitus;
• normalize stools, reduce cases of constipation to a minimum;
• avoid mood swings and depression;
• ensure a healthy and restful sleep for mom;
• improve skin condition.

At what age can grapefruit juice be given to a child

Grapefruit is a healthy citrus that is a strong allergen. Doctors do not recommend giving it to children under one year old, since the infant's gastrointestinal tract is not yet ready to digest such fruit acids. The best time to get acquainted with a new product is from one year old. If your baby is allergic to certain foods, it is best to put off the grapefruit until the baby is 3 years old.

Adding new fruit to your diet should start with juice. A ripe healthy grapefruit is squeezed out, films, which usually taste bitter, are removed.

Rules for the introduction of grapefruit juice and any other complementary foods:

• If the child is sick and naughty, it is better to postpone complementary foods;
• For the first time, give the baby 1 teaspoon. In the future, the portion increases and by the year it is brought to its norm;
• Unfamiliar products are given in the morning or at lunchtime, in order then to trace the reaction of the child's body until the evening;
• You cannot give 100% juice: this is a lot and it is optimally diluted by 50% with water;
• Until the evening, you need to monitor the state of the baby's body;
• As the child grows older, healthy grapefruit juice can be mixed with apple, carrot, orange, etc.

The properties of grapefruit can enhance the effect of certain drugs, thereby leading to the production of toxins. If the baby drinks any medications, then the mother should consult a pediatrician.

Is grapefruit juice good for diabetes

Grapefruit is known for its beneficial properties in diabetes. It contains naringenin. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps insulin to be absorbed easily. Naringenin gives the fruit and juice a "signature" bitterness.

For patients with diabetes, it is recommended to eat grapefruit or fresh juice daily, before or during meals: it will be beneficial by lowering blood sugar. There are a number of contraindications for diabetics, in which citrus will be harmful:

• hepatitis;
• nephritis;
• diseases of the urinary tract;
• high pressure;
• liver disease;
• stomach ulcer, heartburn, acidity, exacerbation of gastritis.

How to drink grapefruit juice for medicinal purposes

Traditional medicine knows many useful recipes for using the properties of grapefruit juices.

You can avoid cardiovascular disease by eating one fruit for breakfast twice a week or using it to prepare various dishes.

Cleaning the gallbladder with grapefruit juice is carried out as follows: in the morning on an empty stomach, take two tablespoons of olive oil and wash them down with 100 ml of juice.

The treatment is designed for 14 days. So, with the help of grapefruit juice, stones are removed, pain syndromes are eliminated.

To get rid of heartburn, you need to dissolve 1 teaspoon of crushed grapefruit zest under the tongue. The benefits of the procedure will be visible after a couple of tricks.

To strengthen your teeth and cure gum inflammation, you need to prepare a decoction and rinse your mouth with it: for this, pour fresh grapefruit peel with boiled water, leave for 30 minutes. Rinse your mouth. Repeat within 14 days. Citrus is known for its medicinal properties.

To use the anthelmintic properties of grapefruit, the citrus peel is crushed, placed in a jar and poured with vodka. Then they are removed to a dark place for 14 days. The resulting infusion is taken twice a day before meals, one spoonful.

Nail fungus is treated as follows: instead of vodka, take sunflower oil. The mixture is insisted for a month. Fungus-affected nails are smeared with the resulting tincture, wrapped with a bandage overnight.

Grapefruit juice and pulp help lower cholesterol levels: to do this, several times a week in the morning at breakfast, you need to eat 2-3 slices of fruit or drink about half a glass of fresh juice. The same recipe benefits patients recovering from a prolonged illness. The healing properties of the juice replenish vital resources, stimulate the work of organs, and relieve overwork.

Face masks with grapefruit juice

Grapefruit and its juice have many beneficial properties and therefore are components of many creams, peels and gels.

The properties of this healthy citrus are capable of:

• normalize the secretion of the sebaceous glands;
• lead to narrowing of the pores;
• heal wounds and cuts on the skin;
• eliminate black points;
• cure acne;
• whiten stains.

Indications for the use of masks with grapefruit juice are:

• aging;
• earthy skin tone;
• dark spots;
• acne, rashes;
• dirty pores;
• oily skin.

Before application, any mask is tested for allergies. A small amount of the substance is applied to the inner fold of the elbow. Check the result after 10 minutes. If there is no redness on the skin, the test is passed, and there will be no allergy to grapefruit.

Options for beneficial masks based on grapefruit juice or citrus pulp:

Cold slices

Peel the fruit, remove the bitter films, wrap each of the slices in a separate bag, put in the freezer. Wipe your face for about 2 minutes. The mask tones, refreshes, awakens;

From folds and first wrinkles

Ingredients:

• sour cream - 1 tbsp. l .;
• grapefruit juice - 2 tbsp. l .;
• rice or wheat flour - 1 tsp.

The composition is applied to the face and left to dry for 15 minutes, then washed off.

At the first sign of wilting

Ingredients:

• citrus pulp - 1 tsp;
• sour cream - 1 tsp;
• carrot juice - 1 tsp;
• rice flour - 1 tsp.

The mask is applied for 30 minutes, then washed off with water;

For dry skin

Ingredients:

• grapefruit juice - 1 tsp;
• yolk - 1pc;
• honey -1 tsp.

Beat the yolk, add honey and juice. The composition is left on the face for 10-15 minutes, then washed off with water;

Suitable for everyone

Ingredients:

• grapefruit juice - 50 g;
• cottage cheese - 10 g;
• olive oil - 1 tbsp. l.

Action time - 15 minutes. As soon as the mixture on the face dries a little, wash it off. Then apply a moisturizer;

For oily skin

Ingredients:

• grapefruit juice;
• flour.

Mix the ingredients, apply to wet skin, remove the mixture after 15 minutes.

Before applying any of the above masks, you need to prepare your face skin: cleanse it of impurities and makeup. This is when the benefits of the mask will be maximized.It is dangerous to keep the mixture longer than the specified time: alkali is harmful, causes redness and an allergic reaction.

How to make grapefruit juice at home

A healthy drink is prepared by hand. A press or juicer will do.

If a press is used, then half of the fruit is placed on it with the pulp down and pressed on top with the palm of the hand.

If this is a juicer, then the grapefruit is peeled from the skin, cut into pieces (so that they pass into the opening of the juicer) and passed through the device. It is not necessary to pull out the bitter films, they also contain many vitamins. The leftover grapefruit gruel can either be eaten or thrown away.

When preparing a grapefruit drink, it is important to follow the rules:

• wash citrus thoroughly with water;
• drink immediately after preparation, it is then that he will give all his useful properties;
• pour fresh juice into glassware;

Can I drink grapefruit juice on an empty stomach and at night?

Drinking grapefruit juice in the morning on an empty stomach without breakfast is prohibited. This is harmful to the body: irritation of the stomach lining can lead to ulcers.

It is good to use fresh juice 15 minutes before lunch.

You cannot drink grapefruit juice after meals, it threatens heartburn, flatulence, and indigestion.

Citrus contains tryptophan, the benefit of which is in the ability to fight insomnia. Half a glass of juice before bed (not on an empty stomach!) Will give you sound sleep and soothe the nervous system.

Harm of grapefruit juice and contraindications

Grapefruit fresh, despite its undeniable benefits, is prohibited from drinking for the following diseases:

• ulcer;
• gastritis;
• pancreatitis;
• diarrhea.

What you can not use grapefruit juice with

Do not combine eating with grapefruit or its juice. This harms the body with the appearance of heartburn, gas formation, pain in the stomach, and indigestion.

Fresh must not be drunk if a person is taking medications:

• methadone-based (pain relievers);
• disopyramide, amiodarone (for arrhythmia);
• from HIV;
• tacrolimus, cyclosporine (antidepressants);
• antibiotics;
• terfenadine, fexofenadine (antihistamines);
• sildenafil and others (for impotence);
• lavostatin, atorvastatin and others (lowering cholesterol).

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of grapefruit juice are two sides of the same coin. This is one of the most effective fruit juices, containing a large amount of beneficial vitamins. However, it should be consumed deliberately.