Benefits for health, nutrition and precautions

The gentle and tangy grapefruit is the younger brother of the citrus family. Did you know that it is a cross between a Pomelo and a soft orange? While people have cultivated lemons, limes and oranges for thousands of years, the grapefruit came to us from the beautiful tropical island of Barbados in the 1600s. And we have been enjoying it since.

The grapefruit is not only juicy and delicious. It is also full of nutrients. However, eating unlimited quantities can be problematic for some people. We therefore turned to experts to find out more about the health benefits of the grapefruit. Is it acceptable to eat it every day? What about its sugar content or acid effect on your teeth? This juicy fruit is full of surprises and health benefits. Let’s listen to what experts say.

Benefits for grapefruit health

Like almost all fruits and vegetables, grapefruit can help improve your health in many ways. It is filled with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other plant compounds that make good of the body.

Let’s dive and learn what grapefruit consumption every day does to your body.

Can stimulate immune health

Vitamin C can be the most famous antioxidant on the market, and grapefruit is packed, especially the pink grapefruit. “An average (pink) whole grapefruit offers (almost) 100% of daily vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant and an increase in the immune system,” explains Courtney Pelitera, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian and owner of Devour Your Life Nutrition Nutrition training. A pink grapefruit also provides 16% of the daily value for vitamin to immunity A. “Vitamin A can support the immune system because of its promotion of an anti-inflammatory state,” explains Samantha Macleod, MS, RD, dietitian recorded with new communications.

Can help weight loss

The grapefruit is almost as famous as aid for weight loss as for immune health. “The grapefruit is rich in nutrients and low in calories, which is why many turn to this fruit when they are being loss of weight and are looking for lower calories options which are still responsible for nutrients,” explains Macleod. In addition, it is rich in fiber and water, which both fill you. A whole fruit contains approximately 100 calories and is almost 90% of water in weight.

Although these attributes make it a weight loss food, it is important to note that studies specifically examining weight loss and grapefruit consumption have not been carried out for years. However, a recent journal concluded that there is not enough evidence that citrus fruits, including grapefruit, can actually help lose weight, so more research is necessary.

Can improve heart health

Grapefruit fiber is good news for your heart! “Fiber is our superstar here when prevention of heart disease,” explains Pelitera. “We know by numerous studies that the increase in fibers lowers LDL cholesterol, regulates stool, improves blood pressure, helps control blood sugar and can help regulate weight.”

And it is not only the grapefruit fiber that reduces risk factors for heart disease. The grapefruit also contains potassium, a mineral of blood pressure on which few of us have enough. Ideally, a pink grapefruit provides 7% of DV.

Can prevent resistance to insulin and diabetes

Can a diet that includes grapefruit help reduce your insulin and blood sugar? “Again, the fiber here is the superstar,” explains Pelitera. “Due to the high fiber content in the grapefruit, the carbohydrates in the grapefruit and other foods consumed at the same meal are more slowly digested, which means that less glucose increases in the bloodstream.” But there is more. The grapefruits and other citrus fruits also contain quercetin, a phytochemical which promotes the secretion of insulin by the pancreas.

Nutritional profile of grapefruit

The grapefruit is filled with a plethora of vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds, all ready to improve your health. Its nutritional profile may vary depending on the type and color you choose. However, pink varieties contain the most vitamins A and C and carotenoids, such as carotene beta and lycopene.

Potential risks and considerations

Although the grapefruit is full of vitamins, minerals and healthy antioxidants, there are a few things to think before sitting to take advantage of this citrus treat.

Interaction with certain drugs

The grapefruit is unique because it can change the share of your medications in your bloodstream. Many drugs can only be broken down and metabolized by the help of an enzyme in your digestive tract called CYP3A4. The grapefruit can block the action of this enzyme, which means that more drugs can enter your blood circulation. In addition to increasing the amount of medication in your body, this can possibly lead to more serious side effects. For other drugs, the grapefruit can conversely interfere with a protein necessary to transport certain drugs in your body cells. This has the opposite effect, reducing the availability of medication and potential efficiency.

What is happening in your body depends on the drug, your biology and the quantity of grapefruit you eat. So if you take medication, make sure you talk with your health care provider to find out if you can eat grapefruit.

Although there are many drugs that interact with the grapefruit, here are some of the most common, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

• Statins to reduce cholesterol, such as lipitor (atorvastatin) and zocor (simvastatin)
• Some antihistamines, like Allegra (Fexofenadine)
• Medicines to treat high blood pressure, such as procardia and adalat CC (nifedipine)
• Drug rejection drugs, Including Sandimmune and neoral (cyclosporine)
• Certain anti-annual drugs, such as Buspar (Buspirone)
• Medicines to treat heart rate problems, such as cordarone and pacerone (amiodarone)
• Corticosteroids used to treat Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, such as Entocort EC and UCERIS (Budesonide)

Dental health

Like the other citrus fruits, the grapefruit is acidic and contains sugar, which could theoretically erode dental enamel. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t eat it. “It takes a lot of acidity over time to erode the enamel of the teeth,” explains Pelitera. “Please also keep in mind that other foods such as coffee can already be part of your diet which is also very acidic. If it is a major concern or if you have very sensitive teeth, I recommend that you solve this problem with your dentist to obtain specific recommendations. »»

Gastroesophageal reflux

“For people with gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), grapefruit and other citrus fruits may not be the best choice for a meal, due to their very great acidity,” explains Pelitera. “This can increase the symptoms of GERD.”

The bottom line

Grapefruit is a nutritional power filled with vitamins A and C, potassium, fiber and antioxidants. This makes it a fantastic food for immune and cardiovascular health and balanced blood sugar. Because the grapefruit is naturally rich in fiber and water but low in calories, it is also without weight loss. And remember, the grapefruit is not only for breakfast. It is also a tasty addition to the dishes like fish tacos with a preserved grapefruit salsa or this superb beet grapefruit salad.

As healthy and delicious as the grapefruit is, it can interact with certain drugs. This may increase or decrease their power and side effects. So, if you take medication, talk to your doctor to make sure that the grapefruit suits you.