Many people think that grapefruit is the same as grapefruit because of its similar shape. In fact, these two fruits are different and the benefits of grapefruit for health are no less than that of grapefruit. Besides being known to be good for weight loss, grapefruit is also believed to be able to prevent cancer.
Grapefruit or also known as red grapefruit is a citrus fruit which is the result of a cross between an ordinary orange and a grapefruit. As the name implies, this fruit has reddish or pink flesh and orange skin.
This fruit from Barbados contains low calories, which is about 30-50 in each serving (100 grams). In addition, grapefruit also contains a variety of nutrients that are important for the body, such as:
- Complex carbohydrates
- Fiber
- Vitamins, such as vitamin A, vitamin B, and vitamin C
- Folate
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Calcium
Grapefruit also contains many antioxidants, such as lycopene, choline, and carotenoids, as well as various minerals, such as zinc and copper.
7 Benefits of Graprefruit for Health
Thanks to its high nutritional and antioxidant content, grapefruit has many health benefits, including:
1. Boost the immune system
The antioxidant content and various vitamins and minerals in grapefruit make this fruit good for consumption to boost the immune system. By consuming this fruit regularly, the immune system will be stronger to fight viruses or bacteria that cause infection.
2. Control your weight
Grapefruit is a fruit that is low in calories, but rich in fiber and water. Consumption of this fruit can make you feel full longer, so it is good for those of you who are losing or maintaining weight.
3. Reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes
Besides being low in calories, grapefruit also has a low glycemic index so it doesn't make blood sugar rise quickly. Not only that, grapefruit also contains antioxidants and various nutrients that are important to prevent insulin resistance.
Thus, regular consumption of grapefruit makes the body's blood sugar levels more controlled and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes.
4. Maintain heart health
Consumption of grapefruit is thought to improve heart health. This is thanks to the content of fiber, antioxidants, and potassium which can keep blood pressure stable, reduce levels of bad cholesterol (LDL), and prevent blockages in blood vessels (atherosclerosis).
5. Reduces the risk of kidney stones
Kidney stones can form when metabolic waste or certain minerals, such as calcium and uric acid, accumulate and settle in the body.
According to research, the citric acid content in grapefruit can remove excess calcium from the kidneys through urine, thereby preventing the formation of kidney stones.
6. Protects eye health
Grapefruit contains vitamin A, lutein, and zeaxanthin which are good for maintaining eye health. These nutrients are also known to protect you from various eye diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
7. Prevent cancer
According to research, regular consumption of grapefruit can reduce the risk of cancer, such as prostate cancer and esophageal cancer. This is thanks to the high antioxidant content in grapefruit, so that the body's cells are not easily damaged when exposed to free radicals.
Things to watch out for before consuming grapefruit
Although good for health, grapefruit is not recommended for consumption with certain drugs because it can trigger drug interactions. Some of these types of drugs are:
- Statins for lowering cholesterol
- Drugs for lowering high blood pressure calcium channel blockers
- Sedatives or sleeping pills
- Corticosteroid drugs
- Medications to treat abnormal heart rhythms or antiarrhythmics
- Medication to treat erectile dysfunction
- Anti-allergy or antihistamine drugs
Grapefruit is one of the fruits that is rich in important nutrients and has a myriad of benefits. However, behind the various benefits of grapefruit, you still have to be careful if you want to consume grapefruit along with certain drugs.
If you are using the above medicines or other medicines, you should first consult with your doctor if you want to consume grapefruit.
