The benefits of white and red grapefruit
Grapefruit is a citrus plant with a bright sweet and sour taste with strong bitterness. Its fruits have beneficial properties that have a positive effect on the body, improve its tone and give additional strength. White and red grapefruit have a similar composition, but differ in some substances and calories.
Composition and calorie content
Grapefruit fruits have a large amount of vitamins in their composition. The larger the fruit, the more nutrients per unit volume.
White and red grapefruit contains:
- organic acids;
- minerals;
- carbohydrates;
- salt;
- essential oils;
- pectin substances;
- cellulose;
- phytoncides;
- vitamins of groups P, A, B2, C, E.
Also in the white parts that separate the flesh from the rind is niringin. This beneficial substance gives the fruit a bitter taste. Niringin lowers cholesterol levels, normalizes the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system.
The calorie content of the product is low. The energy value is 30 kcal per 100 g. This calorie content allows you to use red and white grapefruit for weight loss. Not only does it not stimulate weight gain, but it also reduces fat.
The benefits of grapefruit
Low calorie content and the presence of vitamins and minerals in the composition allow the use of grapefruit as a prophylactic agent and vitamin complex. Regular consumption of the fruit improves the ability to think, tone the body and give additional energy and energy. Also, the fruits are prescribed to people in the postoperative period to restore the necessary substances in the body.
Useful properties of grapefruit:
- strengthening the immune system;
- increased appetite and improved digestion;
- normalization of metabolism;
- benefits for the liver;
- effects on the nervous system;
- improving stomach acidity;
- lowering cholesterol levels;
- benefit in diabetes mellitus;
- improved blood quality;
- removal of gum disease;
- elimination of blockages and blood clots.
Cosmetic preparations are prepared on the basis of the fruits. Grapefruit removes age spots and freckles. Also, ointments and masks for the skin are made from the product. To improve the quality of hair, grapefruit oil is prepared.
Useful properties of peel and seeds
Like the pulp, grapefruit peel has beneficial properties. It helps relieve stomach pain and heartburn. Their skins are extracted with zest, which is chewed 2 times a day. The top layer has an antibacterial effect.
A medicinal extract is prepared from citrus seeds, which improves the microflora of the body and destroys viruses. The advantage of such a remedy is the inability of bacteria to adapt to the effect of the extract. Also, the extract is used to combat skin diseases and viral diseases of the respiratory system.
The bones contain the following substances:
- rutinoside;
- quartzine;
- bioflavonoid;
- glycoside.
Differences between red and white grapefruit
Both varieties of fruit have the same amount of acid and potassium. Also, the benefits of carbohydrates and pectin in fruits are similar.
The main difference is the different amount of vitamin A. There is several times more of it in red grapefruit. Kerotine is an antioxidant, so red fruits will be helpful in treating eyesight.
White grapefruit is less sweet and contains less lycopene. Its advantage is low calorie content. One white fruit has 2 times less calories than a red one. This allows it to be used for weight loss.
The use of grapefruit in medicine
White and red fruits are beneficial for the following conditions:
- Cold. The presence of ascorbic acid in the composition allows you to counteract viruses.
- Diabetes. The low glycemic index allows diabetics to consume the fruit. Also, white grapefruit improves the absorption of insulin and normalizes metabolism.
- Cleansing the liver. Substances allow you to remove toxins and toxins from the body.
- Disorders of the heart. Lowering cholesterol levels prevents the possibility of a heart attack.
- Stroke. Flavonoids reduce the risk of disease.
- Cancer. Regular consumption of pulp and juice prevents the development of cancer.
- Pregnancy. A moderate amount of consumed fruits eliminates the manifestations of toxicosis.
- Gum disease. Citrus fruits prevent stomatitis, periodontal disease and gingivitis.
Grapefruit for weight loss
Citrus fruits are juicy and satisfying, due to the large amount of fiber, but the calorie content of the product is low, which allows it to be used in a diet. Fruit is added to the regular diet. When combining red grapefruit and meat, protein absorption is stimulated. Also, fruits are a component of many salads.
When dieting or on unloading days, fruit is the mainstay of the diet. They are supplemented with kefir or other low-fat products. Organic acids improve the production of gastric juice, which stimulates the absorption of food and normalizes metabolism.
With a prolonged diet, irritation and nervousness appear. Citrus essential oils improve emotional well-being. Also, in case of stomach problems during a diet, a glass of juice in the morning helps.
The benefits of grapefruit juice
The bitter taste of the product scares off many people, but its beneficial properties are better than other citrus fruits. It contains many useful substances and antioxidants. Also, the juice of red varieties is useful for elderly people with visual and hearing impairment.
Children can also drink juice. Its advantages are that it does not cause diathesis.
In cosmetology, juice is used to cleanse the skin of the face. It gives it elasticity, improves color and normalizes glandular function.
Contraindications
A large amount of eaten fruit damages the tooth enamel. To prevent this, the mouth is rinsed regularly.
Also, grapefruits negatively affect the action of drugs, therefore, with drug treatment, their use is reduced. It is forbidden to drink antibiotics and antidepressants with juice, since there is a risk of causing an overdose.
Eating fruits harms the body in the following diseases:
- gastritis;
- increased acidity of the stomach;
- pancreatitis;
- ulcer;
- colitis;
- hepatitis;
- cholecystitis;
Citrus fruits are prohibited for allergies and individual intolerances. Also, when using drugs for hypertension, there is a risk of dizziness, nausea and harm to the stomach.
It is forbidden to combine red and white grapefruit with such drugs:
- Warfarin;
- "Fluvostanin";
- oral contraceptives;
- pain relievers;
- statins.
Conclusion
To maximize the benefits of fruits, they should be carefully selected when purchasing. It is better to take large and heavy fruits, as they are healthier and sweeter.
Use the bottom shelf of the refrigerator for storage. Under these conditions, grapefruit is suitable for consumption within a week. At room temperature, the fruit retains its properties for no longer than 24 hours.