Several studies have supported the health benefits of grapefruit, as this fruit has unique features that make it nutritious and plays an important role in maintaining a strong immune and cardiovascular system.
Grapefruit is a citrus fruit rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, potassium and fiber, said nutritionist Erin Palinsky-Wade.
“The combination of nutrients found in grapefruit, in addition to its low glycemic index, makes it a particularly beneficial fruit,” she explained.
Its low glycemic index means it is less likely to cause high blood sugar.
The fiber in grapefruit can offer a variety of health benefits, including supporting heart health by reducing inflammation, gut health by preventing constipation and encouraging bacterial growth, promoting healthy cholesterol levels by regulating bad (LDL) cholesterol, and even Weight management by helping people feel full longer.
Eating a whole medium-sized grapefruit can give you 100% of your daily needs of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that strengthens the immune system and also enhances the production of collagen for the skin, making it less wrinkled.
Grapefruit is also known to make the skin glow because it contains a lot of water, which makes it act as a moisturizer.
"When we eat hydrating foods, in addition to drinking enough water, it tends to make our skin more radiant and glowing," Palinsky-Wade explained.
Despite these interesting benefits, the fact that grapefruit is acidic makes it capable of exacerbating symptoms in those who suffer from digestive problems such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as esophageal reflux disease.
Hopkins Medicine explained that those who suffer from inflammation of the stomach lining (called gastritis), or ulcers, which are ulcers that develop on the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus, should avoid grapefruit.
Grapefruit can also interact with some medications because it can inhibit an enzyme that helps the body break down medications, which makes it important to consult a doctor before enjoying this fruit.
These medications include the cholesterol-lowering medications atorvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin, the allergy medication fexofenadine, the blood pressure medication nifedipine, and the immunosuppressant cyclosporine.
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