Grapefruit: what are its properties and contraindications

The grapefruit, perhaps because of its bitter taste, not as popular as other citrus, but its properties are as healthy as those of orange, lemon or tangerine. The vitamin C is the component that most often stands out from these fruits, but grapefruit contains many others that give it beneficial health propertiesalthough it must be taken into account that may interfere with some medications.

Grapefruit: characteristics and cultivation

He grapefruit (citrus x paradise) is a tree about 5 meters high (it can reach up to 15 m), with a leafy and rounded crown and white flowers.

It is believed to be a spontaneous crossing between the sweet orange tree and the pamplemusa or Chinese grapefruit (a tropical citrus) that originated in the Caribbean sea area (specifically in Barbados) in the 17th century.

It is a subtropical spice and is currently cultivated mainly in the United States, Argentina, Cuba, Cyprus, Israel, Mexico, Mozambique and South Africa.

In Spain, Valencia, Murcia and Andalusia are the areas where grapefruit is grown the most and season runs from december to april.

The grapefruit fruit, also called pomelo (or grapefruit), has a bitter and slightly acid taste and it is round, with a thick yellow or reddish shell and a size something bigger than orangeabout 15 cm in diameter.

exist various varieties which are distinguished by color of its pulp: Duncan, White Marsh, Oroblanco, Ruby, Pink Marsh… The best known are the common ones (white or yellow) and the pinkish ones, which are produced when temperatures are high in their growing area.

Grapefruit: properties and benefits

grapefruit is rich in water (almost 90% of its weight) and very low in caloriesonly contributes some 42 calories per 100 grams, so it is indicated if you want to lose weight. There are even studies that claim that the consumption of grapefruit can help reduce waist circumference.

Is very rich in vitamin C (contains 45mg per 100 grams) and with a grapefruit juice you can already get the recommended daily amount of this vitamin, which:

Promotes the formation of collagenessential protein for hair, skin, nails, gums, bones, ligaments, tendons, cartilage and arteries.improves absorption of minerals like iron and zinc.Contributes to tiredness reduction.

Grapefruit is also rich in flavonoidswhich together with vitamin C and A, give it a strong antioxidant action that protects against free radicals, strengthens the immune system and prevents the risk of infections. In addition, the pink grapefruits contain lycopenethe same antioxidant present in tomatoes.

The bitter taste of grapefruit is given by the naringenina type of flavonoid that stimulates liver functionhelps the liver to break down fats and converts it into a excellent depurative. It also contains limonoidsantioxidant substances that help lower LDL cholesterol and promote the formation in the liver of the enzyme glutathione-s-transferase, which facilitates the elimination of various toxic compounds.

Grapefruit also has antiseptic properties and it has been seen that the habitual consumption of grapefruits can help to reduce blood pressure.

Grapefruit: contraindications

He grapefruit interferes with some medications and can increase its effects (also their side effects), such as drugs to lower cholesterol (statins), those used to lower blood pressure (calcium channel blockers), or immunosuppressants. That is why people who take medication should avoid consumption of grapefruit in all its forms: whole, in juice, frozen…

This drug interaction is because furanocoumarins, a chemical found in grapefruit, reduces the activity of an enzyme (CYP3A4) that participates in the metabolization of some drugs. This can cause the medicine to pass from the intestine into the bloodstream faster than normal. In it drug leaflet It usually warns of interactions, but if you have any doubts, consult your doctor.

On the other hand, people who have gastritis, esophagitis or peptic ulcers since it stimulates the production of gastric juices.

How to take grapefruit

Grapefruit is a very versatile fruit and can be eaten whole, in juicesshakes, in the form of jamor it can be used to prepare many dishes such as sauces, vinaigrettes, marinades, salads…

Grapefruit peel can also be used. to prepare infusions.