Eat Me: 10 health benefits of grapefruit

Grapefruit is a popular citrus fruit that is a terrific source of vitamins, fibre, and other nutrients.

This subtropical citrus fruit has a surprising list of health benefits.

Learn how grapefruits can be beneficial to your health.

Appetite loss

Grapefruit works as an excellent appetite suppressant as compared to many other substances and foods.

It is said that the smell of grapefruit reduces the feeling of hunger, which is the reason why people often include grapefruit in their weight loss programs.

Influenza

Grapefruit is a valuable remedy for influenza since it helps to minimise acidity in the system.

The bitter properties arising from an essence called ‘naringin’ in grapefruits tones up the system and the digestive process. Naringin is also considered a flavonoid, which are powerful antioxidant sources in the human diet.

Malaria

The juice, or the fruit itself, contains valuable and natural ‘quinine’ which is advantageous for the treatment of malaria.

Quinine is an alkaloid with a long history of treating malaria, as well as lupus, arthritis, and nocturnal leg cramps. It is not an easy component to find in many foods, so grapefruits are a beneficial and rare example.

Fever

The pulp or the juice of grapefruit helps patients recover quickly from fevers, and it reduces the burning sensation that occurs when the body reaches a high temperature.

It is also known as a way to boost the immune system against colds and other common illnesses. Grapefruit juice, when combined with water, can quench thirst very quickly and can keep you hydrated longer.

Fatigue

Grapefruits are also beneficial in the treatment of fatigue, so it can help you to dispel your general tiredness caused by routine or boring work.

Drinking equal amounts of grapefruit juice and lemon juice can be a refreshing and delicious way to quickly boost your energy levels.

Indigestion

Grapefruit is useful for solving the problem of indigestion. It is very light as compared to other foods and thus, acts immediately on indigestion by easing the heat and irritation caused in the stomach.

It improves the flow of digestive juices, which eases the movement of the bowels and keeps your excretory system regulated.

Insomnia

A simple glass of grapefruit juice, if drunk before going to bed, can promote healthy sleep and alleviate the irritating symptoms and repercussions of insomnia.

This is due to the presence of tryptophan in grapefruits, the chemical that cause us to get sleepy after big meals. The levels of tryptophan in grapefruit juice lets us nod off peacefully to sleep.

Diabetes

Diabetic patients can safely eat grapefruit because consuming grapefruit can reduce the level of starch in the body.

If a patient is diabetic, intake of grapefruit can help them to regulate the flow of sugar in their body.

Constipation

A glass full of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice in the morning is a great remedy to control constipation.

The juice stimulates the colon and other parts of the body relating to the digestive system.

Flatulence

10 to 20 drops of grapefruit juice, taken before all three meals of the day, can work as an appropriate probiotic and digestive enzyme and will relieve excess flatulence and stomach discomfort.