Grapefruit is a tropical citrus fruit, which grows in tropical and subtropical regions. It was first discovered by Europeans in Jamaica and Barbados in the late 18th century.
It has long been thought, that grapefruit is a variety of pomelo. However, it turns out that it is a hybrid between pomelo and orange.
The grapefruit differs from other citrus fruit with its hybrid origin. Like all citrus fruit, grapefruit contains important nutrients for the human body. It is rich in important vitamins B2, C, E, provitamin A - carotene, calcium, potassium, fiber, organic acids and essential oils.
Grapefruit juice is extremely good for those who want to lose weight. The ingredient narigenin has been shown to help with weight loss.
Grapefruit increases the body's immune defenses. It is extremely rich in the valuable antioxidant vitamin C. It lowers the levels of bad cholesterol in the body, and its aroma helps relieve stress and nervous tension.
However, this fruit also has its contraindications. After a study, researchers from California and Hawaii concluded, that eating a quarter of a grapefruit every day increases the risk of breast cancer by 33%.
The media likes to make a sensation out of news like this. But you should not take the opinion of scientists too close to the heart. Their conclusion applies only to women in menopause and those living in hot climates, who are exposed to intense solar radiation. For example, in Los Angeles, solar radiation is one of the largest in the world.
Grapefruit juice can cause side effects in combination with certain medications during the treatment of heart and kidney diseases. U.S. researchers have recently identified an ingredient in grapefruit juice, which interacts with certain medications, by speeding up their absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
Unlike other fruit juices, grapefruit juice is able to suppress the action of the enzyme CYP3A, which partially destroys many drugs, which enter the body.
As a result, many sick people, forced to take medication regularly, avoid drinking this juice, while others drink them mainly with it to enhance their effect. The action of grapefruit juice is due to the substance furanocoumarin, which is contained only in this fruit.
For example, if you eat grapefruit or drink juice and at the same time take birth control pills containing estradiol, progesterone, methylprednisolone, cortisol, testosterone, you risk getting pregnant unexpectedly, as furanocoumarin significantly reduces the effectiveness of the pill.
According to some studies, red grapefruit and its freshly squeezed juice can mess up the effects of about 100 drugs - it cause a delayed effect in some, while for others it speeds up the effect. In both cases it is very dangerous, because such deceleration or acceleration can cause a number of side effects. Therefore, scientists advise not to consume it, if you are currently undergoing any treatment.
One of the most dangerous interactions of grapefruit is with pills for lowering blood pressure. Taken with them, a rapid and dangerous reduction in blood pressure can occur, which is also harmful for hypertensives, as their body can not adapt to such sudden change.
Grapefruit juice blocks an important liver enzyme, which seriously prevents the breakdown of certain ingredients in medicines. If you are about to have a treatment and you like to eat grapefruit, be sure to tell your doctor, who will best assess whether a dangerous interaction is possible.
If you consume grapefruit juice on an empty stomach, it can adversely affect the lining of the esophagus and stomach, teeth and gums. After all, grapefruit is highly acidic. Grapefruit can also cause stomach irritation for more sensitive people.
However, in small quantities, this citrus has a good effect on the body. "Grapefruit contributes to remove toxins and activates the process of burning fat.
Grapefruit essential oils as well as organic acids play an important role in stimulating the metabolism, improving digestion, digestion and the process of the digestive juices.
Grapefruit prevents constipation. Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice not only has a laxative effect, but strengthens the nervous system, which is especially good for mental and physical exhaustion.
It is recommended to eat some grapefruit before going to bed against insomnia. Do not overdo the quantities, a few slices are enough.
In aromatherapy grapefruit oil is good for apathy and depression. It enhances attention and memory. Its calming effect relaxes the mind and consciousness, it helps you to relax and get rid of negative emotions.
As it turns out, grapefruit is a very controversial fruit. It has a number of health benefits. There is no equal to it in terms of burning excess fat, but if you are taking medication, it is best to go for another fruit.
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