Grapefruit, 13 useful properties: it promotes sleep and fights flu

Grapefruit is rich in vitamin C, bioflavonoids, fiber and low in calories. Grapefruit is a fruit with innumerable beneficial properties for the body. It is the only citrus supposedly not from Southeast Asia, but from Central America. A glass of grapefruit juice would bring, in addition to vitamin C, potassium, lycopene, calcium, sugar and phosphorus. Drinking it for breakfast would allow you to start the day with a great energy charge.

The vegetable chemicals contained in the grapefruit would protect against cancer and heart disease; they would help metabolism and regulate insulin levels; they would fight fatigue, fever, constipation, excess of acidity and much more. Let’s explore its benefits closely.

1 – Grapefruit decreases the feeling of appetite. Already its smell would be able to reduce the feeling of hunger. The high quantity of fibers inside allows you to satisfy hunger and avoid eating too much. Stimulating cholecystokinin, a hormone that regulates digestive enzymes, grapefruit acts as an hunger inhibitor.

2 – Grapefruit is a precious ally against the flu. It helps to reduce acidity in the body. The naringin, the major flavanone glycoside that gives the grapefruit its bitter taste, is a powerful antioxidant. Grapefruit is also antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, anticancer and anti-inflammatory. It is excellent the defense of the immune system.

3 – Acidity. After digestion, grapefruit juice creates an alkaline reaction. The citric acid contained in the fruit increases the alkalinity reaction after digestion. The juice extracted from grapefruit is useful in preventing the formation of acid and the diseases that arise due to the presence of acidity in the body.

4 – Constipation. Grapefruit juice drunk in the morning is an excellent remedy to control constipation. It stimulates the colon, inducing intestinal movement. Grapefruit can relieve flatulence and an upset stomach.

5 – Fever. Grapefruit juice and pulp help to recover from fever. It strengthens the immune system in general. Combined with water, grapefruit juice can calm down thirst and maintain hydration for a long time. To allow this benefit is the high content of vitamin C.

6 – Grapefruits are an excellent remedy against fatigue. They help to dissipate tiredness. Grapefruit and lemon juice can be a panacea to quickly increase energy levels. The nootkatone contained in grapefruit improves the body's energy metabolism through the activation of ampkinase (ampk is a kinase involved in the activation of the process of beta oxidation of fatty acids). This translates into more energy, greater weight loss and fewer opportunities to develop diabetes.

7 – Grapefruit is useful for indigestion. It works by relieving heat and irritation in the stomach. Grapefruit improves the flow of gastric juices, it facilitates the movement of the bowels, it keeps the excretory apparatus in good condition. This thanks to the fibers and the pulp.

8 – Insomnia. A glass of grapefruit juice, drunk before going to bed, would be able to promote healthy sleep and alleviate the annoying symptoms and the repercussions of insomnia. This is thanks to tryptophan, an essential amino acid, not synthesized by the human body, a precursor of serotonin, involved in the modulation of mood, melatonin, involved in the regulation of sleep rhythms, and of niacin or vitamin B6.

9 – Diabetes. Consuming grapefruit helps reduce the level of starch in the body, regulate the flow of sugar in the body and effectively manage the disease. This thanks to the flavonoids contained within it.

10 – Urinary disorders. Grapefruit juice is rich in potassium and vitamin C, and it is one of the best treatments for urinary problems. The high content of potassium works as a vasodilator: the blood vessels and arteries relax, reducing blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Increased potassium levels are also associated with improved cognitive function due to increased blood flow and oxygen to the brain.

11 – Cardiovascular diseases. Grapefruit allows the human body to regulate cholesterol, which means that it minimizes the risk of various cardiovascular diseases caused by cholesterol problems.

12 – Grapefruit prevents cancer. The pulp and fiber of grapefruit would help bowel movements, reducing the chances of developing colon cancer. Grapefruit intake would also reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer.

13 – Grapefruit helps in the treatment of malaria. Quinine is an advantageous natural alkaloid in the treatment of malaria. Grapefruit is one of the rare foods from which it is possible to extract it.

Side effects

Despite all the benefits that grapefruit can have on health, so many that in many cases grapefruits are more effective than drugs, attention must be paid to the consumption of grapefruit when taking medicines. Some chemicals contained in grapefruits, such as naringin and other less common compounds, can negatively interact with different drugs and cause damage to the body. It is necessary to consult your doctor in terms of drug interactions with grapefruit juice in the diet before starting any new treatment.

Curiosities

The nootkatone contained in this citrus is able to remove mosquitoes, ticks, lice and bedbugs. A way of fighting mosquitoes more natural and less dangerous.