Grapefruit is a citrus fruit that is fairly large and shaped like an orange. There are about seven varieties the most common being white, pink, and red.

The nutritional content of this fruit is fairly low. Most of its healing properties come from its non-nutritive components such as pectin, flavonoids, carotenoids, and limonoids.

Pectin:

This is a soluble vegetable fiber found in many fruits. Grapefruit pectin is found in the fiber in its pulp, and in the whitish layer just below the skin and between the layers. Pectin strengthens and protects the blood vessels. It also prevents the accumulation of cholesterol.

Flavonoids:

These protect your cells from oxidative damage that can lead to disease. Flavonoids improve blood flow and have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogen properties.

Carotenoids:

This is an antioxidant. Grapefruit is a source of beta-carotene which is converted to vitamin A when released into the body. Carotenoids are pigments that produce color in plants vegetables and fruits.

Limonoids:

All citrus fruits contain these compounds. Limonene gives these fruits their bitter taste. They reduce blood cholesterol and have anticarcinogenic properties.

Medical Applications of Grapefruit

• Prevention of arteriosclerosis. Grapefruit protects the blood vessels from hardening and thickening due to the deposit of cholesterol. This process is called arteriosclerosis. If left unchecked leads to calcification and eventual risk of the rupture of the blood vessels; stroke.
• Heart disease: Grapefruit has no sodium or fat. It also is high in potassium which makes it ideal for those with heart problems such as heart failure.
• Hypertension: This fruit also has diuretic properties and helps clear the circulatory system.
• Detoxification: A glass of grapefruit juice on an empty stomach first thing in the morning helps to clear the circulatory system.
• Infections: All citrus fruits contain vitamin C and flavonoids which help strengthen the body’s immune system.
• Weight loss: Those wishing to lose weight should include grapefruit in their diet. It helps detoxify the system and is also a diuretic.
• Protection against cancer: Regular consumption of citrus fruits helps to protect the body against cancer. Grapefruit contains vitamin C, pectin, and limonene which when combined are anti-carcinogenic.
• Gout, kidney stones, and uratic arthritis are all forms of excess uric acid. Grapefruit is a natural diuretic.

Nutritional Value

References

• Metabolism And Health Effects Of Citrus Limonoids in Hypercholesterolemic Humans
• Pectin
• Flavonoids: an overview
• The role of carotenoids in human health