What Are the Health Benefits of Drinking Grapefruit Juice?
Grapefruits
Like other citrus fruits, grapefruits are very high in vitamin C as well as other nutrients. Whether yellow, pink, or the sweet and juicy ruby red, this food is bursting with flavor and beneficial compounds. Drinking a glass of grapefruit juice a day is a great way to enjoy the health benefits of this citrus fruit. What exactly does a serving of fresh juice have to offer?
Boost Immune System
Drinking grapefruit juice can help you boost your immune system. An excellent source of vitamin C, with well over the daily recommended requirement per serving, this beverage provides a natural prevention remedy for the common cold and other infections. Vitamin C helps with the production of anti-stress hormones as well as the immune system protein, interferon. Fresh grapefruit juice, which contains some of the pulp of the fruit, will also supply plenty of bioflavonoids. Bioflavonoids help with the absorption of vitamin C and they also have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-viral properties.
Cancer Prevention
Another potential health benefit of drinking grapefruit juice is disease prevention. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant in the body, helping to prevent free radical damage, but this citrus fruit also contains the powerful antioxidant, lycopene. One of the carotenoids found in pink and red pigmented fruits and vegetables, this compound may act as an anti-tumor agent. It is possible that a glass a day of fresh juice will help reduce your risk for certain cancers.
Heart Health
Drink fresh grapefruit juice for your heart. The antioxidants will help to prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Grapefruits are also a good source of folic acid, which, in conjunction with vitamin B6 and B12, helps to regulate homocysteine levels. High amounts of this naturally occurring amino acid are linked with heart disease. Fresh juice will also supply your body with potassium, about ten percent per serving. Potassium helps to balance sodium levels in the body and regulates heart rhythm. This is an important mineral for maintaining a healthy blood pressure.
Beautiful Skin
Grapefruit juice can also promote healthy, beautiful skin. How? Vitamin C is necessary for the production of new collagen. Having plenty of this
nutrient allows the body to regenerate healthy connective tissue. This nutrient also helps to cleanse the body of some toxins by combining with them so they can be naturally eliminated. Also, every glass of fresh juice or clean water that you drink the more you are encouraging the elimination of toxins. The less waste in the body, the more beautiful your skin.
There are so many health benefits of drinking grapefruit juice. Drink a glass with breakfast, or as an afternoon revitalizing beverage. For the most potent effect, be sure to drink fresh juice rather than processed products.
References
World’s Healthiest Foods https://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=25#descr
Vitamin and Health Supplement Guide https://www.vitamins-supplements.org/bioflavonoids.php
Balch, Phyllis A. “Prescription for Nutritional Healing.” Fourth Edition (Penguin Books, 2006).
Nutrition Data https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1917/2
photo by Tracy Ducasse (CC/flickr) https://www.flickr.com/photos/teagrrl/112771820/
photo by Michelle Tribe (CC/flickr) https://www.flickr.com/photos/greencolander/3137033974/
