The Benefits of Grapefruit 'The Power Fruit'

Grapefruits:

Grapefruits have a rather recent history, having been discovered in Barbados in the 18th century. Many botanists think the grapefruit was actually the result of a natural cross breeding which occurred between the orange and the pomelo, a citrus fruit that was brought from Indonesia to Barbados in the 17th century. The resulting fruit was given the name "grapefruit" in 1814 in Jamaica, a name which reflects the way it's arranged when it grows €hanging in clusters just like grapes.

Grapefruit trees were planted in Florida in the early 19th century, although they did not become a viable commercial crop until later that century. Florida is still a major producer of grapefruits, as is California, Arizona and Texas. Other countries that produce grapefruits commercially include Israel, South Africa and Brazil.

I must admit that yes, it took me quite some time to get use to this fruit. Once-upon-a-time I sprinkled brown sugar on grapefruit in order to bare the bitterness. However, when I realized I was defeating it's purpose, I quickly stopped.

Grapefruit is an excellent source of Vitamin C. Which is a vitamin that helps to support the immune system.

There are so many benefits to grapefruit because of the high levels of Vitamin C it carries. Research has shown that consumption of vegetables and fruits high in this vitamin is associated with a reduced risk of death from all causes including heart disease, stroke and cancer.

The rich pink and red colors of grapefruit are due to lycopene, a carotenoid phytonutrient. (PLEASE NOTE: Lycopene is only found in pink and red grapefruit. White grapefruit does not provide this carotenoid.) Lycopene appears to have anti-tumor activity. Among the common dietary carotenoids, lycopene has the highest capacity to help fight oxygen free radicals, which are compounds that can damage cells.

Choosing to regularly eat lycopene-rich foods, such as pink grapefruit, and drink green tea may greatly reduce a man's risk of developing prostate cancer, suggests research published the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition (Jian L, Lee AH, et al.)

It's Benefits:

1. Loosing weight

Yes, that's right and believe me it works. When I did my grapefruit cleanse I lost 5 pounds in 2 days. And I get into the habit of juicing grapefruit, I start to see the pounds go. Which is not my goal so I try and juice this fruit no more then twice a week. Grapefruit is high in enzymes that burn fats, has high water content and has less sodium. A combination of these three characteristics make it a perfect food for increasing your body’s metabolism. Try eating grapefruit or drinking raw grapefruit juice every day instead of your regular apple or orange juice and you will notice how quickly you lose those extra pounds.

2. Helps in cancer prevention:

Lycopene is a carotenoid pigment that is responsible for the red color of grapefruit. It is a powerful agent against tumors and cancers as it acts as a scavenger of cancer-causing free radicals. Lycopene works best with vitamins A and C, which are also found in grapefruit.

An antioxidant compound, called naringenin, is also found in grapefruit. Naringenin helps repair damaged DNA in prostate cancer cells. DNA repair contributes to cancer prevention as it impedes the reproduction of cancer cells.

3. Overall well being:

Juicing (or eating) grapefruit helps treat common cold and fever, dissolve gallstones and kidney stones, boost liver function and enhance immunity against infections. In addition, if you want to have a healthy and smooth skin, try including grapefruit in your diet.

But this isn't it; can get many other benefits from grapefruit because it also contains essential elements such as iron, calcium, potassium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, folic acid and B vitamins.

Yes, it's bitter. But you will get use to it. It doesn't bother me one bit....anymore. My boys can't stand it. Even if I put a half of a grapefruit in my juicing jug, they can smell it from a mile away and dare NOT to drink it (lol).

Just think of all the health benefits and start including this power-house fruit in your diet!

Eat with a PURPOSE!

Love, Lizzy