This food group is highly appreciated for its high content of vitamin C, a nutrient involved in many body functions such as iron absorption, immune system protection, preservation of blood vessels and connective tissue or the development of neurons, among others.
This food group is highly appreciated for its high content of vitamin C, a nutrient involved in many body functions such as iron absorption, protection of the immune system, the preservation of blood vessels and connective tissue or the development of neurons, among others
A series of properties that grapefruit, as a citrus fruit, also possesses. However, these are not the only benefits that invite us to include it more assiduously in our diet. Without going any further, it is a fruit that has just 40 calories, approximately, is rich in minerals such as potassium and magnesium, includes folic acid in its composition, in addition to antioxidant carotenoids and vitamins B2, B1 and A. Yes, if there is one feature that stands out from the rest is the proportion of water it has: 90% of its composition. What advantages can we enjoy thanks to this combination of nutrients? Should the grapefruit be the new star fruit of our diet?
Eat grapefruit to strengthen the heart.
Flavonoids, another essential nutrient in grapefruit, often have a positive effect on one of the most important organs of the human body: the heart. What does this mean? That the consumption of grapefruit can improve circulation and enhance the heart muscle, thus promoting the functioning of the same. In addition, it directly influences other conditions related to this muscle, such as cholesterol and triglycerides, regulating their levels and thus strengthening the circulatory system
Complement in weight loss.
Its low caloric intake and the large amount of water that includes can be great allies in the loss or maintenance of a healthy weight. It is true that their functions are not going to be miraculous, but they can act as an additional complement to a balanced diet and a daily exercise routine
To improve vision
As we have seen above, grapefruit has significant amounts of beta-carotene, pigments that belong to the group of carotenoids and enjoy antioxidant properties. These not only delay aging and prevent oxidative stress, they also protect our eyesight from diseases that can damage it.
Granola is a great source of antioxidants
Great ally of the joints.
Salicylic acid is another of the nutrients that lead the composition of grapefruit and can bring more benefits to our body. Among them, highlights its work in the breakdown of inorganic calcium that accumulates in the joints and cartilage, the main cause of arthritis, a disease that generates symptoms as uncomfortable as pain and joint stiffness, swelling, redness and decreased range of motion. Thus, the consumption of grapefruit can reduce its presence in the body, keeping the condition at bay
To keep constipation at bay
As a complement to its role in weight loss, grapefruit can also prevent constipation thanks to its contribution of fiber and water. This natural remedy, which is usually consumed as a juice, also promotes the regularity so necessary in the digestive system, thereby improving digestion and absorption of nutrients and causing a satiating effect that can help us not to snack between meals
Does it also reduce the risk of stroke?
As stated by the American Heart Association, the consumption of grapefruit and other citrus fruits could significantly reduce the risk of ischemic stroke in women, that is, the blockage of a cerebral artery as a result of the formation of a clot; or other similar strokes. Data that in 2016 were corroborated at the Annual Meeting of Neurology in the United States and that point directly to the presence of vitamin C in its composition
