Red Grapefruit and Health Benefits

Grapefruit is a newer addition to the citrus family. Other citrus fruit such as oranges and tangerines were the first to be introduced to the citrus family. The grapefruit is a sort of a crossbred between the orange and the pomelo. This is because the grapefruit is large in size like a pomelo but the outside of the grapefruit looks like an orange. The name, grapefruit, was named after clusters like grapes. Grapefruits are found in three colors: red grapefruit, white grapefruit and pink grapefruit. Most grapefruits are approximately four to six inches diameter.

One of the great health benefits of red grapefruit is that they are loaded with Vitamin C. Other than Vitamin C, red grapefruit has a good amount of other essential nutrients and minerals that aid in helping to treat a large amount of diseases from colds to cancer. Some of the minerals include calcium, iron and potassium. The taste of red grapefruit is a little bitter as well as sour.

Dome of the health benefits of red grapefruit are:

Lower cholesterol- Pectin is a form for of fiber that is present in red grapefruits that reduces cholesterol. Studies have shown that red grapefruits lower bad cholesterol.

Vitamin C- All citrus fruits, including red grapefruit are an excellent source Vitamin C. In fact, one half of red grapefruit contains40 milligrams of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is helpful in preventing the common cold.

Cancer- Research has shown that Vitamin C can provide protection against lung and colon cancer. Colon and lung cancer have certain enzymes that trigger chemicals. Red grapefruit reduces these enzymes.

Diabetes- Diabetics can eat grapefruit as part of their diet. Eating more red grapefruit helps lower the starches and sweets in the body.

Fatigue- Many people suffer from fatigue and exhaustion. With today's fast paced society, people need relief from tiredness. It is recommended that you drink a glass of red grapefruit juice with lemon juice in equal parts with a touch of honey. This will help immensely at the end of a long day.

Digestive Disorder- When people drink red grapefruit juice, it increases the flow of gastric juices and this in turn helps with digestion. If eating the red grapefruit with its pith and albedo, that extra fiber will help with bowel movements.

Blood Pressure- Potassium is very high in red grapefruits. It is known that consuming potassium will help control blood pressure.

Acidity- It is true that red grapefruits are sour so you may think that the grapefruit provides alot of acid. But the juice has an alkaline reaction after digestion. This has a great effect in getting rid of the acid.

Atherosclerosis: Red grapefruit contains pectin that lowers the accumulation of arterial deposits. Plus the Vitamin C in the grapefruit helps to make the arteries stronger.

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