By: Ana Margarita A. Olar| Vigorbuddy.com
A grapefruit has many health benefits. This fruit bred in the 18th century between a pomelo and an orange. The name grapefruit was because they grow in clusters like grapes. Here are some benefits of juicing grapefruits that you should know:
AIDS IN WEIGHT LOSS
Who doesn’t want to shed some extra pounds? Juicing grapefruit can help you lose weight in two ways: one it has an innate capability to burn fats. On one scientific research, a glass of grapefruit before meals can help you lose up to 4 pounds in 12 weeks. Another is by charging up your metabolism. If combined with proper diet and exercise, juicing grapefruit can help lose 2 pounds per week.
PREVENTS KIDNEY STONE
Kidney stone are due to calcium formation on kidneys. This needed to be removed through surgery, or broken down to pass the urethra. Either way is a painful procedure. Drink up to 1 liter of grapefruit juice each day to help you break down these stones.
HELPS THE LIVER TO DETOXIFY THE BODY
The liver cleanses the body of toxins and harmful chemicals. But this function can also cause the liver to fail. Juicing grapefruit can boost this liver function. Once the liver is detoxified, you can also be relieved from depression, stiff muscles, and chronic aches.
BOOSTS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
The Grapefruit is rich in Vitamin C. Grapefruit juicing can boost our immune system. The vitamin C content of grapefruit is also known to protect against free radicals that may cause cancer, stroke, and heart attack.
HELPS TO ELIMINATE BAD CHOLESTEROL
The liver processes fats including bad cholesterol. Since juicing grapefruits boost liver functions, it also facilitates removal of bad cholesterol. There are studies that show LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels decline by 15 %.
Another bad cholesterol, the triglyceride also decline by 18 %. Regular grapefruit juicing achieved this result. Also, blond grapefruit was found to be more beneficial than the red variety.
BOOST CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
Grapefruit contains vitamins, electrolytes, and enzymes, which are all beneficial for the heart. Among these are: Vitamin C, fiber, lycopene potassium and choline.
Though grapefruit has a lot of benefits, it should be taken up with caution. This is true for those who are taking certain medications such as statins, calcium channel blockers, and psychiatric drugs. Grapefruits have enzyme binding ability, which makes these drugs enter the bloodstream faster than usual.
Another caution is for people who have the stomach ulcer and GERD. It is because grapefruit can add to the acidity of the stomach.
Keep in mind that eating a variety of nutritious foods is still the ultimate key to overall health.