The red ruby grapefruit is a little sourish and the most alkaline of all the citrus fruits. In recent years, there seem to be an inordinate amount of scientific research on the health benefits of grapefruit, particularly its detoxifying properties.
The pulp of the grapefruit contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates but few proteins and lipids. Grapefruit has a fair amount of vitamin C at 34mg/100grams. As for mineral salts, it is high in potassium at 139mg/100grams, giving it its alkalinity. In addition, it also contains calcium (12mg/100grams) and magnesium (8mg/100grams).
There are also various phytochemical compounds like pectin, carotenoids, flavonoids and limonoids in a grapefruit. The pectin is found in the fiber forming the pulp and in the whitish layer below the outer skin covering. Such fiber has arterial protection and anti-cholesterol effects on our health.
The carotenoids are a good source of beta-carotene which helps boost the antioxidant effect of vitamin C. Flavonoids are phytochemicals that help to improve blood flow, besides having antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties.
Eating grapefruit also has an important benefit of protecting the arterial walls of the heart from acidic hardening due to acid calcification - a process known as arteriosclerosis. Hence, it increases blood flow, reduces hypertension and helps in blood circulation to the cells and tissues in the body. It must be stressed, however, that eating the whole fruit has the added benefit of preventing all forms of arteriosclerosis - be it lack of blood circulation to the brain, to the heart or to the limbs.
Besides, there is no fat or sodium in the grapefruit. This coupled with the high content of potassium makes it ideal for those suffering from heart diseases. Those who consume too much animal fats and proteins tend to suffer from over-acidity. The grapefruit has the properties to detoxify the blood, thus helping the liver to function more efficiently.
With all these wonderful health benefits of consuming grapefruit, could one do without it for an added dose of detoxification?
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2 comments:
This is an excellent article,who's content is worthy of sharing on my Facebook Wall. :-)
In the morning, I blend one medium ruby red grapefruit, 1/2 cup frozen blueberries, 5 ounces of organic coconut water, 4-5 ice cubes. Yum!
And, healthy for you, as well.
Thank you for this excellent article. We have just started buying grapefruit by the bags and eating them everyday. When you say you blend one medium ruby red grapefruit do you include the outside skin? If so, do you soak it to be sure the chemicals are washed away?
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