Grapefruit, perhaps because of its bitter taste, It is not as popular as other citrus fruitsbut its properties are as healthy as those of orange, lemon or tangerine. The vitamin C It is the component that usually stands out the most in these fruits, but grapefruit contains many others that give it beneficial health propertiesalthough it must be taken into account that may interfere with some medications.

Grapefruit: characteristics and cultivation

He grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi) is a tree about 5 meters high (it can reach up to 15 m), with a leafy, rounded crown and white flowers.

It is believed to be a spontaneous crossing between the sweet orange tree and the pamplemusa or Chinese pomelo (a tropical citrus fruit) that originated in the Caribbean Sea area (specifically in Barbados) in the 17th century.

It is a subtropical spice and is currently grown mainly in the United States, Argentina, Cuba, Cyprus, Israel, Mexico, Mozambique and South Africa.

In Spain, Valencia, Murcia and Andalusia They are the areas where grapefruit and grapefruit are most cultivated. season runs from December to April.

The grapefruit fruit, also called pomelo (or grapefruit), has a bitter and somewhat acidic taste and it is round, with a thick yellow or reddish shell and a size something bigger than orangeabout 15 cm in diameter.

There are various varieties which are distinguished by the color of its pulp: Duncan, White Marsh, Oroblanco, Ruby, Pink Marsh… The best known are the common ones (white or yellow) and the pinkish ones, which are produced when temperatures are high in their growing area.

Grapefruit: properties and benefits

The grapefruit is rich in water (almost 90% of its weight) and very low in caloriesonly provides some 42 calories per 100 gramsso it is indicated if you want to lose weight. There are even studies that claim that eating grapefruits can help reduce waist circumference.

It is very rich in vitamin C (contains 45 mg per 100 grams) and with grapefruit juice you can now get the recommended daily amount of this vitamin, which:

• Promotes collagen formationessential protein for hair, skin, nails, gums, bones, ligaments, tendons, cartilage and arteries.
• Improves absorption of minerals such as iron and zinc.
• Contributes to the reduction of fatigue.

Grapefruit is also rich in flavonoidswhich together with vitamin C and A, give it a strong antioxidant action that protects against free radicals, strengthens the immune system and prevents the risk of infections. Furthermore, the pink grapefruits contain lycopenethe same antioxidant present in tomatoes.

The bitter taste of grapefruit is given by naringenina type of flavonoid that stimulates liver functionhelps the liver break down fats and turns it into a excellent cleanser. It also contains limonoidsantioxidant substances that help reduce LDL cholesterol and promote the formation in the liver of the enzyme glutathione-s-transferase, which facilitates the elimination of various toxic compounds.

Grapefruit also has antiseptic properties and it has been seen that the regular consumption of grapefruits can help reduce blood pressure.

Grapefruit: co-intraindications

He grapefruit interferes with some medications and can increase its effects (also their side effects), such as cholesterol-lowering medications (statins), those used to reduce blood pressure (calcium antagonists), or immunosuppressants. This is why people who take medication must avoid eating grapefruit in all its forms: whole, juice, frozen…

This drug interaction is because furanocoumarins, a chemical present in grapefruits, reduces the activity of an enzyme (CYP3A4) that participates in the metabolization of some medications. This can cause the medication to pass from the intestine into the bloodstream faster than normal. In it medication leaflet It usually warns of interactions, but if you have doubts, consult your doctor.

On the other hand, people who have gastritis, esophagitis or peptic ulcers since it stimulates the production of gastric juices.

How to take grapefruit

Grapefruit is a very versatile fruit and can be eaten whole, in juicesshakes, in the form of jamor it can be used to prepare many dishes such as sauces, vinaigrettes, marinades, salads…

Grapefruit peel can also be used to prepare infusions.