general description
Grapefruit (English grape and fruit - grapes and fruit) is a citrus yellow-orange fruit that grows in subtropical climatic latitudes.
Grapefruit grows on an evergreen tree of the same name, reaching a height of 13-15 m. A ripe fruit in diameter is no more than 15 cm. In appearance, grapefruit is most similar to an orange, but its flesh is more acidic, and the inner white veins are bitter. Many scientists believe that the grapefruit originated in India as a natural hybridization between the pomelo and the orange. Artificially, on the basis of grapefruit, new varieties of citrus fruits were bred: mineola and tangelo. The grapefruit ripening period is 9-12 months and the main harvest is at the beginning of February.
There are 20 varieties of grapefruits. They differ in skin color from bright yellow to light red and flesh color from yellow to red. It is believed that the redder the peel, the sweeter the flesh.
In 1650 grapefruit was first discovered in Barbados. The fruit got its first name in 1750 by Griffiths Hughes, who called it the "forbidden fruit". However, in 1814, Jamaican merchants renamed the fruit into the familiar “grapefruit”. The popularity and volumes of its consumption grew so rapidly that from 1880 in the USA they began to grow grapefruit on an industrial scale, mainly for export. The largest grapefruit plantations are in Texas and Florida. For deliveries to European countries, the fruits are grown in Israel and Cyprus.
Use in cooking
Grapefruit is used to make juices, alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, fruit salads, jams. The juice is used for savory sauces and marinades. Also, essential oils are industrially obtained from the peel of the fruit, which are later used for the production of colognes, perfumes, creams, shampoos, conditioners, balms, as well as confectionery syrups and extracts for alcoholic beverages. However, most often grapefruit is consumed raw, scraping the pulp with a teaspoon. To do this, the fruit is cut in half across the location of the slices. You can also peel it like an orange, and then free each of the slices from white membranes.
grapefruit calories
This is a low-calorie and dietary product, 100 g of which contains only 32 kcal. The calorie content of canned grapefruit is 37 kcal, and grapefruit juice contains only 30 kcal per 100 g. This product can be consumed by everyone without fear for their own weight.
Nutritional value per 100 grams:
| Proteins, gr | Fat, gr | Carbohydrates, gr | Ash, gr | Water, gr | Calorie content, kcal |
| 0.7 | 0.2 | 6.5 | 0.5 | 88.5 | 32 |
About grapefruit
Photo: Grapefruit.
Grapefruit is a citrus fruit that comes from crossing an orange and a pomelo. The fruit is not found in the wild. The first mention of grapefruit is found in 1750 in the writings of the botanist Griffiths Hughes as a "forbidden fruit", since the scientist claimed that Eve did not try the apple, but this particular citrus. And today's name grapefruit has been worn since 1814 in Jamaica. The fruit has been widely used since the end of the 19th century.
Grapefruit fruits grow on evergreen trees up to 12 m high and there are several varieties. Fruits weigh about half a kilogram, and the calorie content is only 29 kcal / 100 g.
Grapefruit contains:
- beta-carotene A;
- vitamins B1, C (there is more vitamin C in this fruit than in lemon), D, P;
- fructose, glucose, sucrose - up to 7%;
- mineral salts;
- organic acids;
- pectin substances;
- essential oil;
- phytoncides;
- glycoside naringin (hence the bitterness).
What else is grapefruit good for?
- Lowers cholesterol
An excellent tool for lowering blood cholesterol levels. For this purpose, it is especially recommended to drink grapefruit juice before meals in an amount of at least 2 glasses a day.
- Restores strength
Gives the body the right tone, relieves chronic fatigue, from a breakdown. This fruit is extremely necessary for people who are weakened, who are in the period after severe illnesses or after operations.
- Enhances metabolism
Improves metabolism (metabolism in the body). Brings into "working condition" all systems of the human body!
- Hypoglycemic action
Very effectively reduces blood glucose, which is absolutely necessary for people with diabetes.
- Useful for menopause
Grapefruit has been proven to have amazingly positive effects on menopausal women.
To do this, it is recommended to eat half of this fruit a day, as well as drink fresh juice.
- Increases pressure
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can lower high blood pressure.
Doctors of natural medicine strongly recommend that hypertensive patients: “Do not rush to take pills for pressure! Eat a grapefruit first or drink fresh juice from it!”
- Purifies the blood
This fruit, like the juice from it, is a powerful blood purifier. Completely rids our bloodstream of accumulated toxins and poisons. And in return it gives us a state of vivacity and strength for vigorous activity!!!
Grapefruit is VERY necessary for people who spend a lot of time at work, especially sitting, at the computer! Be sure to take this fruit with you to work every day. Let this become another good habit for you! This will only positively affect your performance and well-being!
- Relieves depression
Grapefruit has been proven to be highly effective in reducing depression. When moral fatigue has accumulated, when there is no mood, apathy, nervousness, anxiety, irritability over trifles, then the best remedy is half a grapefruit before bedtime. Or a glass of juice.
- Improves mood and memory
It has been proven that this fruit helps to become a person more self-confident.
Contains endorphins - substances that give us a feeling of Happiness, Joy and Pleasure from life. And just like that, for no reason ☺
Grapefruit - diuretic
Grapefruit is an excellent choleretic agent.
For those with liver or gallbladder disease, doctors advise eating this whole fruit at least 2-3 times a week for breakfast.
And drink grapefruit juice half an hour or an hour before meals 2 times a day for a glass.
It will also be great to conduct a choleretic course:
- To do this, you need to drink 100 ml on an empty stomach before breakfast. grapefruit juice mixed with two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
- Oil and juice should be warm, slightly warmed up, well, or at least at room temperature.
- After taking this choleretic mixture, at least an hour should pass before breakfast.
- It will be best to move actively - jump, run, bend the body, etc.
- Another option is to put a hot heating pad on the liver area after taking the oil with juice and lie down. And it's better to run first, and then - a hot heating pad ☺
- Do this for 2-4 weeks. Then a break. Then again.
The result that you will get is refreshed skin, a rejuvenated face, your energy level and strength will rise, pulling pains in the right hypochondrium, bitterness in the mouth in the morning, nausea (especially after eating) and much more will pass!
I highly recommend this method. It was also used by our grandmothers in order to give themselves vigor and strength, and to add youth to the body and face.
This so-called "tubage" very effectively cleanses the liver, helps it in its difficult work - ridding our body of all harmful substances.
By the way, even the skin of the face is tightened after a course of these tubes! And the feeling of lightness in the body is just amazing!
I speak from my own experience.
Why should grapefruit be eaten with white membranes?
Have you heard for sure that grapefruit is advised to eat with white membranes without peeling them?
Do you know why? Because naringin is contained just in these membranes! Therefore, never peel or throw them away, eat with the pulp!
In addition, all the bitterness, oh, how our body needs it! From the gut to the immune system. If the body is deprived of food of a bitter taste, then it is unlikely to be healthy.
grapefruit essential oil
Grapefruit is also used to make an essential oil, unique in its properties, which is used to tighten the skin, treat cellulite, and also perfectly improves mood and gives a charge of vivacity and mood.
And further. I would like to say something that I have only recently discovered.
We all know that closer to spring, the content of vitamins and other nutrients in any fruit sold on store shelves and markets is already zero. Unfortunately… But there is also good news ☺
The only fruits that still retain vitamins in themselves by spring are all citrus fruits!
Well, the hero of our today's story is in the first place, of course ... ☺
And finally, a recipe from me for you ☺
Drink of youth and beauty from grapefruit
Recipe:
- Remove skin from grapefruit.
- Cut into pieces, and, without clearing the white membranes, put in a blender, add a spoonful of quality honey, pour a little water.
- Whisk.
- Everything! Drink of Youth, Health and Beauty is ready! ☺
Drink it to your health! Drink before breakfast, drink instead of breakfast, drink as much as you want! I make this smoothie every day now.
Beneficial features
We list the beneficial properties of grapefruit:
1) reduces the risk of cancer due to the presence of lycopene in the carotenoid;
2) strengthening the immune system, restoring the body's strength and increasing tone due to the glycoside naringin;
3) glycosides help in the prevention of arteriosclerosis;
4) helps with liver disorders;
5) lowering blood pressure;
6) improved digestion and absorption of proteins, which contributes to weight loss. Also, grapefruit bitterness has a good effect on the gastrointestinal tract in some non-inflammatory processes;
7) juice has a choleretic effect and helps with constipation.
Chemical composition and nutritional value
The edible part of the fruit (pulp) is the most commonly consumed. It is useful for all those who are losing weight to know that the most valuable elements of grapefruit (but not the most delicious) are:
- a transparent film in which the slices are “hidden”, since it contains naringin (citrus antioxidant) - a substance that starts the process of fat burning in the body (although doctors do not agree with this);
- the white soft shell located under the peel is an excellent source of pectin (dietary fiber), which is necessary for every organism for normal digestion;
- zest - contains a record amount of biologically active substances.
Eating grapefruit can lead to problems with tooth enamel
If the goal of eating a hybrid is to enjoy the taste, and not to increase weight loss, which is promoted by naringin, then it is not necessary to eat transparent shells. To avoid this, you need to cut the grapefruit across and scoop out the pulp with a spoon.
The pulp of the fruit is of no less interest, both for gourmets and for adherents of a healthy lifestyle.
| Index per 100 g of edible part | amount |
| Calorie content, kcal | 35 |
| Proteins, g | 0.65 |
| Fats, g | 0.22 |
| Carbohydrates, g | 6.6 |
| Fiber, g | 1.9 |
| Water, g | 89 |
| Vitamins, mg | |
| Retinol | 0.03 |
| Tocopherol | 0.3 |
| Vitamin C | 47 |
| Rutin | 0.5 |
| Riboflavin | 0.4 |
| Pyridoxine | 2.1 |
| Pantothenic acid | 1.8 |
| A nicotinic acid | 15.1 |
| Minerals, mg | |
| Iron | 0.5 |
| Phosphorus | nineteen |
| Sodium | fourteen |
| Calcium | 24 |
| Magnesium | 10.7 |
| Potassium | 185 |
Harm grapefruit
Harm is pretty arbitrary. But still:
1) the fruit has allergenic properties, so it should be introduced into the diet for the first time (for both children and adults);
2) with ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract, gastritis, colitis, colitis, enteritis, acute nephritis, hepatitis, cholecystitis, frequent heartburn, it is not recommended to use grapefruit, since the juice can irritate the walls of the gastrointestinal tract and contribute to unnecessary excessive choleretic;
3) you can not eat grapefruit and take drugs to reduce pressure at the same time, since the substances contained in the fruit prevent the breakdown of drug enzymes.
And in general, excessive use of anything is not useful.
Safety and contraindications
Despite all the benefits, in some cases, grapefruit can cause significant harm to the human body. The main contraindications include:
- Taking certain medications. The use of grapefruit together with immunosuppressants, calcium channel blockers, statins can lead to an increase in the bioavailability of medicines and the development of side effects.
- Caries. Grapefruit, like any other citrus, can destroy tooth enamel and aggravate the course of the carious process. To reduce the negative effect, it is recommended to drink grapefruit juice through a straw.
- Inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity and intestines.This group includes: stomatitis, gastritis, duodenitis, enteritis, colitis. Grapefruit causes irritation of the mucous membranes, which complicates the inflammatory lesion.
Women should be especially careful when consuming grapefruit during pregnancy. It is recommended to introduce fruit into the diet gradually, starting with a few tablespoons of pulp.
The maximum daily dose is half the fetus. Neglect of this rule is associated with a high risk of developing allergic or autoimmune diseases in a child after birth.
However, this citrus contains many useful substances necessary for the growth and development of the fetus, as well as to ensure the normal course of pregnancy. Subject to the norm and the absence of allergic reactions, you can eat the fruit.
When using grapefruit, one should take into account the presence of contraindications and the likelihood of complications.
Grapefruit for the body of a woman and a man
Grapefruit is recommended for pregnant women to increase vitality, strengthen strength, relieve fatigue, and also after childbirth for recovery. Masks are prepared from grapefruit, they are especially useful for oily skin. Juice is also added to shampoos for oily hair.
Grapefruit is recommended for men because of its anti-sclerotic properties. Also, these citruses contribute to the preservation of libido and potency.
Carefully! Chemistry!
Many people like to eat the grapefruit peel or collect the zest and make a tea out of it. But you should know that in fact, wherever grapefruits are grown for sale, these fruits are treated with pest and disease control agents. . And all the chemicals that are sprinkled on grapefruit trees are deposited in the peel of the fruit.
Therefore, it is better to give up grapefruit tea in favor of your own health.
Indeed, in addition to chemical poisons against pests, fruits are often sprayed with a special substance for long-term storage, and this chemistry is not completely washed off by the usual rinsing of the peel.
California scientists recently conducted a study, the result of which showed that women who eat more than half a grapefruit per day are more at risk of breast cancer. That is, we draw a logical conclusion - just a quarter of a grapefruit can bring such serious harm.
But do not forget that the media loves to indulge us with sensations that are not always completely true. These research results actually only apply to women who are in the menopause period and live in a hot climate, that is, they are exposed to hot direct sunlight every day. Therefore, there is nothing particularly strange and surprising in this.
After all, scientists have long proven the fact that citrus fruit essential oils increase the risk of skin diseases if applied less than 2 hours before sun exposure.
Grapefruit burns fat and is it possible to eat grapefruit at night?
Does grapefruit burn fat? Scientists disagree here. However, as we have already written, the fruit contributes to the digestion and absorption of protein. That is why grapefruit is extremely effective in weight loss diets.
Is it possible to eat grapefruit at night? Can. This does not guarantee a slim figure at all, but it helps to satisfy hunger and sleep peacefully. You can eat half of the fruit with a piece of chicken breast instead of the usual dinner - this way the body will receive the necessary proteins and satisfy hunger.
Benefits of grapefruit for weight loss
Let's talk about other reasons for the huge benefits of grapefruit for those who want to lose weight.
- Grapefruit is a low-calorie fruit , it gives a feeling of satiety, saturates the body with useful substances, but does not increase a person's weight.
Calorie content: 39 kk per 100 grams - This fruit is popular due to the content of flavonoids , which promote fat burning .
- Grapefruit normalizes the activity of the liver, which means that the beneficial substances that have entered the body are absorbed much faster, and extra calories are also burned.
- This citrus has a strong diuretic effect , and therefore quickly eliminates all toxins in the body, and grapefruit also removes salts. This property of the fruit is a good blow to cellulite.
- Grapefruit normalizes metabolism , if you regularly use this fruit, constipation does not threaten you. For weight loss, this property is extremely useful.
With the help of numerous experiments, scientists managed to prove the dietary properties of grapefruit, which appear only with regular consumption of the fruit. Also, when losing weight, it is very useful to drink a glass of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice 20 minutes before meals, this will speed up the metabolism.
Recipes
Grapefruit baked with honey
Grapefruit baked with honey is an original and dietary dessert. For this you will need:
- Grapefruit (2 pcs.);
- Honey (4 teaspoons);
- Freshly grated ginger (1.5 teaspoons)
Cooking method:
- Wash grapefruits and cut in half;
- Grease the incisions with ginger and honey (for each half, a teaspoon of honey);
- Put on a baking sheet;
- Bake for 5-10 minutes at 170 degrees.
Fat Burning Smoothie
Required:
- Grapefruit (2 pcs.);
- Celery (2 stalks);
- Pineapple (2 slices);
- Honey (1 tablespoon).
Mix all products thoroughly in a blender. Smoothies are rich in fiber, improve digestion and speed up the metabolic process in the body.
Cleansing cocktail
Required:
- Grapefruit juice (from 4 pcs.);
- Milk (50 ml);
- Banana (2 pcs.);
- Grated ginger (1 teaspoon);
- Ground cinnamon (half 1 teaspoon).
Mix all components in a blender, can be used instead of snacks.
Prohibited and permitted products
The following foods are allowed in the grapefruit diet:
- low-fat "milk" (low-fat cottage cheese, 1% yogurt and kefir);
- cereals;
- boiled meat (turkey, veal, chicken);
- steamed white fish;
- fruits;
- vegetables;
- bread, crackers;
- fruit drinks and compotes with a minimum sugar content.
From the diet you need to exclude:
- pork;
- lamb;
- red fish and herring in any form;
- butter;
- cream;
- mayonnaise;
- chips;
- nuts;
- cheeses (including hard varieties);
- pastries.
When grapefruit substances react with components of fatty and heavy foods, their anti-lipid properties disappear. Because of this, the diet becomes ineffective. Yes, the body will be saturated with vitamin C, but the fat layer will not decrease.
Grapefruit diet for 3 days
With this diet, you can lose a couple of kilograms.
Day 1
- Breakfast: 1 egg, half a grapefruit;
- Lunch: chicken breast, half a grapefruit;
- Dinner: stewed cabbage, half a grapefruit.
Day 2
- Breakfast: kefir 1 glass, half a grapefruit;
- Lunch: steamed fish, half a grapefruit;
- Dinner: shrimp, half a grapefruit.
Day 3
- Breakfast: fat-free cottage cheese, half a grapefruit;
- Lunch: 2 eggs, half a grapefruit;
- Dinner: kefir 1 cup, half a grapefruit.
There is a so-called three-day egg-grapefruit diet, when instead of meat and fish you can only eat hard-boiled eggs. Important: if in the morning you ate the whole egg, then in the evening you should limit yourself to only protein.
Option 2
The menu is the same for all three days:
- Breakfast: half a grapefruit, 2 hard-boiled eggs, a slice of stale bread, a glass of green tea. Breakfast can be divided into two parts with a 1.5-hour break;
- Lunch: half a grapefruit, a salad of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers and boiled chicken, dressed with lemon juice and olive oil;
- Snack: a glass of yogurt or kefir with a fat content of 1%;
- Dinner: half a grapefruit, steamed white fish (cod, tilapia, halibut) with herbs and lemon juice.
grapefruit diet for 7 days
This way of eating is richer and more saturated. If you strictly adhere to such a diet, you can lose 5-7 kilograms.
There is a diet option that lasts 14 days. However, experts do not recommend using it often. With this type of diet, some manage to get rid of 10 or more extra pounds.
grapefruit diet for 2 weeks
Way out of the grapefruit diet
The exit should be smooth and gradual. Every day, foods that were previously banned should be added to the diet. Ideally, the diet should contain 1600-2000 calories. During the period of dietary nutrition, the size of the stomach decreases slightly, it gets used to food restrictions. No need to "injure" this organ, and immediately "refuel" it with food.
How to eat to lose weight?
In order for the process of losing weight to proceed faster, it is necessary to eat the bitterness itself (the walls of the fetus). They contain a substance called naringin.
There are several options for how to use citrus to lose weight:
- Eat a quarter of the fruit before each meal;
- Drink grapefruit juice diluted with water before every meal;
- Eating fruit with protein foods (thus, protein is better absorbed by the body);
- The fruit must be in its raw form;
- The fruit must be fresh;
- If there is a suspicion of an allergy, then grapefruit should be introduced into your diet carefully and gradually;
- Do not combine with other medicines.
There are also special diets, both classic and non-traditional. Non-traditional include low-calorie nutrition (practically a hunger strike). However, the latter method adversely affects the body, causes diseases of the stomach.
Therefore, you should adhere to the correct classical diet. In this variant:
- In addition to citrus fruits, other foods such as vegetables, fruits and berries are also allowed.
- Salt and spices are completely excluded or minimized.
- Allowed to eat protein foods: chicken, low-fat steaks, liver, low-fat fish and boiled eggs.
- After six in the evening, dinner and snacks are allowed. You can not eat 3 hours before bedtime;
What you should pay attention to?
Like any citrus, grapefruit sometimes causes allergies. Do not give it to children under three years of age. Introduce into the diet gradually to track the reaction.
There is evidence of the effect of fruits on the absorption of certain drugs. They are able to enhance the action of some, and inhibit the work of others. If you are taking any medications, check with your doctor for compatibility.
Fruits are contraindicated in case of high acidity, diseases of the stomach and intestines in the acute phase. They are not recommended for cystitis and nephritis.
How to choose and save?
To buy a delicious copy, you should consider several factors:
- The weight. The most juicy will be the one that is heavier than its "neighbors" with the same dimensions.
- Smell. If the surface is not damaged, then it is missing.
- Colour. The pinker the skin, the sweeter the flesh. Yellow ones are more juicy.
Healthy fruits are available all year round. Many of them are bypassed because of the bitter taste. Completely wrong! By regularly consuming citrus, you can improve your well-being, protect yourself from serious diseases.
Comments
Post a Comment