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1. Strengthens Immune System
It is well known any fruit rich in vitamin C will strengthen and
support our immune system. Vitamin C works with other micronutrients that
provide good and regular nourishment for the body. Micronutrient deficiencies
of vitamins A, B6, C, and E have been found to alter immune responses in
animals and are thought to have a similar effect on the human immune
response.
Maintaining good levels of vitamin C in the body can reduce the
severity of cold symptoms, acting as a natural antihistamine. This makes it
helpful in controlling allergies, since it reduces histamine levels.
"Grapefruit is abundant in vitamin C which help supports the immune system,”
Blake said. “Half of a grapefruit provides about 78 percent of your recommended
daily intake of Vitamin C."
2. Boosts Metabolism
Grapefruit is a popular diet staple among those looking to lose
weight. A high metabolism can continue to burn fat in the body even when it is
resting. A 2006 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found
people who ate half a grapefruit before each meal, without making any other
dietary changes, lost an average of 3 and a half pounds over 12 weeks.
The copious amount of enzymes, high-water content, and less sodium
helps burn fat easily. Blake said: “While grapefruit does not have any magical
fat-burning properties, it is low in calories and is a good source of fiber,
which helps keep us full for longer by taking longer to digest. ... Grapefruit
also has a high water content which can help you feel full and stay hydrated.”
3. Reduces Kidney Stones Risk
Naringenin — known for its bitter taste of grapefruit
— has been found to successfully prevent the formation of kidney cysts.
According to a report by AlphaGalileo.org, the naturally occurring
compound regulates the PKD2 protein that is responsible for the condition. The
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects not only help prevent the formation
of cysts, but also reduce swelling in the kidneys that is caused by fluid
retention. Drinking up to a liter of grapefruit juice daily will help reap the
greatest benefits in effectively blocking the formation of kidney cysts.
4. Fights Gum Disease
Simply eating two grapefruits a day can prevent and even reverse
damage caused by gum disease. A 2005 study published in the British
Dental Journal found the daily consumption of grapefruit can reduce gum
bleeding for those who suffer from gum disease. The participants in the study
also showed an increase in their vitamin C levels, which aids in the repair of
gums. Vitamin C, according to Blake, is essential for healthy gums, which helps
keep our teeth firmly in place.
5. Protects Against Cancer
The antioxidant vitamin C has been linked to decrease the risk of
certain cancers. A 2006 study published in the Journal of Nutritional
Biochemistry found grapefruits help repair damaged DNA in human prostate
cancer cells. Naringenin stimulates DNA repair in these cancer cells and
protects the body from developing cancer.
"Diets high in vitamin C, which is an antioxidant found in
many fruits and vegetables such as grapefruit, had been linked to a reduced
risk of cancers of the stomach, colon, bladder, breast, and esophagus,” said
Blake. She cautions these results are specific to vitamin C rich foods, rather
than supplements.
6. Reduces Stress
You don’t necessarily have to ingest grapefruit to reap its
benefits. The smell of citrus fruit can make a difference on curbing our stress
and anxiety levels, and depression. A 1995 study published in the Japanese
Journal of Psychopharmacology found citrus fragrance restored
stress-induced immunosuppression, and induced calm behavior in mice.
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