Grapefruit
Juicy Trivia
Some scientists believe that the grapefruit may have been born as a cross between the orange and the pomelo (grown in East Asia). A grapefruit is approximately 75% juice, which is good news for us juicers! It’s also thought that they were so named because they grow in clusters and resemble bunches of grapes, who knew!
The Greek philosopher Theophrastus (372bc - 287bc) wrote that citron could sweeten the breath and was also thought to be an antidote to poison. Much later the Roman naturalist Gaius Plinius Secundus, known as 'Pliny the Elder’ was the first person to use the word citrus and refer to the grapefruit as a medicine.
Jason Says...
If you haven't tried FRESH grapefruit or orange juice - you haven't lived! It tastes completely different to the shop bought, pre-packaged grapefruit juice
Juice or Smoothie?
Juice: Grapefruits and oranges must be peeled as there is an oil in the skin that our bodies struggle to process. So simply peel the outer layer of the fruit leaving as much of the pith (the white stuff) as possible.
Juicy Benefits
Grapefruit is great for the digestive system as it helps to stimulate the digestive enzymes. It is a good source of vitamin C, which helps to support the immune system and is also considered an excellent cleanser for the lymphatic system.
The red and pink varieties contain the carotenoid: lycopene, which can help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Another compound, a flavonoid, contained within the pith and skin of grapefruit called ‘naringin’ that hasn't yet been identified in any other fruit and is thought to be able to stop the growth of breast cancer. The naringin in grapefruit can also lower elevated red blood levels and increase low red blood levels whilst having no effect if levels are normal, so can be helpful for people with anemia.
Grapefruit is also beneficial if you are suffering from colds, it can help break down and shift inorganic calcium from the joints if you are suffering from arthritis, osteoporosis and can help with heart disease and macular degeneration. Drinking grapefruit juice can also help prevent kidney stones.
Juicy Tip: Grapefruits are best kept at room temperature
Research
The journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry published a study showing that the pectin found in grapefruit can slow down the progression of atherosclerosis (inflammation of the arteries)
A study carried out on the effects of grapefruit pectin on patients at risk for coronary heart disease led by Cerda JJ for the Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine concluded that a grapefruit pectin-supplemented diet could significantly reduce plasma cholesterol.
Vitamins, Minerals and Extras
Vitamins A, B1 thiamine, B2 riboflavin, B3 niacin, B4 choline, B5 pantothenic acid, B6 pyridoxine, B7 biotin, B9 folate, C, beta-carotene boron, calcium, chloride, cryptoxanthin, copper. iron, lutein and zeaxanthin, lycopene, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous and sodium, salicylic acid and pectin.
Be Aware
Because of the high levels of Naringin, and its ability to reject some man made drugs it would be best to avoid the grapefruit if taking any medication.
References
The Food Pharmacy - Jean Carper
The Doctors Book of Food Remedies by Selene Yeager
The Complete Book of Juicing - Michael T Murray N.D.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
www.nutrition-and-you.com
www.livestrong.com
www.thespringoflife.net
Disclaimer
Please be aware that we are not Doctors, so it is important BEFORE making any changes that you consult with your GP or Medical Practitioner. The suggestions above are not meant as an alternative to any current medical treatment so please DO NOT stop taking any medications you are on. They are also not an endorsement of their effectiveness, nor a recommendation that they should be followed but instead, provided for informational purposes. None of the information on the Natural Juice Therapy site is intended or implied to treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease.