A large study conducted in Japan found that people who ate citrus including grapefruit throughout the week had a lower risk of developing cancer, especially prostate and pancreatic, compared with the total group of participants.
The effect was amplified among those who also drank a lot green tea. The authors speculate that compounds in citrus fruits reduce inflammation and stop cancer cells from multiplying. They may also help repair damaged DNA, which contributes to the development of tumors.
The fiber in grapefruit may also help prevent colorectal cancer while fruits high in vitamin C and beta-carotene, which is in pink and red grapefruit, may lower the risk of esophageal cancer.
Grapefruit can be stored in your fridge for as long as three weeks but they release their best flavor when kept at room temperature. If you plan to eat them within a week, leave them on a counter or table. If you don't think you will eat the grapefruit for 2 or 3 weeks, tuck them in the fridge but make sure they're at room temperature before you actually dig in.
This will give you maximum flavor. Grapefruit is also super in salads and with fish or chicken. In fact, it's best when paired with protein and a little fat, like a handful of walnuts. The fiber, too, keeps you feeling fuller longer. This first vitamin in the alphabet is good for your eyes, not to mention your heart, lungs, kidneys and other organs. If you find the fruit itself to be too tart, try a grapefruit-flavored beverage: There are a bevy of products—including grapefruit-flavored beer—that might be more palatable to you.
Because citrus pairs well with beer, there are plenty of orange and lemon flavored beers, but grapefruit is the a newer flavor in the brewing world: A few examples include Pink Fuzz , Grapefruit Shandy , and Turtle Power Grapefruit Pale Ale.
Citrus scents are becoming more popular in aromatherapy for a reason. Not all aromatherapy is inhaled. You can also rub an essential oil on your skin, which allows you to feel it and inhale it at the same time. Grapefruit aromatherapy may even act as a natural skin toner, says Chiasson.
To get our top stories delivered to your inbox, sign up for the Healthy Living newsletter. By Amanda Gardner Updated February 09, Save Pin More. Start Slideshow. They're hydrating. Credit: Getty Images. Red grapefruit, in particular, surpassed its "blond" cousins in lowering triglycerides.
Antioxidants in general may play a key role in preventing cancer. There's an added advantage to keeping them in plain view. Grapefruit is most often associated with breakfast, but don't let that limit your imagination. Grapefruit provides a number of beneficial and protective nutrients and plant compounds which have antioxidant properties. This means they help protect cells from the potential damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals.
Grapefruit is also a useful source of lycopene , which is associated with a reduced risk of cancer. However, more research is needed to understand exactly why this is. Grapefruit is rich in potassium and fibre, as well as protective antioxidants which may help manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Human studies have demonstrated the beneficial role grapefruit, and specifically red grapefruit, may play in helping to improve cholesterol levels , particularly in those suffering with atherosclerosis.
While low in calories and high in fibre, eating grapefruit is unlikely to deliver the dramatic weight loss touted in some fad diets; however, there is some evidence to suggest that consuming grapefruit may be of some assistance. A week Japanese study looked at the effects of grapefruit versus a placebo, and there was a significant reduction in weight , as well as blood glucose levels, in those participants who consumed half a grapefruit before meals.
Animal studies have examined the beneficial role grapefruit juice may play in reducing blood glucose levels and improving insulin resistance. This is further supported by a higher fruit and green vegetable intake being associated with a significantly reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
There is some promising research into the role of flavonoids in the diet and improvements in memory and cognition , as well as the prevention of neurodegenerative conditions. However, it is too early to say whether grapefruit, in particular, has a significant impact on brain health. The NHS advises that fresh grapefruit or grapefruit juice should not be consumed with certain medications, as it has been shown to reduce their breakdown and elimination, which can result in increased blood levels of the drug.
Read more from the NHS about how grapefruit can affect medicine. Over the last 15 years she has been a contributing author to a number of nutritional and cookery publications including BBC Good Food. More information Privacy policy. This site uses cookies to assist with navigation, analyse your use of our services, collect data for ads personalisation and provide content from third parties.
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