Grapefruits and their health benefits

Grapefruits

Grapefruits come from a subtropical citrus tree and were first cultivated in the 18th century in Jamaica.  The fruit did not become popular worldwide until the late 19th century, prior to that time the fruit was grown strictly for ornamental purposes.  The United States became a major grapefruit cultivating nation and orchards can be found in California, Arizona, Florida and Texas. 

Health Benefits of Grapefruits

Grapefruits are an excellent source of vitamin C which is important to the health of the immune system.  The vitamin C content in grapefruit helps shorten the duration of the common cold and lessens the severity of symptoms as well.  Vitamin C also helps prevent the damages of cancer-causing free radicals and can reduce the severity of inflammatory diseases such as osteoarthritis, asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.  Regular consumption of vitamin C rich foods like grapefruits can also reduce the risk of death associated with cardiovascular disease, stroke and cancer.

Grapefruits are rich in lycopene, a powerful carotenoid phytonutrient that has anti-tumor qualities.  Lycopene has the highest capacity of any phytonutrient, to help the body fight off the damages from cancer-causing free radicals and can reduce the risk of prostate cancer in males.  In a research study involving 130 prostate cancer patients, men who consumed green tea and lycopene-rich foods reduced the risk of prostate cancer by 86%.

Different fruits contain different properties, grapefruit juice ranked the as one of the highest for phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity.  Antioxidants neutralize the unpaired electrons found in free radicals which render the molecule harmless.  The antioxidants found in grapefruits stop the chain reaction of free radical development and benefit the body by boosting the immune system. 

The pectin found in grapefruits can slow down the progression of atherosclerosis and reduces cholesterol levels in the blood.  In a research study conducted by Israeli researchers from Hebrew University in Jerusalem, red and blond grapefruits were tested for antioxidant properties for aiding in the reduction of LDL cholesterol levels in the blood.  Test tube results of the study showed that red grapefruits contain more total phenols and bioactive substances than blond and lowers LDL cholesterol within 30 days.

Grapefruits contain many important vitamins, minerals and nutrients which can be a beneficial addition to the daily diet.  The fruit is currently being studied by scientists and researchers to provide a better understanding of everything grapefruits have to offer in terms of human health.