What is grapefruit?
Useful substances in grapefruit
Grapefruit in dietology
Grapefruit diet
What is a grapefruit?
Grapefruit is one of the most useful fruits. It contains a lot of vitamins, it has the ability to lower the cholesterol level in the body, has an antibacterial and antifungal effect, helps burn fat, has a beneficial effect in case of diabetes and obesity, and improves metabolism.
Earlier, the grapefruit was named "Forbidden fruit of Barbados".It is a unique hybrid of orange and pomelo, and was bred by nature on its own, without any human intervention.
To date, there are several varieties of this fruit - its fruits can have a pink, yellow or almost white color. It is worth noting that the more in the skin and, correspondingly, in the flesh of the fruit of the pink shade, the fruit is sweeter. Consequently, he who gives preference to sour, then they should pay attention to the fruits of pale yellow, and those who love the messenger - to pink grapefruits. In the event that you set out to find the most juicy fruit, then it is necessary to choose the fruit that is somewhat heavier than the rest of its relatives. Consequently, the more the weight of the fruit, the more juicy it will be.
Useful substances in the grapefruit
As in all citrus in the grapefruit contains a large amount of vitamin C, for example, in 100 grams of pulp of the grapefruit contains about 50% of the daily intake of this vitamin for an adult. It should be noted that only one grapefruit can provide a daily requirement for vitamin C. Everyone knows that ascorbic helps not only protect against cold and flu, but at the same time it slows down the aging process, helps to get rid of skin problems and unhealthy complexion. Just like in all yellow-orange fruits, grapefruit contains carotenoids that prevent the appearance of malignant tumors, among them there is also beta-carotene. With regard to the white flesh of the fruit, it directly contains strong antioxidants, such as bioflavonoids and pectin, which in turn determines the useful properties of grapefruit.
In addition to all this grapefruit is an excellent source of vitamin PP, which helps to cope with insomnia and fatigue, as well as vitamin D, which is especially necessary for older people and children. Grapefruit also contains elements such as pectin, which helps to remove cholesterol from the body and normalizes metabolism, and lycopene, it fights toxins, slags and unfavorable ecology.
It should also be noted that grapefruit contains a substance such as inositol, which in turn prevents the accumulation of fats and helps to cleanse the liver of toxins. Back in the seventies of the last century, the so-called grapefruit diet was fairly well known, with its help it was quite easy to lose excess kilograms, it was only necessary to add three glasses of grapefruit juice to your daily diet. The grapefruit contains the naringin( which is responsible for the bitter taste of the fruit).It is this substance that prevents the absorption of fats, speeds up the metabolism, improves the activity of the intestines and stimulates digestion, and this in turn helps to lose weight.
Just a few grapefruit slices eaten after dinner, can burn almost half of the calories that were obtained with food.
Including grapefruit juice is recommended to use during mental and physical exertion, as it helps strengthen the central nervous system. Including he is an excellent stimulant of the intestine and helps prevent constipation.
In addition, grapefruit is very rich in organic acids and fiber, as well as essential oils. It contains bioflavonoids and glycosides, which in turn contribute to strengthening the walls of blood vessels, and also increase and preserve their elasticity, thereby preventing hemorrhages.
It is also worth noting that in the grapefruit there is a low glycemic index. Thanks to this, the level of sugar in the blood is reduced by natural means.
These beneficial properties of grapefruit will help reduce the need for insulin to people who suffer from diabetes. Red grapefruits contain additional antioxidants - lycopene, therefore, such fruits will be very useful for people with a weak cardiovascular system, as they contribute to the normalization of cholesterol. To do this, it is enough to consume one glass of grapefruit juice a day. In particular, it is recommended to use grapefruit in the morning, since it has the property of removing fatigue, raising the general tone and improving appetite. With regular use of grapefruit, the bleeding of the gums decreases.
It would seem that just a fruit, but how rich it is useful elements. It contains both organic acids and carbohydrates, vitamins A, B, P, D, C, trace elements, mineral salts, etc. It also contains natural, natural quinine. It is rich in calcium and potassium. Not a fruit, but a storehouse of vitamins and nutrients. But still, it can not be called a panacea for all diseases.
Grapefruit in dietetics
It was noted by dietitians that fresh grapefruit has a general toning effect, it normalizes the functioning of the intestines, liver and gall bladder. It is very useful to consume grapefruit in food during the recovery from illness. But you do not need to get involved in eating this fruit, especially if you take medicine.
Consequences of the grapefruit diet can be unpleasant, during it it is necessary to eat grapefruit in small amounts on an empty stomach, and this in turn may not be very beneficial for the health of the oral cavity, stomach and mucosa of the esophagus, since this fruit is too acidic.
It is worth noting that grapefruit really helps digestion and helps to lose weight, but here it is worth noting that citrus fruits only improve fat metabolism, and without physical exertion and a reduction in the daily caloric content, it is unlikely to get rid of excess weight.
It is also worth noting that the bitter film of grapefruit contains the greatest amount of nutrients, so do not neglect it and throw it away. Although the composition of this fruit is so good that its skin can replace some medicines.
Cut in half grapefruit and baked with sugar and cinnamon in the oven, it is recommended to use as a medicine for stress, since grapefruit helps to cope with the state of depression and depression.
If a person has a low gastric acidity, grapefruit juice will also help, and it should be consumed 200-250 ml 2-3 times a day.
For those wishing to strengthen their teeth and gums, the following recipe is suitable: grapefruit peel should be soaked for 20 minutes in boiled water, strain and rinse with this broth mouth.
Despite the fact that grapefruit is a very useful fruit, it still stands in moderation. As mentioned earlier, grapefruit juice is not combined with medicines. He can neutralize their action, or change their action, that is, from the previously used good, they will only harm. In some cases, the combination of grapefruit juice and certain medications can lead to death.
The next reason is the fact that a fairly frequent intake of grapefruit in large quantities, contributes to the destruction of teeth and gums, and also adversely affects the gastric mucosa and esophagus, due to its increased acidity. To avoid, after each use of grapefruit, rinse your mouth with water.
It is recommended to eat grapefruit as follows:
- the fruit should be thoroughly washed using warm boiled water and soda. Wash grapefruit is necessary until the appearance of a thin, but at the same time, a clear citrus fragrance of the skin;
- after that, the raft is wiped dry and put in a bowl or bowl;
- the skin is cut horizontally in such a way as to expose, but at the same time not to touch the flesh;
- further it is necessary to carefully cut out and remove the "column" from the center of the fruit;
- pulp is carefully squeezed through a teaspoon so that the juice is formed;
- in the pressed groove is filled with granulated sugar( 2-4 spoonfuls).After this, gradually squeezing the pulp of grapefruit, you need to pour a spoonful of grapefruit juice into a separate bowl. And after that, just pour it out of the fruit together with the formed pieces of pulp;
- the resulting mixture must be poured into wide glasses, for this you can use martini glasses;
- in each glass sugar is added to taste, otherwise the juice can be either too acidic or bitter;
- such juice with pulp can be served on the table and drink. Sweet and at the same time not cloying, it will be a wonderful refreshing treat.
It is also worth noting that grapefruit can not only be eaten, it is a multifunctional fruit. Its juice, crust and pulp are used for cosmetic procedures. For example, grapefruit juice quite gently and effectively whitens freckles and spots on the skin of the face. Masks with the addition of grapefruit juice, as well as rubbing with infusion from its peel dermatologists recommend to use to normalize the sebaceous glands of the skin. This type of mask is also used to nourish and strengthen the skin of the neck.
Grapefruit diet
As for the grapefruit diet itself, according to the researchers, it allegedly is based on the "magic" component contained in the grapefruit, therefore, it is strongly recommended as a fruit that quickly copes with the breakdown of fats.
This diet contributes to rapid weight loss due to the presence in the grapefruit of the relevant enzymes, which in turn cause fat to be burned and not accumulated, and therefore its use is recommended for those people who want to keep their weight in the norm.
Regarding the characteristics of the diet, they differ, but mainly it is due to the fact that you need to eat half a grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice with each meal, as this contributes to a significant reduction in calories. The advantage of this diet also lies in the fact that the body receives a fairly large amount of vitamin C, as well as B, D, P, A. This helps the body to regain strength when many suffer from beriberi, especially in winter and earlyspring.
In any case, you should take very careful consideration of your health and carefully study all the options of this diet, its pros and cons, as some experts consider it harmful.
In most different versions of the grapefruit diet, it includes a variety of foods that are necessary for breakfast, lunch, dinner and at bedtime, including it is recommended to drink black coffee and as much water as possible throughout the day.
Breakfast:
Breakfast includes two eggs. The way they will be cooked is not important, but it's better still if they are cooked and two slices of ham. Also it is worth to drink 250 ml of not sweet grapefruit juice, or to miss half of its fruit.
Lunch:
For lunch it is allowed to eat meat in different versions, it should be noted that its quantity is unlimited, the options for its preparation can also be different. You can also treat yourself to a salad with any dressing. And again, eat half a grapefruit or drink 250 ml.its juice. Tea or coffee( 1 cup).
Dinner:
Dinner is characterized by the consumption of green or red vegetables, in addition to peas, potatoes, beans and corn, as well as fish or meat. And again a half of grapefruit or 250 ml of its juice. For dinner, one glass of milk is also allowed. Also, milk can be replaced with a glass of tomato juice.
It is also worth noting that in the grapefruit diet it is allowed to use all dressings and oils for salads that you just want, and the food can be cooked in any form, including it can be fried. As for additional food and drinks, they are not allowed during a diet. Snack is allowed only after lunch 640 g of liquid per day. In the event that you have a great desire to eat something, then in this case it is allowed to eat half a grapefruit or drink 150 ml of juice. Thus, there will be no trace of hunger.
Grapefruit juice can be mixed with orange juice or lemon juice, it will add vitamins and will strengthen your immune system, and will free your body of toxins.
Despite the fact that grapefruit is rich in vitamins, nevertheless caution in its direct use does not hurt. Doctors recommend limiting one grapefruit in 2-3 days, and not drinking grapefruit juice in the event that less than six hours before you took any medications.
