Grapefruit: super cleanser for the arteries

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Extract from the article: Grapefruit is a well-known diuretic. Everything about grapefruit is good: the flesh, the peel, the membrane and even the seeds. Grapefruit is packed with phytochemicals that give it antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, including flavonoids a

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Grapefruit is a well-known diuretic. Everything about grapefruit is good: the flesh, the peel, the membrane and even the seeds. Grapefruit is packed with phytochemicals that give it antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, including flavonoids and limonoids that neutralise the free radicals responsible for premature cell ageing. These compounds also have the ability to reduce blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. They also have beneficial effects against arteriosclerosis, hyperlipidaemia and cardiovascular risks.

Grapefruit is rich in vitamin C. It also contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12 and K. Grapefruit is largely made up of water. It also contains fibre, carbohydrates, a small amount of protein, simple sugars, trace elements and a very small amount of fatty acids. Studies have shown that grapefruit is a natural and particularly effective antioxidant. It contains naringenin, a flavonoid with antioxidant properties. Naringenin is responsible for grapefruit's bitter taste.

Combating atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a degenerative process that can affect arteries throughout the body.It begins with the deposition of cholesterol in the deepest layer of the arteries, known as the intima.The thickening and hardening of the artery walls is associated with a reduction in the flow of blood through them.Grapefruit helps dissolve the atheromatous plaque responsible for atherosclerosis.It is galacturonic acid, contained in the chemical components of grapefruit, that exerts a particular action on bad cholesterol (LDL), one of the constituent elements of the plaques that cause hardening of the arteries. This interaction has the effect of dislodging and flushing out accumulations of cholesterol and cleaning out the arteries.Drinking around 2 glasses a day of grapefruit juice improves artery health.This is the conclusion of a French study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Grapefruit juice is beneficial for keeping arteries supple and of normal thickness.

Lower cholesterol

The benefits of grapefruit in the fight against high cholesterol have been confirmed by Jonathan Goldwasser's team at the Center for Engineering in Medicine in Boston (Massachusetts).According to their research, naringenin, a flavonoid and therefore a substance with strong antioxidant properties, is the source of grapefruit's cholesterol-lowering properties.It is said to lower cholesterol as effectively as cholestyramine, a drug prescribed to lower blood cholesterol levels.According to studies on individuals with high blood cholesterol, daily consumption of 15g of grapefruit pectin over a period of four months resulted in an average drop of 8%, and in some cases up to 20%, in their cholesterol levels.

Cardiovascular health

Studies on 250 obese or overweight adults have shown that grapefruit is ineffective for weight loss, but does help to reduce systolic blood pressure.In obese rats, the naringin contained in grapefruit improved heart and liver function, normalised blood pressure and reduced lipid levels.French researchers have confirmed the protective effect of flavonoids, molecules in the polyphenol family, against cardiovascular disease.Grapefruit can help stabilise blood pressure. It can be a good natural way of preventing hypertension and managing better blood circulation. Grapefruit is recommended for people with heart problems, particularly those suffering from heart failure.People with high blood pressure should also eat plenty of grapefruit.It has a mild diuretic effect that helps to relieve congestion in the circulatory system.

Beneficial for the immune system

Grapefruit is prized for its high vitamin C content, which has antioxidant properties known to protect your cells from harmful bacteria and viruses.What's more, several studies have shown that vitamin C is beneficial in helping people recover more quickly from colds.Many other vitamins and minerals found in grapefruit are beneficial for immunity, including vitamin A, which has been shown to help protect against inflammation and several infectious diseases.

Grapefruit juice recipe: 1 piece of grated ginger, 2 grapefruits, 1 lemon.Rinse the grapefruits and lemons, then cut them in half and squeeze out the juice.Blend the juices with the grated ginger and sugar.Strain and serve.

Beware of drug interactions

Despite these benefits, specialists warn of interactions between grapefruit juice and antihypertensive and immunosuppressive drugs. Numerous studies have shown that the juice of this citrus fruit greatly increases the absorption of the drug, which in turn increases the frequency and severity of undesirable effects. It would appear that the narginine present in grapefruit neutralises an enzyme that helps to metabolise certain drugs. When a drug is not metabolised quickly, a greater quantity is absorbed into the body, multiplying its effects. Nargginine is not found in any other fruit, at least not in the same proportions. So if you're taking medication, it's best to ask your pharmacist for advice, or avoid eating grapefruit if in doubt.

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