In this short article, we will answer the question “Does grapefruit lower blood pressure?” and will show you the advantages and risks of eating this fruit.
Does grapefruit lower blood pressure?
There is evidence to support the effects of grapefruit on blood pressure regulation and circulating lipid regulation. Although additional research is required to establish this claim.
According to one study, those who had grapefruit three times per day for six weeks saw significant drops in blood pressure as well as increases in levels of both total cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol.
The substantial levels of nutrients found in grapefruit, including potassium, fibre, and antioxidants, which are crucial for maintaining a healthy heart, are probably to blame for these benefits.
However, you need to exercise caution because grapefruit and some drugs can have negative effects on your health. Too much consumption might also harm your teeth.
Grapefruit: What is it?
Orange (Citrus sinesis) and pomelo were crossed to create grapefruit, a hybrid fruit (Citrus paradisi).
Also known as grapefruit, grapefruit is a fruit that fights free radicals and delays the onset of ageing by being a rich source of fibre, minerals, flavonoids, and antioxidants. It also contains a lot of vitamin C, which aids in iron absorption.
Is grapefruit healthy for you?
Yes. Consuming grapefruits may be linked to health advantages like reducing body weight, enhancing immunity, and managing diabetes. Grapefruit is a citrus fruit with a flavour that can be sour or bittersweet.
It can be included in the diet in a variety of ways, including naturally, as pulp, in smoothies and vitamins, or by making a quick and delectable grapefruit juice.
Due to their great moisturising capacity, grapefruit nutrients also help to prevent heart disease and enhance skin health. View its health advantages:
Despite being high in nutrients, it has few calories.
Because grapefruit is low in calories and high in nutrients, it aids in healthy weight loss. It offers a sufficient amount of fibre, which curbs appetite and keeps you full, along with more than fifteen healthy vitamins and minerals.
It has one of the lowest calorie counts of any fruit.
Increases immune system vigour
Regular consumption of grapefruit, which is strong in vitamin C and contains antioxidant characteristics that are known to protect cells from dangerous bacteria, can help the immune system.
Additionally, research indicates that vitamin C might hasten the common cold recovery process.
Aside from vitamin A, which has been demonstrated to help prevent inflammation and infectious disease, grapefruit also contains several other vitamins and minerals that are known to boost immunity.
Additionally, grapefruit contains trace levels of B vitamins, zinc, copper, and iron, all of which support immune system function in the body. They also support the skin’s health, which serves as an infection-prevention barrier.
Aids in regulating appetite
According to research, a diet high in fibre-rich foods promotes satiety. This is so because fibre prolongs the digestive process by slowing the pace of stomach emptying.
As a result, frequently drinking grapefruit can help you eat fewer calories throughout the day, control your appetite, and aid in weight loss.
Aids in preventing diabetes and insulin resistance
One hormone that controls numerous bodily functions is insulin. Although it plays a part in several metabolic processes, blood sugar regulation is its most well-known function.
Ultimately, increased blood glucose levels and insulin resistance are the two main risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
Lowers the possibility of getting kidney stones
Calcium oxalate stones are the most prevalent kind of kidney stones. By binding to calcium in the kidneys and expelling it from the body, grapefruit’s organic acid citric may be useful in treating the condition.
Additionally, citric acid has the power to raise the volume and pH of urine, creating a less conducive environment for kidney stone formation.
Do grapefruits have any hazards when consumed?
Indeed, there are dangers:
Medicine interactions
Consuming grapefruit for some people may cause drug interactions that put their health at risk.
This is due to the fruit’s components, which block cytochrome P450, an enzyme the body uses to digest some medicines and which can result in overdose and other negative effects. The drugs that interact with grapefruit most frequently are:
- immunosuppressants
- indinavir
- benzodiazepines
- Statins, most calcium channel blockers
- carbamazepine
Enamel erosion in the teeth
Eating grapefruit occasionally may erode tooth enamel. Citrus fruits contain a substance called citric acid, which is frequently consumed in excess and is known to promote enamel erosion.
Conclusion:
In this short article, we answered the question “Does grapefruit lower blood pressure?” and have shown you the advantages and risks of eating this fruit.
References:
https://www.metabolismjournal.com/article/S0026-0495(11)00413-6/fulltext
