In Pakistan, about fifty percent of population depends upon agriculture in their daily life. Grapefruit believed to be a natural hybrid of pommel and sweet orange is botanically known as Citrus Paradisi which has assumed tremendous significance. Citrus Research Institute Sargodha has successfully introduced seedless and pigmented grapefruit types which is superior to the varieties introduced earlier i.e. Dunkan, Foster, which were highly seedy and mostly white flashed with low juice contents. The newly introduced varieties such as Shamber, Red Blush, Star Ruby and Flame possess a wide range of acclimation that from hot to cool climate conditions and are financially more remunerative.


Grapefruits contain many important vitamins, minerals and nutrients which can be a beneficial addition to the daily diet. As mentioned earlier grapefruit is endowed with tremendous nutritive and curative properties, so to create widespread awareness an article has been considered necessary to write about the brief introduction and manifold properties. This unique fruit offers for the well-being of human being health.


NUTRITIONAL POWERHOUSE OF VITAMIN C


Grapefruit is an excellent source of vitamin C, a vitamin that helps to support the immune system. Vitamin C-rich foods like grapefruit may help reduce cold symptoms or severity of cold symptoms. Vitamin C also prevents the free radical damage that triggers the inflammatory cascade, and is, therefore, associated with reduced severity of inflammatory conditions, such as Asthma, Osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. As free radicals can oxidize cholesterol and lead to plaques that may rupture causing heart attacks or stroke, vitamin C is beneficial to promoting cardiovascular health.


HELP IN LOWERING CHOLESTEROL


Grapefruit contains pectin, a form of soluble fiber that has been shown in animal studies to slow down the progression of obesity and cholesterol. Both blond and red grapefruit can reduce blood levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and red grapefruit lowers triglycerides as well. According to a research, the LDL level in blood can be reduced in just 30 days by the use of grapefruit. In this study, it was shown that red grapefruit reduced 20.3% LDL in 30 days while blond grapefruit reduced 10.7% LDL in human body. However, one thing is important that the circulation of medicines, being consumed, is increased in blood during the use of grape fruit which leads to the chances of muscle toxicity. So keep this fact in mind while using grapefruit and take advice from doctor for use of medicine.


PREVENT KIDNEY STONES


Want to reduce your risk of calcium oxalate kidney stones, drink grapefruit juice. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that when women drank 1/2 to 1 liter of grapefruit, apple or orange juice daily, their urinary pH value and citric acid excretion increased, significantly dropping their risk of forming calcium oxalate stones.


PROTECTION AGAINST COLON CANCER


Not only are grapefruit rich in vitamin C, but new research presented at the 228th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society provides two more reasons to drink grapefruit juice: protection against lung and colon cancer. In humans, drinking three 6-ounce glasses of grapefruit juice a day was shown to reduce the activity of an enzyme that activates cancer-causing chemicals found in tobacco smoke Researchers also confirmed that grapefruit may help prevent weight gain by lowering insulin levels.


GLYCEMIC INDEX


The food is classified according to its effect on glucose level of blood, after its consumption. It is called Glycemic Index. It means that how much glucose level has been increased due to this food. According to this classification, the foods having Glycemic Index less than 55 falls in lower category, 55-70 fall in middle while more than 70 fall in high categories. Grapefruit is in lowest category with 25 points while grapefruit juice with 48 points, so it is very useful for patients of diabetes and obesity. Grapefruit is a blessing of nature that contains much more characteristics along with above mentioned benefits.


OTHER HEALTH BENEFITS


For example, its a good source of iron, use for acne problems and its famous oil for massage. It is also used for cleaning of digestive system and for weight loss. It protects us from various diseases by removing clogging of veins and capillaries. However, despite all its goodness, always remember to take only in moderation. Excessive consumption of any citrus juices can leach calcium from the body system, causing decay of the bones and teeth. As the scientific researches never end and continues all the time. Many other gifts of nature like grapefruit are still not declared. Its the need of time to use these uncountable blessings of nature for the advancement of society keeping in view the dilemma of forthcoming “Food Security” especially in the developing countries.

By Web Team

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