Health Benefits of Grapefruit – Shanna Ohmes

Grapefruit can be sweet in the spring or tart and tangy at other times, which is why a lot of people don’t enjoy it. It has many benefits nutritionally though, and well worth adding to your diet on a consistent basis. Did you know it was one of the foods kept on ships to prevent scurvy?

Scurvy is not just a “pirate’s disease” from long ago. Eating lots of processed foods and not enough fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C can cause a deficiency that can lead to scurvy-like conditions. Smoking also lowers the body’s reserves of vitamin C and causes scurvy like symptoms—gum disease, loosening of teeth, sore and swollen joints, sore and swollen veins and extreme fatigue.

Here are some benefits of eating grapefruit in your daily diet:

They are immune system boosters. Rich in vitamin C, B1, B2, potassium, calcium, and vitamin P—essential for the gums and teeth.
Good remedy for colds and flu. They provide much needed vitamin C in a natural form with the pulp, and help reduce fevers.
Are good for anywhere in the body that hardens—like the liver or arteries.
Men—listen up. Adding grapefruit as well as green tea to your daily diet reduces your risk of prostate cancer. This is because it is rich in lycopene—which is the pink and red colors and are antitumor. Instead of a cup of coffee, enjoy a cup of green tea and a grapefruit with breakfast before heading off to work.
Grapefruits reduce inflammation in the body. So for those with asthma, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis it will be helpful.
It protects against heart disease, stroke and cancer.
Prevents kidney stones, lung and colon cancer.
It boosts the liver and aids in removing toxins from the body, also repairing damaged DNA.
Lowers cholesterol—but if you are on prescription drugs it may interact with that, so consult with your health care provider.

How to enjoy:

Cut a grapefruit in half and top with just a bit of pure cane sugar or raw honey. You can also add cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.

I noticed it hurt my gums when I started eating grapefruit. But as the days go by, and the more I eat it, the less my gums hurt and it doesn’t taste as tart. So I can see why sailors and pirates depended on grapefruit as well as other vitamin C rich foods to prevent scurvy.