Grapefruit is another one of my favorite fruits. Read below for all the health benefits but first lets start with one of our favorite juices.
Grapefruit Apple Juice
- 1 Pink Grapefruit
- 2 Apples
Juice in the juicer.
Health properties
Grapefruit is a subtropical acid fruit, and is highly alkaline in reaction. It is best eaten with other acid fruits, nuts, or milk. Eat grapefruit immediately after cutting into the rind to benefit from all of its goodness. For best digestion and assimilation, avoid eating grapefruit with sweeter fruits or with starches. The grapefruit is less acidulous than the lemon and is a good substitute when oranges or their juice cannot be tolerated, or when the alkaline reserves in the body need to be augmented.
Grapefruit is rich in vitamins C and B1 and is a good source of vitamin B2. Grapefruit is low in calories, which makes it a good drink on a reducing diet. There is less sugar in grapefruit than in oranges. Eat the sun-ripened fruit when possible, as this fruit needs no sweetening, and is better for you. If sweetening is necessary, use a little honey.
Grapefruit is very rich in citric acids and their salts, and in potassium and calcium. Use it often in combination with meats, because grapefruit juice is excellent as an aid in the digestion of meats. However, avoid the overuse of all citric acid fruits as they are a powerful dissolver of the catarrhal accumulations in the body and the elimination of too much toxic material all at once may cause boils, irritated nerves, diarrhea, and other problems. People are often so eager to get vitamins and minerals into the body that they sometimes do not consider that the powerful action of citric acid causes irritation and discomfort.
When taken right before bedtime, grapefruit is conducive to a sound sleep. A drink of grapefruit juice first thing in the morning helps prevent constipation. Grapefruit is also an excellent aid in reducing fevers from colds and the flu, and seldom causes allergic reactions.
Grapefruit rind contains the very valuable vitamin P, which is an important vitamin for healthy gums and teeth. This vitamin may be extracted by simmering the rind in water for about twenty minutes. Strain, and drink. The sour taste of grapefruit increases the flow of digestive juices in the stomach. Grapefruit served at the beginning of a meal stimulates the appetite and helps in digestion.
Grapefruit is also good for any hardening of body tissue, such as hardening of the liver and the arteries. Grapefruit can also help prevent stone formations.
Grapefruit seed extract
Grapefruit seed extract is yet one more weapon in the natural arsenal against Candida albicans, or yeast infections. Candida albicans is one of many different kinds of microorganisms that live within our bodies. Under normal conditions, Candida albicans is kept in check by good bacteria that aid in digestion. However, our natural system of checks and balances can become weakened for several reasons. First and foremost is the overuse of antibiotics, which indiscriminately kill both good and bad bacteria, thereby allowing Candida albicans to grow out of control. Second, since Candida albicans thrives on sugar, the high sugar content typical of the Western diet contributes to this problem.
As a result, recurrent vaginal yeast infections plague many women. In addition, anyone with a weakened immune system is vulnerable to yeast-related ailments, such as thrush or skin rashes. To compound the problem, Candida albicans is particularly difficult to defeat because it is very persistent and can quickly grow resistant to treatment. Unfortunately, the over-the-counter treatments are often ineffective-they may work for a short while, but the infection returns.
One way to tackle yeast infections is to increase the levels of good bacteria in the gut that helps to keep Candida albicans growth under control. Another way to tip the odds in your favor is to take herbs and other supplements, such as grapefruit seed extract, that have antifungal properties. Grapefruit seed extract contains beneficial bioflavonoids, including hesperidin, which is a natural immune booster. Natural healers report that taken internally, it can help relieve the symptoms of fungal infections for many people.
reference: www.herbs2000.com
