Grapefruit juice is a healthy addition to most diets, containing high levels of vitamin C, antioxidants, and pectin. It may aid in cancer prevention and lower cholesterol, but should be limited when taking certain prescription drugs.
Grapefruit juice refers to the liquid extracted from grapefruit for human consumption. It is considered a healthy addition to most balanced diets as long as the juice is consumed in moderation. Grapefruit possesses many beneficial properties including high levels of vitamin C and the ability to lower cholesterol and remove toxins. The juice is also thought to aid the body in cancer prevention. Consumption of grapefruit juice should be limited in some cases, as it can reduce the absorption of some artificial drugs and lead to an overdose.
Grapefruit belongs to the citrus family. Its taste varies from sweet and sour to bitter and sour, as does the flavor of its juice. These fruits are classified according to the color of the flesh and the most popular colors are white, pink and red. The juice is made by grinding or mashing the pulp.
Studies have concluded that grapefruit juice offers many health benefits. Like most citrus fruits, grapefruit is rich in vitamin C, which is an essential part of the human diet. The vitamin C found in grapefruit juice works as an antioxidant, helping human cells that have been damaged by oxidation or, in some cases, preventing oxidative stress that can lead to diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, heart failure and Parkinson’s disease. Lycopene, another antioxidant found in grapefruit, may help reduce the risk of developing cancer.
Grapefruit juice also contains pectin, a dietary fiber. Pectin aids the human digestive system by altering the consistency of bowel movements. It has also been shown to lower cholesterol. The juice also contains chemicals that promote low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, commonly referred to as the good cholesterol.
Many scientific studies suggest that the chemicals in grapefruit juice may help reduce the risk of cancer. Grapefruit aids in bodily processes that remove toxins that can lead to cancer, especially in the liver. It is also believed to reduce the effect of carcinogenic compounds found in cigarettes and cause the human body to metabolize naringenin, which can help repair cellular deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damaged by prostate cancer.
Some individuals should not consume grapefruit juice, as it can affect the absorption of some prescription drugs. The naringin present in the fruit can prevent the body from absorbing certain chemicals found in pharmaceuticals. This process causes a buildup of the chemical in the drug, which can cause some individuals to develop potentially toxic levels of the drug.
There are several drugs that are affected by grapefruit juice. A medical professional, such as a doctor or pharmacist, will advise a patient if grapefruit juice should be omitted from his or her diet while taking certain prescribed medications. A number of deaths occurred in the 1990s as a result of drinking too much grapefruit juice while taking certain medications, but this has since eluded further research.
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