The Amazing GRAPEFRUIT

The grapefruit was once known as the “forbidden fruit” in the 1700’s because it was thought to be growing on the original tree of good and evil in the Garden of Eden. Hundreds of years later the health benefits of the grapefruit have been discovered, and more healthy benefits are being revealed every day. The grapefruit could now be called the “foreboding” fruit due to the promising health discoveries that may be yet to come.

The grapefruit in whole is nutritious and full of Vitamin C. It is low in calories, fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol while having a very high fiber content. The skin of the grapefruit can be used in holistic medicine, and the seeds and oil of the fruit can also be used for medicinal and health purposes. The Vitamin C in the grapefruit may assist your body’s immune system to be able to ward off infections and to help decrease the symptoms of the flu or a cold. The grapefruit’s Vitamin C can also help with inflammation of asthma, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

The Vitamin C in grapefruit is beneficial to cardiovascular health and reduces the risk of heart disease along with lowering the risk of stroke and cancer. Grapefruit has been found to lower glucose levels in diabetics. It appears that grapefruit reduces the urge to eat more at a meal if you eat it as an appetizer. It can also lower insulin levels in those who are insulin resistant.

Dried grapefruit skin can be used to settle an upset stomach due to acid reflux or heartburn. And, the extract of the grapefruit’s seed is looked upon as being a natural antibiotic. It can be used on a wide range of bacterial infections, parasitic infections, vaginal infections, yeast infections and fungus of the skin. Grapefruit can be made into an essential oil for therapeutic uses. It may kill airborne germs and works as a natural household cleaner when mixed with water.

Grapefruit oil can be used in a compress for menstrual cramps or a back ache. Because of the grapefruit’s invigorating citrus fragrance, the smell can help combat depression, headaches or that stressed out feeling.

Using the oil in a bath can help soothe muscle aches, body stiffness and arthritic pains. After the bath use the oil to massage the aches and pains to get more relief. Grapefruit has been helpful in getting rid of acne by dabbing some grapefruit essential oil onto a cotton ball and cleansing the affected area. It may also help treat oily hair when used as a grapefruit essential oil rinse.There are other ways the grapefruit can benefit you, including treating constipation, preventing gum disease, preventing or smoothing out stretch marks and getting rid of stinky feet.

The grapefruit is available almost all year around so it is easily found in your grocery store or health food market. Don’t go a day without a grapefruit or two!