Grapefruit juice might be considered somewhat of an acquired taste, perhaps more so than the sweeter-tasting orange juice. Although its inherent tartness may be off-putting for some, the benefits the juice offers may make it worth making an adjustment. It’s worth noting that grapefruit juice can have an effect on the way certain medications work, so it’s always a good idea to read instructions and warnings carefully or consult with a doctor beforehand.
1. Vitamin C
Much like orange juice, grapefruit is a good source of vitamin C, which is great for fighting colds and helping to bolster the immune system. Most people probably think of orange juice when they think of things that are rich in vitamin C, but grapefruit juice could be an excellent alternative for those that prefer something less sweet.
2. Detoxification
Detox regimens are quite popular these days, and it seems like there are almost as many detox diets as there are conventional diets out there. It is believed that grapefruit juice is useful to the detox process since it can help draw out and flush toxins from the body.
3. Weight loss
Most everyone has heard of the “grapefruit diet,” which involves eating little more than grapefruit, but grapefruit juice can provide a boost for anyone who is on any type of weight loss regimen. The magic comes from the fat burning enzymes in grapefruit juice which helps speed up the process of shedding extra pounds.
4. Potassium
Potassium is a vital mineral that has not been given the attention it deserves over the years but is now beginning to find its place among better-recognized nutrients. One cup of grapefruit juice has about 11 percent of the total daily supply of potassium that is currently recommended. Potassium is critical for proper muscle function and helps maintain a healthy heart rhythm, blood pressure, and proper digestion.
5. Lower cholesterol
A medical research study published in 2011 revealed that adults who suffered from obesity saw their levels of HDL or “good” cholesterol rise after they were given 127g of grapefruit juice to drink before meals over a period of 12 weeks.
6. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant which is proven to help rid the body of harmful “free radicals” that may promote the development of diseases such as cancer. Vitamin E also helps to strengthen the immune system and also help keep skin healthy and youthful-looking. It may also help reduce inflammation which is thought to be one of the root causes of many diseases.
7. Calories
Unlike a lot of other fruit juices – particularly those that contain added sugar – unsweetened grapefruit juice is low in calories. A cup of grapefruit juice contains a total of just 96 calories, making it a good replacement for other beverages during meals or as a refreshing thirst-quencher just about anytime.
8. Atherosclerosis
The pectin that’s found in grapefruit juice may help to lower the accumulation of cholesterol and other deposits that can clog arteries and lead to more serious health problems such as heart attack and stroke.