Protects against flu and makes skin elastic: the perfect citrus fruit for fall is named

Winter, the traditional season of citrus fruits, is approaching. We'll try to figure out which of the whole family of tropical fruits is perhaps the healthiest and why you should start eating it in the fall.

According to Pinkvilla, in addition to its refreshing taste, grapefruit also has a lot of useful nutritional properties, including vitamin C, B6, magnesium, phosphorus, folic acid, and many other substances necessary for maintaining health. Here are some of its best properties. In the end, we'll also talk about the warnings when eating grapefruit.

Protects against colds

Thanks to its richness in vitamins, grapefruit helps maintain the body's defenses during the cold season. It is unlikely to completely prevent flu or colds by itself, but it is quite capable of supporting the immune system in the fight against seasonal diseases. It is advised to eat it even when you have already caught a cold - it will support the body well during the illness.

Helps to lose weight

Grapefruits have a low glycemic index and at the same time are rich in fiber and low in calories. Therefore, those who want to avoid gaining weight during the winter or even lose weight should add it to their diet. In addition, these fruits can normalize blood glucose levels in those with insulin resistance and are allowed in moderate amounts for people with diabetes. And the same fiber has a very good effect on digestive processes in the intestines.

Gives strength

At the cellular level, grapefruit consumption increases the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a molecule that is a source of energy for chemical reactions in the body. This substance also regulates the work of some enzymes and is involved in balancing the levels of various hormones. All of this ultimately has a beneficial effect on the general condition and gives you a feeling of energy, not an illusory one, which is also important in the dark and cold season.

Makes the skin elastic

Grapefruit is a very juicy fruit, so it saturates the body with moisture, which is useful in itself. In addition, these fruits are rich in antioxidants that slow down the aging process, protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation and make it more elastic.

Strengthens bones

These citrus fruits boast a significant calcium content, which is well absorbed by the body. Therefore, eating grapefruit prevents osteoporosis, reduces the effects of age on bone health, improves cardiovascular health, and protects the body from micronutrient deficiencies.

Drug compatibility warnings

Despite all its wonderful properties, grapefruit carries one rather serious risk. Some of the substances in its composition can react adversely with certain medications. In the Canadian Medical Association Journal, researchers published a list of 43 such drugs (it lists the active ingredients, the names of the drugs themselves may differ).

In particular, pharmacologist Joe Graedon points out that grapefruits may not be well combined with female contraceptive pills, some sedatives and sleeping pills. It's because of the furanocoumarins in these fruits. They deactivate the enzyme that breaks down drugs, which can lead to drug accumulation in the body and toxic effects. To make sure that eating grapefruit will not harm your treatment, experts advise you to consult your doctor.