Grapefruit history Grapefruit is a citrus that grows in the subtropics on an evergreen tree. The fruit is similar to an orange but larger an...
Grapefruit history
Grapefruit is a citrus that grows in the subtropics on an evergreen tree. The fruit is similar to an orange but larger and redder. It is also called "grapefruit" because the fruit grows in bunches.
It is believed that the grapefruit originated in India as a hybrid of pomelo and orange. In the 20th century, this fruit took one of the leading places in the world market. In 1911, the fruit came to Russia.
It is believed that the grapefruit originated in India as a hybrid of pomelo and orange. In the 20th century, this fruit took one of the leading places in the world market. In 1911, the fruit came to Russia.
On February 2, countries that grow grapefruit for export in large volumes celebrate the harvest festival.
The benefits of grapefruit
Grapefruit is a very "vitamin" fruit: it contains vitamins A, PP, C, D, and B vitamins, as well as minerals: potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and others. The pulp contains fiber, and the peel contains essential oils.
Grapefruit is mentioned in many diets. It helps to reduce weight due to the content of substances that accelerate the metabolism, which allows you to burn excess calories faster.
The pulp of the fruit contains substances that break down cholesterol and lower blood sugar levels. It is useful for people suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure, and atherosclerosis.
With low gastric acidity, grapefruit can also help. Thanks to the acid in its composition, digestion improves and the absorption of food is facilitated.
This citrus is a good general tonic. Even just the scent of grapefruit (fragrant essential oils in the peel) can relieve headaches and nervousness. In the autumn-winter period, the use of grapefruit will help to avoid vitamin deficiency and support the immune system.
Grapefruit harm
Like any citrus, grapefruit more often than other fruits causes allergic reactions, so it should be introduced into the diet gradually, and not given to children under 3 years old.
- With frequent use of grapefruit and the simultaneous administration of drugs, the effect of the latter can be enhanced or, on the contrary, suppressed. Therefore, it is better to consult a doctor about the compatibility of the drug with this fruit. Excessive consumption of fresh fruits can exacerbate diseases of the stomach and intestines. With increased acidity of gastric juice, as well as hepatitis and nephritis, grapefruit is contraindicated, - says Alexander Voinov, a nutrition and health consultant at the WeGym fitness club chain.The use of grapefruit in medicine
One of the known properties of grapefruit is to aid in weight loss. It flushes out waste and excess water, and speeds up the metabolism, making grapefruit a great addition to any diet.
Grapefruit is recommended for people with weakened immune systems, in the recovery period after illness, with chronic fatigue. These fruit tones have antioxidant properties, saturates the body with vitamins. Grapefruit helps fight infections as it has antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
The fruit is useful for the elderly and people at risk for heart disease, blood vessels, and diabetes mellitus, as it lowers cholesterol and sugar levels and strengthens blood vessels.
In cosmetology, grapefruit essential oil is added to anti-cellulite masks, creams against age spots, and rashes. For this, you can use fruit juice, but not on inflamed skin. Also, the oil has a relaxing effect, therefore it is used in aromatherapy.The use of grapefruit in cooking
Grapefruit is used mainly in its raw form: it is added to salads, cocktails, juice is squeezed out of it. Also, this fruit is baked, fried and jam made from it, candied fruits are made. Essential oil is extracted from the peel.Shrimp and grapefruit salad
A low-calorie salad is perfect for dinner or as a side dish to soup for lunch. Shrimp can be replaced with fish, chicken breast.
- Boiled and frozen shrimps (peeled) - 250 gr
- Grapefruit - 1 piece
- Avocado - 1 pc
- Cucumbers - 1 piece
- Iceberg lettuce - 0.5 head of cabbage
- Garlic - 2 cloves
- Olive oil - 3 tbsp. spoons
- Provencal herbs, salt, ground black pepper - to taste
Baked grapefruit with honey
Unusual grapefruit dessert. Served warm with ice cream.
- Grapefruit - 1 piece
- Honey - to taste
- Butter - 1 tsp
How to choose and store grapefruit correctly
When choosing, you should pay attention to the appearance of the fruit. Ripeness is indicated by red spots or a ruddy side on a yellow rind. Fruit that is too soft or shriveled is stuck and may ferment. A good fruit has a strong citrus scent.
You need to store grapefruit in the refrigerator in a film or bag for up to 10 days. Peeled slices deteriorate and dry quickly, so it's best to eat them right away. Freshly squeezed juice can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two days. Dried zest is stored in an airtight glass container for up to a year.
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