We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Grapefruit Juice?

By Soo Owens
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 10,666
Share

Grapefruit juice refers to the liquid extracted from the 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, however, as it can reduce the absorption of certain man-made drugs and lead to an overdose.

The grapefruit is a member of the citrus fruit family. Its taste ranges from sweet and tart to bitter and acidic, as does the taste of its juice. These fruits are classified according to the color of their pulp, and the most popular colors are white, pink, and red. Juice is made by grinding or squeezing the pulp.

Studies have concluded that grapefruit juice provides many health benefits. Like most citrus fruits grapefruit is high in vitamin C, which is an essential part of the human diet. The vitamin C found in grapefruit juice functions as an antioxidant, aiding human cells that have been damaged by oxidation or, in some cases, preventing oxidative stress that can lead to such diseases as Alzheimer's disease, heart failure, and Parkinson's disease. Lycopene, another antioxidant found in grapefruit, can help reduce the risk of tumor development.

The juice derived from grapefruits 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 potentially lower cholesterol. The juice also contains chemicals that promote low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, commonly referred to as good cholesterol.

Many scientific studies suggest that chemicals found in grapefruit juice can help reduce the risk of cancer. Grapefruit aids in bodily processes that remove toxins that may lead to cancer, especially in the liver. It is also thought to lessen the effect of the carcinogenic compounds found in cigarettes and causes the human body to metabolize naringenin, which may help repair cell deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damaged by prostate cancer.

Certain individuals should not consume grapefruit juice, as it can effect the absorption of some prescription medications. The naringin found in the fruit can prevent the body from absorbing certain chemicals found in pharmaceuticals. This process causes an accumulation of the chemical in the drug, which can cause some individuals to develop potentially toxic levels of the medication.

There are several medications that are affected by grapefruit juice. A medical professional, such as a doctor or pharmacist, will inform a patient if grapefruit juice should be omitted from his or her diet when taking certain prescribed medications. Several deaths occurred in the 1990s as a result of overconsumption of grapefruit juice while taking certain medications, but this has since been circumvented by more research.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-grapefruit-juice.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.