All about citrus fruits - oranges, tangerines and grapefruit. Anti-cellulite baths with grapefruit oil

Winter is a real expanse for citrus lovers. Red tangerines, fragrant oranges and yellow-pink grapefruits at this time appear in abundance on our tables. You can argue for a long time about which of the citrus fruits is the most useful, but if it comes to sophistication and nobility of taste, then grapefruit with its light bitterness will unconditionally take first place.

grape fruit

BOTANS still cannot say for sure which country should be called the birthplace of grapefruit. This tropical fruit found in Mediterranean countries, grows in Japan and China, in South America and in the Caucasus. The first mention of grapefruit refers to XVIII century. Then the English sailors first saw huge trees strewn with large fruits, on the island of Barbados. It is thanks to the abundance of fruits collected in clusters resembling grapes that grapefruit got its name (translated from English, grapefruit is grape fruit).

Later, Europeans learned that there were several varieties of grapefruit - its fruits can be pinkish, yellow and almost white. And the more pink hue in the peel and pulp of grapefruit, the sweeter fruit. Therefore, lovers of sourness should pay closer attention to pale yellow fruits, and those who prefer sweeter fruits, to pink grapefruits. Well, if your task is to find the most juicy, choose one that is somewhat heavier than its counterparts on the counter. The greater the weight of the fruit, the juicier its pulp.

However, taste is not the most important wealth of grapefruit. Main value this fruit is unique vitamin composition. Just one grapefruit will provide daily requirement body in vitamin C. But it has long been known that ascorbic acid not only helps protect against colds and flu, but also slows down the aging process, relieves unhealthy complexion and skin problems. In addition, grapefruit is a wonderful source of vitamin PP (helps to cope with fatigue and insomnia) and vitamin D (especially necessary for children and the elderly). Grapefruit has these valuable elements, like pectin (removes excess cholesterol from the body and normalizes metabolism) and lycopene (copes with toxins, toxins and unfavorable ecology). But still, most of all grapefruit fans are among those who follow the figure. The fact is that a few slices of grapefruit eaten after dinner can burn almost half of the calories received during meals.

Health - in the peel

Grapefruit lovers should know that most of all useful substances contained in a bitter film that surrounds the slices of this citrus, so in no case should you neglect the noble bitterness, throwing away a useful film. However, the composition of this fruit is so good that even its peel can replace some medicines.

Grapefruit, cut in half and baked with cinnamon and sugar in the oven, is recommended as a treatment for stress, because grapefruit helps to cope with the state of depression and depression.

With low acidity of the stomach, grapefruit juice will help: you need to drink 200-250 ml 2-3 times a day.

Grapefruit has good healing effect for hypertension and disease of cardio-vascular system. The treatment consists in eating this fruit several times during the day according to an arbitrary pattern, but with one obligatory condition: one fruit must be eaten in the morning on an empty stomach.

Well, for those who want to strengthen their teeth and gums, this recipe will help: soak the grapefruit peel for 20 minutes in boiled water, strain and rinse your mouth with this decoction.

The amazing properties of citrus fruits can be successfully used to treat "orange peel". Orange, grapefruit and lemon have an excellent anti-cellulite effect.

For the treatment of cellulite, citrus fruits are used as in fresh, as part of cleansing diets, and in the form of anti-cellulite masks, compresses, body wraps, etc.

How does an orange fight cellulite?

Orange is meant to be first on the list of products for cellulite. Nutritionists say that with the regular use of fresh oranges, you will get rid of cellulite and become slimmer.

Oranges contain a large number of vitamin C, which makes the skin supple and elastic. Due to the high content dietary fiber orange helps to speed up metabolism, improves bowel function and removes toxins from the body. Oranges are low in calories, but due to their high content fruit sugar it allows you to quickly satisfy your hunger. In addition, it is a rich source of vitamins and microelements (copper, iron, etc.), which will strengthen your body as a whole and protect against beriberi.

It is very useful to eat an orange at night, as well as on an empty stomach. However, if you want to get maximum effect cleansing, use a special orange diet developed by nutritionists. Its essence is to eat a kilogram of orange per day for two weeks. In addition to oranges, during the first week a day you need to eat 2 boiled eggs and drink mineral water in unlimited quantities. In the second week of the diet, any cereals and boiled meat are allowed.

grapefruit for cellulite

Grapefruit is a rich source of nutrients. With regular use, we will gain slender body, and also rid the skin of cellulite tubercles.

Grapefruit contains vitamins K, B1 and C. It has a very beneficial effect on our digestive system, restores intestinal flora, destroys pathogenic bacteria, improves appetite. In addition, it improves metabolism, strengthens the work of the heart and blood vessels, as a result excess fluid and fat deposited in problem areas is quickly broken down and excreted from the body.

You can just eat a grapefruit every time after a meal, and the result will not be long in coming. It is also useful to add grapefruit juice to smoothies and salads.

Remember that when sugar is added to grapefruit juice, its beneficial properties are lost.

Go to section: How to get rid of cellulite: effective remedies

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The content of the article:

Orangelo is a natural hybrid of orange and grapefruit. scientific name- chironha. Refers to evergreens of the Citrus genus, Rutaceae family. It was first discovered in the late 50s of the last century, in Puerto Rico, so North America is considered the birthplace of the hybrid. It was there that the cultivation of this citrus tree began. From grapefruit, the fruit took on the color of the peel, the size of the fruit and the slightly reddish color of the pulp. But to taste and chemical composition more like an orange. Today it is grown not only in agriculture, but also plays a role houseplant. Most often used in cooking and medicine. Also used in cosmetology and light industry- filler for mattresses is made from orange.

Composition and calorie content of orange

Orangelo, like all citrus fruits, is a real storehouse of useful substances. Almost entirely the fruit consists of water, but it also contains vitamins, macro- and microelements. low calorie at great content useful components makes the product a favorite among those who follow the figure, leads healthy lifestyle life.

Chironha citrus calories - 63 kcal per 100 g of product, of which:

Proteins - 1.3 g;
Fats - 0.3 g;
Carbohydrates - 15.5 g;
Dietary fiber - 4.5 g;
Water - 82.3 g.

The content of mineral substances is negligible (per 100 g):

Calcium - 0.7 mg;
Magnesium - 14 mcg;
Phosphorus - 22 mcg.

In citrus, the highest concentration of the following components:

Vitamin C. Ascorbic acid is a powerful catalyst - a component that accelerates the healing process. An integral part of the process of growth and restoration of tissue cells, blood vessels, bones, teeth. Helps iron to be absorbed in the body. Protects against infections.
B vitamins. Thiamine (B1) is very important for protein, fat, water-salt metabolism in the body. Riboflavin (B2) is a key component of such biochemical processes, as redox reactions, the synthesis of useful substances in cells. Pyridoxine (B6) provides the exchange of amino acids needed to build proteins. Folic acid(B9) helps supply carbon for hemoglobin synthesis.
Vitamin E. Tocopherol is a powerful antioxidant - does not allow free radicals have a devastating effect on cell membranes. Clears blood vessels from clots, preventing the development of blood clots. Supports reproductive function, resists aging and the development of cancer cells.
Potassium. Normalizes heartbeat helps sodium regulate water balance in the body, and magnesium is absorbed. Supplies the brain with oxygen, improving its activity. Reduces puffiness by maintaining salt, alkaline and acid balance.
Calcium. Is the foundation skeletal system. Helps in activating and regulating the production of insulin, burns fat in the body by speeding up the metabolism. Responsible for blood clotting.
Magnesium. Essential for proper muscle function and nerve endings. Prevents the deposition of calcium in the kidneys, urinary and gallbladder. Activates the processes of removing toxins from the body and heavy metals. Supports the endocrine and cardiovascular systems.

Also, the fruits and orange peel are rich in vitamins PP and A, sodium, zinc, copper and selenium.

Useful properties of citrus chironha

Despite the fact that citrus fruits in Russian stores can be found all year round They are especially relevant in the autumn-winter period. Firstly, at this time there is a period of their maturation, and secondly, they are a real weapon in the fight against acute respiratory infections. viral infections and flu. There is no need for special medical applications citrus, it is enough to enjoy it for gastronomic purposes, and a positive health effect won't keep you waiting long.

With regular use of the fruit, the following orange benefits are manifested:

Normalization of digestion. Freshly squeezed juice, drunk before meals, improves appetite, and after - normalizes digestion, helping the production of enzymes to dissolve fats. It is especially good to use it at feasts when it is planned to eat a large number of dishes and fatty foods. Helps to start the production of enzymes, digest food, prevent overeating. It is shown to people with low or zero acidity as a means that can raise its level.
Prevention of strokes and heart attacks. An invaluable feature of citrus is the ability to dissolve cholesterol, preventing it from settling on the walls of blood vessels, forming cholesterol plaques. The growth of plaques leads to a narrowing of the lumen of the vessel, which in turn can cause the development of a stroke or heart attack. Orangelo is able to prevent this, as well as become an alternative to expensive preventive drugs- statins.
Improving the functioning of the nervous system. The beneficial substances that make up chironya will help normalize the functioning of the nervous system, cope with insomnia, numbness of the limbs, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and dizziness.
Prevention viral diseases and flu. Enough in orange high content phytoncides. This is exactly the component thanks to which citrus fruits help fight SARS, acute respiratory infections and influenza in the off-season and in winter. They kill pathogens, creating an invisible shield between us and disease. Antimicrobial components neutralize many types of protozoa, bacteria and fungi. Except colds, harmful to pathogens of whooping cough, tuberculosis, coli, Staphylococcus aureus.
Support reproductive function . A hybrid of orange and grapefruit is very powerful remedy for those who want to feel the joy of parenthood. The components of the product accelerate metabolism, promote cell division, their rapid growth and development, rapid fertilization, full development of the fetus and easy resolution from pregnancy. Frequent use eating citrus fruits a few months before pregnancy will help accumulate substances that make pregnancy easier and childbirth less painful.
Anticonvulsant effect. To cope with the unpleasant conditions caused by convulsions, magnesium contained in citrus in a sufficiently large amount will help. Enhances its action of potassium and calcium, which are also part of orangelo.
weight loss. It is believed that grapefruit is the number one citrus in the fight against obesity. Fortunately, he passed on this peculiarity of his and chirone. Components such as naringin and pectin, which lower blood cholesterol levels, trigger metabolic processes and fight with overweight at the cellular level. A noticeable decrease in body weight is noted after a couple of weeks of regular consumption of citrus in food.
uplifting mood. Along with chocolate, citrus fruits are considered foods Have a good mood. Oranzhelo will take care of the formation of the “hormone of happiness” in the body, which will improve mood and help cope with depression.

Contraindications and harm chironya

Speaking about this or that product and its introduction into the diet, it is important to recall that it is important to have a sense of proportion when using. This applies, of course, and chironi. citrus fruits positive influence on the body only when they are not abused. Otherwise, orange damage may occur.

Contraindications to the fruit are as follows:

Ulcer of the stomach and duodenum. Raw citrus juice and pulp can irritate the damaged mucosa, aggravating the course of the disease, provoking its transition from remission to acute. This does not apply to eating orange peel and products with it that have passed heat treatment.
Increased stomach acid. The ability of citrus fruits to increase acidity in tandem with an increased natural indicator of the body can do a disservice and cause the development of gastritis, and then ulcerative colitis.
Application birth control pills . Eating orangelo, like other citrus fruits, may reduce effectiveness. contraceptive contraceptives. If you are taking them as a preventive measure female diseases or to establish menstrual cycle- this is one thing, but if you thus protect yourself from unwanted pregnancy- You have to be on the lookout. It is better to limit the use of chironha 6-8 hours before taking the medication.
Taking drugs to lower blood pressure. Hypertension patients should be aware that high blood pressure you can not use medicines together with orange. This will slow down the process of splitting the drugs, which will delay the onset of the desired effect. At very high pressure this may cause hypertensive crisis and even a stroke.
Childhood . A possible allergic reaction is a reason to limit the introduction of orange on the menu for a child. In addition, citrus juice can affect gastrointestinal tract baby. Therefore, up to 3 years, it is better, in principle, to exclude this product from the diet, and then give it under strict control.

Also, you can not eat citrus fruits with pills designed to fight erectile dysfunction, some antibiotics, immunosuppressants, painkillers, anticancer drugs etc.

How to eat orange

Chironha is a versatile product. It can be used completely waste-free, because not only the pulp, but also the peel of citrus is edible - both raw and cooked. Another feature is the ability to prepare freshly squeezed juice from fruit.

As you know, many manufacturers label oranges and grapefruits, indicating on the packages what the product is suitable for - for raw consumption or for juice. If you are interested in how orangeelo is eaten, then it can be used both ways. Its juiciness and excellent taste make it possible to enjoy it in all versions.

Interestingly, you can add a hybrid of orange and grapefruit to any dish - meat, side dishes, desserts, drinks, alcohol. There are hundreds of recipes with orangelo, in which even the most simple products sparkle with new gastronomic notes if citrus is added to them. Some of them are suggested below.

Chironha Recipes

The two main areas in which citrus fruits are used in cooking are the preparation of meat and desserts.

Here are some of the orangelo recipes that bring out the wonderful taste of the fruit:

Pork with chirona. Take 1.5 kg of pork neck. Rinse the whole piece well, shake off, dry with paper towels and place on a baking sheet lined with several layers of baking foil. In a mortar, grind 1 teaspoon each of cumin, coriander and black peppercorns, 1 tablespoon of paprika, 4 pcs. cloves, a sprig of thyme and 2 teaspoons of salt. Finely chop the garlic. Take two oranges, remove the zest, squeeze out the juice. Combine zest and juice with 2 tablespoons soy sauce. Add spices to the marinade, spread them on all sides of the meat. Wrap in foil, pull with thread to give desired shape boiled pork, leave to marinate for an hour at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat the oven to 220°C and bake the meat for 20 minutes, then lower the temperature to 180°C and bake for another hour. Serve chilled, or chilled.
Bird with citrus. For this dish you will need a medium chicken or duck. Chicken is for lovers low-calorie meals, duck - for those who like fatter. Rinse the bird thoroughly, shake off and dry. Rub with a mixture of salt and pepper, leave at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. Then take two oranges, remove the zest and rub the chicken or duck inside and out with it. Disassemble the citrus pulp into slices, stuff the bird with it. Preheat oven to 180°C. Place it in a shallow saucepan, back down, pour half a glass of water into it, generously cover with citrus slices around. Bake until the bird is golden brown, a little over an hour.
tender pie. Take 2 oranges, remove the zest (it will go into the dough), peel off the remnants of the peel, disassemble into slices without films. Using a mixer, whip into a fluffy foam 3 chicken eggs and 1 glass of sugar. Slowly and gently, so that the foam does not settle, enter 1 cup of the sifted wheat flour. Add the zest and pulp, mix gently again. Lay tightly in a detachable form lined with parchment. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C until done. The approximate baking time is 30 minutes, but depending on the characteristics of the oven, it can vary from 20 to 40, so keep an eye on the cake. Do not get the finished cake out of the mold for 15-20 minutes. Then take out, let cool, sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Curd dessert. Pour 4 teaspoons of gelatin 100 ml cold water, stir, leave to swell. Zest 3 orange without white pulp chop, boil for 10 minutes in a small amount of water. Take 300 g of cottage cheese, add 2-3 tablespoons of sugar or honey and a glass of fresh chironi to it. Beat the mass with a blender until the grainy structure of the cottage cheese is destroyed. Whip 250 ml heavy cream until foamy. Enter it into the curd. Put the chilled zest into this mass. Pour the gelatin, dissolved in a water bath, barely warm into the cottage cheese. Peel the orange peel, cut into circles. Take the form, cover the oiled parchment, put orange circles on the bottom and on the sides. Pour the curd-gelatin mass and refrigerate overnight.
Candied peels. If you still have orange crusts, do not rush to throw them away, but prepare an exquisite delicacy. To do this, cut the peel into equal strips, fill with water to lightly cover, cook for 20 minutes. Drain the water, repeat the digestion twice. Make syrup by mixing 1 cup of sugar with 1.5 cups of water and 1 tablespoon butter. Put the peels in it, cook until they completely absorb the syrup - about 1.5-2 hours. Drain in a colander to drain the syrup (it can be used in place of jam). And now there are two options for serving - roll the still wet candied fruits in sugar or dip into bitter chocolate melted in a water bath.

Orangelo drinks not only taste great, but are also full of nutrients:

Spicy fresh. Freshly squeezed juices retain all the beneficial properties of citrus fruits. Lovers of useful delicious drinks will certainly appreciate this option. Take 2-3 ripe fruits, squeeze the juice out of them using a press, manual or electric juicer. Add a pinch of cinnamon and a scoop of ice cream to it. Stir and drink immediately. If desired, citrus juices can be combined with apple and carrot juices.
refreshing drink. Take 2 juicy green apples, cut into slices with peel, but removing the tail and bones. Chop 2 stalks of celery into cubes. Cut 2 cucumbers into half rings. Peel and cut lemon into rings. Do the same with two oranges, but leave the peel here. Finely chop a bunch of dill and parsley. Combine the ingredients in a large container and fill them with 2 liters of cold purified water (mineral can be used, but still is better). Let stand for an hour at room temperature and overnight in the refrigerator.
Orangelo liqueur. The recipe is good because you can make a drink at any time of the year, since chironha is on store shelves all year round. It will turn out not as cloying as with an orange, and not bitter, as with a grapefruit. Take 1.5-2 kg of fruit. Scald with boiling water, rinse under running water. This will remove wax and other components that citrus fruits are processed for longer storage. Wipe the fruit dry. Carefully remove the zest without touching the white layer, otherwise it will be bitter. Squeeze the juice from the pulp, pour into an opaque container, close tightly and refrigerate. Pour the zest with 1 liter of vodka, pour into a hermetically sealed container, put in a dark place for a day. During this time, shake the liquid 5-6 times. A day later, take the juice, add to it boiled water to make 1 liter of liquid. Put it on the fire, add 1 kg of sugar, bring to a boil and simmer for 5-7 minutes over low heat, removing white foam. Remove from heat, cool, combine with vodka infusion. Close tightly, let it brew for 7 days, shaking twice a day. Strain the finished liquor through cheesecloth, serve chilled.

Some consider the chironha to be a variety of the Sicilian orange. However, this reasoning is fundamentally wrong. The Sicilian "fellow" is a variety of orange, not a hybrid of several varieties. The orange-reddish hue of the pulp was obtained from grapefruit, and the “blood orange” - due to the specific climate and natural features in places of growth, namely big difference temperatures day and night and the specific soil near Mount Etna.

In other places, the Sicilian orange has a slightly different taste and color of the pulp, while the chirone has the same taste qualities, wherever it grows - even in Puerto Rico, even in Russia.

Yes, you can grow citrus in our country. True, we can only do this at home. Orangelo is cultivated as an indoor citrus plant. It does not require any specific care willingly blooms and bears fruit. Of course, you should not hope for serious harvests, but an adult tree can please the owners with a dozen fruits per season. And in addition, you will get a real home decoration and protection against infections, because not only in the pulp and zest are phytoncides, they are actively released from citrus leaves.

If you do not want to burden yourself with floriculture - it does not matter. Orangelo can be found in Russian supermarkets. Be sure to try the citrus. You will enjoy the wonderful taste, because it is sweet like an orange and refreshing like a grapefruit. Well, the fact is that this is a real storehouse of vitamins, bringing great benefit body, you should have no doubts after this article.

grapefruit (English) grape And fruits- grapes and fruit) - a citrus yellow-orange fruit that grows in subtropical climatic latitudes.

Grapefruit grows on an evergreen tree of the same name, reaching a height of 13-15 m. A ripe fruit in diameter is no more than 15 cm. outward signs grapefruit is most similar to orange, but its flesh is more acidic, and the inner white streaks are bitter. Many scientists believe that the grapefruit originated in India as a natural hybridization of the pomelo and the orange. Artificially, on the basis of grapefruit, new varieties of citrus fruits were bred: mineola and tangelo. The grapefruit ripening period is 9-12 months and the main harvest is at the beginning of February.

There are 20 varieties of grapefruits. They differ in skin color from bright yellow to light red and flesh color from yellow to red. It is believed that the redder the peel, the sweeter the flesh.

In 1650 grapefruit was first discovered in Barbados. The fruit got its first name in 1750 by Griffiths Hughes, who called it " forbidden fruit". However, in 1814, Jamaican merchants renamed the fruit into the familiar “grapefruit”. The popularity and volumes of its consumption grew so rapidly that from 1880 in the USA they began to grow grapefruit on an industrial scale, mainly for export. The largest grapefruit plantations are in Texas and Florida. For deliveries to European countries, the fruits are grown in Israel and Cyprus.

Use in cooking

Grapefruit is used to make juices, alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, fruit salads, jams. The juice is used for savory sauces and marinades. Also from the skin of the fruit industrial way receive essential oils, which are further used for the production of colognes, perfumes, creams, shampoos, conditioners, balms, as well as confectionery syrups and extracts for alcoholic beverages. However, most often grapefruit is consumed raw, scraping the pulp with a teaspoon. To do this, the fruit is cut in half across the location of the slices. You can also peel it like an orange, and then free each of the slices from white membranes.

grapefruit calories

This is a low-calorie and dietary product, 100 g of which contains only 32 kcal. The calorie content of canned grapefruit is 37 kcal, and grapefruit juice contains only 30 kcal per 100 g. This product can be consumed by everyone without fear for their own weight.

Nutritional value per 100 grams:

Useful properties of grapefruit

Composition and presence of nutrients

The grapefruit pulp contains a large number of useful substances, including vitamins (, PP,,, B1,, B9), minerals (potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, iodine, iron, cobalt, copper, manganese, zinc, fluorine ), antioxidants, fiber and carotenoids.

Useful and medicinal properties

Grapefruit is considered dietary product, which enters the fight against extra pounds. This is due to the presence in its composition of substances that can break down and remove cholesterol, speed up metabolism and reduce sugar levels. To normalize blood cholesterol levels and to reduce insulin intake in diabetes, nutritionists recommend eating at least one grapefruit per day. Also, this fruit is the basis of the grapefruit diet, according to which, in order to speed up digestion, it is necessary to eat half a grapefruit in 15-20 minutes before each meal or drink 100 g of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice.

People suffering from gastrointestinal diseases associated with low acidity gastric juice, doctors recommend drinking 200-250 g of grapefruit juice. For people old age Grapefruit helps reduce arterial pressure and fight signs of atherosclerosis. In addition, grapefruit substances have a positive effect on the activity of the nervous system, helping to normalize sleep and reduce headaches.

Use in cosmetology

Grapefruit is also used in cosmetology for the preparation of whitening and cleansing masks. To whiten skin, get rid of freckles and age spots, it is necessary to moisten gauze folded in several layers in grapefruit juice and apply on the face until completely dry. With strong pigment manifestations, you need to repeat such a mask every other day for two weeks, only after that the result will be visible.

Grapefruit essential oil has a calming and relaxing effect, so it can be added to hot bath or an aroma lamp after a hard day at work.

The sight of citrus fruits is always pleasing to the eye, such little "suns" - these bright oranges, tangerines, grapefruits. And at the sight of lemons, your mouth immediately fills with saliva from the upcoming sourness. This alone already tells us that these sunny fruits are saturated not only with vitamins, but also with natural energy. And today I invite everyone to learn about each of them separately. We read all the details about the benefits and harms of fruits, as there are interesting facts.

Grapefruit

Let's start with the largest and brightest - this is a grapefruit. This fruit appeared as a result of the natural hybridization of an orange with a pomelo. This is one version. And the other version says the opposite. It turns out that no one really knows what kind of "fruit is" and where it actually came from. But in 1830, when it began to be distinguished from pomelo, it was given the name Citrus paradisi - "paradisi citrus". And, indeed, grapefruit has a very beautiful, red, juicy flesh with a slight bitterness. And it is believed that brighter fruit, the riper it is.

There is an opinion, though not scientifically proven, that grapefruit has a strong fat-burning effect. It also contributes to the resistance to fungal and microbial diseases, successfully reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood, improves carbohydrate metabolism And so on.

Yes, indeed, this fruit contains a lot of vitamin C, which contributes to a good vascular tone, and, of course, the healing of the whole organism. In addition, grapefruit is rich in fiber and thanks to this, it regulates the work of the entire gastrointestinal tract well.

And pink and red fruits are especially rich in lycopene, which we know has a strong antioxidant effect, thus helping to prevent the spread of cancer cells.

As for weight loss, it works here next effect. Grapefruit contains enough sodium, which enhances the feeling of satiety. Therefore, those who eat this fruit or drink juice do not feel hungry for a long time, which means they eat less.

Grapefruit also contains flavonoids, which contribute to a better metabolism, and therefore help to quickly get rid of extra pounds. Therefore, a glass of grapefruit juice a day, in this case - good helper!

In addition, this fruit has a decent diuretic effect, so it removes swelling well. And the last. Grapefruit juice well refreshes and relieves fatigue, such a natural “peppy” for a long time.

It is important to know!

This, as they say, is the good side of the coin of this "paradise citrus", but there is another, and it turns out that it is not so rosy. This is especially true for everyone who takes various pills.

There is already scientific evidence for this (Canadian Scientific research specialists from Research Institute Lawrence Health) that grapefruit is absolutely incompatible with certain drugs. By connecting with him, this fruit can neutralize their effect or even cause Negative consequences up to death. First of all, it concerns contraceptives. This list includes statins (cholesterol regulators), some heart medications, and antihistamines (anti-allergic) drugs.

For example, for the full effect of statins, it is recommended to take grapefruit or its juice one hour before taking the medicine, or after an hour. But after reading the entire list below, it seems to me that it is better to refuse grapefruit altogether for those who take the following medications.

Here is a list of those drugs that are incompatible with grapefruit:

Statins: lovastatin, atorvastatin, simvastatin, ezetimibe/simvastatin
Antihistamines:fexofenadine, terfenadine
Calcium antagonists (to lower blood pressure): nimodipine, felodipine, nisoldipine, verapamil
Medicines for treatment psychiatric disorders: buspirone, triazolam, carbamazepine, diazepam, midazolam, sertraline
Gastrointestinal drugs: cisapride
Immunosuppressive drugs: cyclosporine, tacrolimus
Painkillers: methadone
Preparations from erectile dysfunction: Sildenafil (Viagra)
Antiretroviral drugs(often prescribed for HIV): saquinavir
Antiarrhythmic drugs: amiodarone, disopyramide

It is categorically impossible to indulge yourself with grapefruit to everyone who has liver diseases (moreover, different severity) and kidneys. It is also forbidden for those who have pyelonephritis, hepatitis and cystitis.

Here is such a “paradise citrus” - a grapefruit! And the conclusion for us can be the following: Of course, this fruit should be in the diet, but with the reservations that were written above. By the way, it is convenient to eat it with a spoon when it is cut into two halves, since, I think, I am not the only one who has difficulties with cleaning it. By the way, many useful substances are found in the zest of the fruit.

Orange

The next fruit is my favorite orange. I love it for pleasant taste and fresh scent. Eat an orange, another and you feel how both strength and mood have increased.

The birthplace of the orange is China. And originally he was small and bitter, besides with big amount bones. But "making his way" to other places and trying himself here and there, he lingered forever, where it is warm and humid. The fruit itself has also changed from a different climate - it has become larger, sweeter and juicier. But in German orange is still called "Chinese apple".

The benefits of this fruit are undeniable, as the composition is rich huge amount vitamins and a variety of micronutrients. It is believed that 150 grams of orange pulp contains daily dose Vitamin C that our body needs.

Orange stimulates the appetite and perfectly quenches thirst. Therefore, it is recommended to all adults and children who have problems with food.

In order to choose the “right” orange in the store, you just need to hold it in your hand - the heavier it is, the juicier, and therefore tastier. Small and medium-sized oranges are considered the sweetest. Large oranges may be more juicy but less tasty. It is believed that oranges collected in November and December are much tastier, juicier and stored longer.

It's good to know that Orange juice is considered the lowest calorie, so it can be consumed without restrictions by anyone who does not have any allergic reactions. It is believed that it strengthens the walls of blood vessels, lowers blood pressure (see.How to normalize blood pressure without pills ), favorably affects the functioning of the brain, improves immunity. Perfectly tones and relieves fatigue. Therefore, many around the world start their morning with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.

It has already been scientifically proven that the daily use of one orange after a meal reduces the risk of viral diseases, and in combination with other fruits, this effect is even enhanced.

As for the well-known orange peels, today, I think, there is no benefit from them. Why? Because for better storage and long transportation oranges are often processed various substances are generally harmful and toxic. And brew with boiling water or use for other purposes orange peels- it's already old story…

However, oranges may not be good for everyone. Those who have gastritis with high acidity and stomach ulcers should not take the juice and the fruits themselves.

Lemon

Tea with lemon has long been a traditional drink for many of us. A small slice of this wonderful fruit makes tea unusually fragrant, tasty, and even gives the drink amber. And if we talk about a cold, then a cup of tea with lemon, without exaggeration, can be considered an "ambulance".

Much has already been said and written about the value of lemon, and it is generally accepted, without exaggeration, that it is ahead of all citrus fruits. It must be used in atherosclerosis (see.Prevention of atherosclerosis - four important rules ), with heart disease, lung disease, it is recommended to add it to the diet of pregnant women. And, of course, this is not the whole list.

Lemon is part of many medicines that relieve inflammation and heal wounds. Its juice is just as popular and is present in various medicines and food products. There is only one reason - lemon is generously rich minerals, various trace elements and vitamins, among which the well-known vitamin C dominates.

When buying lemons in the store, we usually take them still slightly unripe. This is indicated by their taste with great sourness. Although ripe lemons are much tastier and not as sour. Why are unripe lemons on our store shelves? The answer is simple. Producers insure against damage and losses and send unripe lemons for sale.

How to choose the right lemon? When buying lemons, you need to know something ... Firstly, the lemon that contains a thick skin is considered healthier. A ripe lemon will always be quite strong and matte in appearance. But an absolutely ripe lemon will be soft, slightly springy to the touch, and its peel will shine. This lemon is not suitable for long storage, it will need to be eaten immediately.

Previously, many housewives liked to buy a dozen or two lemons at once, then cut them into slices and put them in glass jars sprinkled with sugar on top. A completely useless occupation, since in this form there is no longer any benefit from lemon. Once the lemon has been cut, it should be eaten as quickly as possible. Vitamin C is very capricious and quickly breaks down in the air. And in this case, only the smell and taste remain from the lemon, and there is no sense in terms of vitamins.

Let's take note!

It is considered useful to drink clean and warm water with lemon in the morning on an empty stomach. And read, do not be lazy ten good reasons Why do you need to do this:

Warm water with lemon helps cleanse and stimulate the liver as it thins out bile.
Warm water with lemon helps digestion, its atomic composition is similar to saliva and hydrochloric acid gastric juice.
The liver produces more enzymes from lemon water than from any other food, according to A. F. Beddo, author of Biological Ionization in Human Nutrition.
Warm water with lemon helps bowel movements.
Lemon has a high content of potassium. Potassium is important mineral, which works with sodium for smooth electrical transmission in the brain and nervous system. Depression, anxiety, fear are often the result of low level potassium in the blood. Nervous system needs to enough potassium to provide steady signals to the heart. So heart health will definitely improve after regular use of water with lemon.
The lemon contains good ratio calcium and magnesium. Calcium is needed for bones, magnesium is important for heart health.
Lemon water can help lower blood pressure.
Water with lemon creates the effect of alkalization in the body. Even if you drink it right before a meal, it helps our body maintain more high level pH. The higher the pH level, the more resistant our body is to disease.
Lemon water helps to dilute uric acid, which, accumulating, leads to joint pain and gout.
Helps reduce mucus in the body.

How and when should you drink lemon water?

For this purpose, warm, purified water is usually used (see.When, how and why to drink water?) . Of course it's perfect spring water but not for everyone it is available. Take two thirds of a glass warm water and squeeze half a lemon into it. It is advisable to use a juicer to get the maximum effect. You need to drink such water in the morning on an empty stomach, ideally 40-50 minutes before meals.

Conclusion

Need to know that citrus fruits and all raw sour berries, splitting in the stomach, create alkaline reaction, since the organic acids that make up them dissociate not as acids, but as alkalis, splitting off the hydroxyl OH group with a negative charge, i.e. group is the electron carrier. Therefore, all raw sour berries and fruits have this lovely property alkalization of the body.

As for the sour lemon, it can give an alkaline reaction due to vitamins - antioxidants contained in it in excess, but its taste has absolutely nothing to do with it.

Today you got acquainted with such an important topic as "The benefits and harms of fruits." I think that you have learned something new for yourself.