We all know that beauty starts from within. While we often tout the benefits of topical skincare products, keeping nutrient levels balanced is just as important. Sufficient intake of nutrients and water leads to improved overall health – and that extends to your skin too!
An easy way to get more nutrients in your diet is to drink more grapefruit juice. Try it freshly squeezed in the morning or eat whole sections of this sweet and sour fruit to reap the benefits of its juice and flesh. The best part is that grapefruit juice is also good for your skin – in many ways you might not expect!
4 benefits of grapefruit juice for your health
This wonderful pink fruit has many benefits, directly and indirectly related to skin health. What enters the body will inevitably appear on our skin; for example, more water means a more hydrated appearance. More sugar means more inflammation in our body and skin. The same is true with consuming grapefruit juice and experiencing its tremendous benefits.
Provides important nutrients
The benefits of grapefruit juice include its potassium, vitamin C, and magnesium content, among others. Its high levels of vitamin C are especially important for skin health; when ingested, this nutrient plays a role in helping your skin protect itself against UV rays. Getting enough vitamin C (both via food and drink and topically) is also essential for supporting collagen and an overall brighter complexion.
Hydrate
Hydration is important for maintaining the appearance of your skin – and dry or dehydrated skin will result in more visible fine lines and wrinkles. Fortunately, you can supplement your water intake with water-rich foods. Grapefruit is made up of mostly water, so it can help provide abundant hydration to your system.
Promotes immune health
Vitamin C is synonymous with immune health: its antioxidant content means better protection against germs. Research shows that vitamin C can help shorten sick time for colds; grapefruit juice provides the same benefit. Keep some juice in your lunch bag or a grapefruit in your purse to stay healthy on the go!
Helps improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Studies have shown that those who regularly eat grapefruit showed improvements in blood pressure and “bad” cholesterol levels. The potassium and fiber content of grapefruit can help lower cholesterol levels by 15%. Reducing these risk factors promotes good heart health and reduces the likelihood of heart disease.
While these benefits are wonderful, they only scratch the surface of what grapefruit can do for you and your skin.
The link between gut health and skin health
Perhaps the most overlooked benefit of grapefruit is its ability to help your gut microbiome. Recently, we’ve learned more and more about how the gut affects the body and how important a healthy gut is to your overall health. As your largest organ, this also includes the skin!
Although poor gut health does not directly lead to poor skin health, it is a factor that can worsen skin conditions. An imbalance in your gut bacteria and poor digestion can lead to unwanted symptoms such as:
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Yellowish skin
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dark circles
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Congested pores
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Acne
One study even suggests that people with acne have different gut bacteria than other healthy patients. Another discusses the prevalence of gastrointestinal problems in people with acne. Bloating is up 37% more frequent in people with acne and other skin conditions caused by excess oil.
An imbalance of bad bacteria in your gut can lead to an increase intestinal permeability. This can compromise your body’s absorption of nutrients, causing constipation and bloating. Plus, it affects your ability to retain all the vitamins and minerals you eat — and these nutrients are important for maintaining healthy skin.
Ultimately, your digestive problems and your skin problems can be caused by an overgrowth or lack of gut bacteria: both lead to poor skin health. Balancing your gut microbiota can lead to a clearer complexion, if that’s really the root of your problem.
Wondering how grapefruit juice benefits your gut and digestion? First of all, eating the juicy fruit raw means you’ll be consuming a good amount of fiber. fiber can help prevent constipation and keep your gut in good working order.
Consuming healthier foods and beverages can also influence your gut bacteria. Grapefruit is a great choice because of its nutrient content, especially if you’re cutting other simple carbohydrates and sugars from your diet.
Is grapefruit for you?
Before adding this fragrant citrus juice to your breakfast routine, know that like all citrus juices, it contains citric acid. If you’re not careful, it can wear down your tooth enamel. If you already have sensitivities, you may need to avoid grapefruit or take certain precautions. Here are some steps you can take to reap the benefits of grapefruit juice.
Avoid contact with your teeth; Using a reusable or biodegradable straw while drinking grapefruit juice can help protect your teeth. The added benefit is that they are eco-friendly and will help keep your lip color from smudging!
Rinse your mouth with water; this is to help remove any citric acid that may be on, behind, or between your teeth.
Brush after 30 minutes. Citric acid softens your enamel; immediate brushing may damage it. Rinse your mouth after consuming grapefruit then wait at least 30 minutes to brush, allowing your saliva time to neutralize acid.
PRO TIP: Certain medications you take may also interact with grapefruit. Among them are immunosuppressants, benzodiazepines and indinavir; talk to your primary care provider if you have any concerns.
How to Incorporate the Benefits of Grapefruit Juice into Your Diet
Since this tangy delight is so versatile, there are many ways to enjoy it. We have given you some tips to stimulate your imagination!
Choose a pink or red grapefruit to eat. Rather than hitting a white grapefruit, the highest levels of beta-carotene and lycopene will be found in the pink and red varieties. These antioxidants have many protective benefits for your skin.
Add grapefruit juice to your smoothies. If you don’t like the tart taste, you can still reap the benefits of grapefruit juice by adding it to a smoothie. Try adding pineapple, coconut milk and banana to mask the bitterness!
Drink grapefruit juice in the morning (or evening). A glass of grapefruit juice in the morning is beneficial for your senses, your salivary glands and stimulates your digestive system. Grapefruit scent can also help you wake up. A glass of grapefruit juice in the evening is beneficial for your sleep because it contains tryptophan, a natural sleep-promoting chemical.
Use grapefruit in your salads. This fruit can provide a tasty contrast to your greens and other vegetables. Try it with balsamic vinaigrette, glazed pecans and arugula!
PRO TIP: The grapefruit aroma is ultra-refreshing and energizing, making Pink Grapefruit Shower Gel the perfect choice for revitalizing your body and mind in the shower. Pink grapefruit protects against sun damage and tones the skin while hyaluronic acid, green tea and rose hydrosol hydrate and nourish from head to toe.
If this wonderful fruit is not already part of your diet, we hope you are convinced of the benefits of grapefruit juice! Choosing to incorporate nutrient-dense fruits into your daily life means a healthier body and mind. These decisions can, in turn, inspire you to make other healthy choices throughout the day. Make grapefruit part of your New Year’s resolutions!
