The Grape fruit is a low-calorie, nutrient-rich citrus fruit that offers many health benefits. These include weight loss and a reduced risk of heart disease.
It’s packed with nutrients like lycopene, potassium, folate, choline and vitamin C. It also provides fiber, which improves digestion and reduces cholesterol levels.
Reduces the Risk of Kidney Stones
Grapefruit has a high level of citric acid, which can help reduce the risk of kidney stones. The acid in grapefruit can bind with excess calcium in your urine to flush it out of your system.
In addition, the citric acid in grapefruit can help lower the amount of uric acid in your urine. Uric acid is a common cause of kidney stones.
A healthy diet and exercise are important to reduce your risk of stone formation. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables to get the potassium, fiber, magnesium, phytate and citrate your body needs.
Drink enough water to hydrate your body, especially in hot weather or when you exercise. The amount of fluid you need to drink varies depending on your size and health, so check with your doctor.
Certain medications may increase your risk of developing a stone, so it is important to tell your health care provider all the drugs you take. Some of these include medicines for high blood pressure, cholesterol, abnormal heart rhythms and anxiety.
Boosts the Immune System
The immune system is a complex system of cells, tissues and organs which identifies when foreign bodies such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites enter the body and enables it to respond quickly.
The immune response is divided into innate (sometimes called natural) immunity and acquired (or adaptive) immunity. Innate immunity includes the barrier functions such as the skin, mucosal lining of gastrointestinal tract and respiratory tract and anti-microbial proteins in secretions such as tears and saliva, but it also involves recognition of molecular patterns on microbes that are either general structural features or specific microbial antigens; these are recognised by pattern recognition receptors.
Upon recognition, phagocytic cells such as macrophages, dendritic cells and neutrophils engulf and destroy the microbes bearing these MAMPs by the process of phagocytosis. A subsequent inflammatory response is triggered which generates reactive oxygen species, with the aim of creating an environment hostile to the microbe. These effects can be further enhanced by antibodies produced by B cells.
Also Read: Health Benefits of Oranges
Aids in Male Reproductive Health
In addition to being a good source of Vitamin C, grapefruit is also an excellent source of polyamine putrescine, a substance that has been shown to enhance male fertility.
One of the most difficult challenges to combating HIV is ensuring that men and women with the virus have access to reproductive health care and services. This is exacerbated in many low and middle income countries where stigma lingers and access to medical care and treatment is limited.
Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) programs must include a multi-pronged approach that incorporates all facets of the sexual life cycle, from education to the provision of a wide variety of contraceptive options. This is particularly important for adolescents, who are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. Among other things, they need information about sex and family planning, the latest in contraceptive technology, and a supportive peer group that will help them navigate sexually transmitted diseases and their consequences. The best way to do this is through gender sensitive SRH initiatives and the implementation of comprehensive HIV/AIDS policies that address all aspects of this burgeoning epidemic.
Aids in Erectile Dysfunction
Men with erectile dysfunction can take medications such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra). These drugs increase blood flow to the penis, making it more sensitive to touch.
However, they are not primarily meant to increase sexual desire. Often, the underlying causes of erectile dysfunction are emotional and can be treated through therapy.
Researchers found that depression and anxiety in HIV-positive men were linked to erectile dysfunction. This is probably due to the effects of these mood problems on libido and how they may interact with the various HIV drugs used.
If you are experiencing ED, your doctor will need to do a full medical history and physical exam. You can also have a range of blood tests to check your testosterone levels and other factors that may affect the quality of your erections.