February is National Grapefruit month; it is designated as a month to increase awareness of the benefits of the grapefruit. Pungent, juicy grapefruit have many benefits. Find out more about this popular citrus fruit and it’s many uses.
Benefits of Grapefruit: Great to Eat
The Edinburg Association of Texas proclaims, “Our grapefruit are GREATfruit.” Texas is known for growing sweet and juicy Ruby Red and Rio Star grapefruit. It’s deep red interior, and sweet flavor has made the Texas grapefruit a consumer favorite. Red grapefruit are delicious with breakfast, or for a healthy snack during the day. The benefits of eating grapefruit include dietary fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin A. It is also a delicious antioxidant.
Individuals on medication should consult a pharmacist before adding grapefruit to their diet. Grapefruit may result in the more rapid breakdown and distribution of medication in your system than is recommended or safe. Grapefruit is also natural blood thinner which will also increase the flow if medications through your bloodstream.
Benefits of Grapefruit: Great to Drink
Store shelves are filled with grapefruit spiked juices and drinks. You can enjoy 100% pure unsweetened juice, juice sweetened with high fructose corn syrup, or even honey. Grapefruit juice supplies a healthy quantity of vitamin C. A correlation has also been drawn between grapefruit juice and a heart healthy diet. There has been some evidence to indicate that grapefruit juice may help reduce triglycerides and cholesterol.
According to polls conducted by the Florida Citrus Association individuals report enjoying grapefruit juice because it is low fat, good for your health, and helps reduce the risk of diseases. They also found that many people enjoy drinking grapefruit juice, especially Ruby Red mixtures.
Uses of Grapefruit: Natural Facial Cleanser
Moderate to oily skin will benefit from this easy to make grapefruit facial cleanser.
In a microwave safe bowl mix 1 shredded grapefruit peel, ½ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons of grapefruit juice and ½ teaspoon of borax.
Heat for approximately two minutes, very hot, but not boiling.
Once the mixture is cool, strain to remove grapefruit peel pieces.
Use the mixture as a facial cleanser once it is completely cooled. Store your grapefruit facial cleanser in an airtight container.
Uses of Grapefruit: Grapefruit Natural Soap
Silky, smooth grapefruit soap is easy to make. If you enjoy the spring, fresh aroma of citrus you will enjoy making and using grapefruit soap.
Collect soap pump dispensers. Create your own grapefruit soap label on your computer. Print the label on stickered paper.
In one container combine unscented liquid soap, ¼ cup water, 1tsp salt, and 2 tablespoons of glycerin. This is the base soap mixture. You may thicken the salt mixture to preference by adding salt in very small amounts.
Add essential grapefruit oil drop by drop until you reach a scent you find pleasing.
Use your fresh, citrus grapefruit soap in place of store bought scented soaps.
Uses of Grapefruit: Natural Grapefruit Sugar Body Scrub
This is a great smelling, body scrub that not only makes your skin feel great, it helps detoxify your skin, and makes you feel and smell great all over.
Combine 1 ½ cups sugar, 8 drops essential oil of grapefruit, ¼ cup jojoba oil, and ¼ cup liquid castile soap. Stir as you add each ingredient.
If you want your grapefruit sugar scrub to be pink add a couple of drops of red food coloring.
Store natural grapefruit sugar body scrub in a clean, airtight container.
Enjoy the sweet, scrub next time you shower.
Sources:
Edinburg Citrus Association
Florida Department of Citrus
Grapefruit Facial Cleanser, Recipe Zaar
Grapefruit Silky Soap
Grapefruit Sugar Scrub
Just the Grapefruit Facts, Highbeam Encyclopedia
