15 August 2015
IntroductionGrapefruit and certain drugs do not match well together and about 85 drugs have been identified as interacting with grapefruit, and of these, the simultaneous consumption of any of these 43 drugs and grapefruit, can become life threatening. More of this later in the article as healthy people not on prescription drugs can consume this fruit safely. So for now;
It's about grapefruit and some of its valuable health and nutritional benefits... About GrapefruitLatin Name : Citrus paradisi
Grapefruit tree is an evergreen tree originating in Barbados, the Caribbean island. It is grown for its fruit. The plant is a natural hybrid resulting from a cross between the sweet orange and a pomelo. The grapefruit tree grows to a height of about 15-20 feet tall normally though some may reach heights of 45-50 feet. The tree bears large, long but thin dark green leaves. The flowers are white and five petaled. Grapefruit, the fruit, is oblate in shape, the skin an orange yellow color and is about 4-6 inches in diameter. The fruit pulp is white, to pink to deep red in color. Grapefruit is a juicy but tart and tangy fruit with varying degrees of sweetness with the fruits with the deepest red colors being the sweetest. Grapefruit is so named as the fruits hang in clusters similar to grapes. Both seedless and with seed varieties of grapefruit are available. The U.S. is the largest producer of grapefruit and China, South Africa, Mexico,, Israel, India, Brazil, Argentina, Cuba are among the countries where grapefruit is grown. Nutrients In Grapefruit
Health Benefits Of Grapefruit
Grapefruit Drug InteractionThough grapefruit is a health benefitting fruit it contains chemicals like naringin and other compounds that interact with many drugs and raise their levels in the blood thereby causing health problems.
Drugs like those meant for reducing blood pressure, lowering cholesterol levels, antihistamines, anti cancer drugs, antibiotics, antidiabetics, anti-infectives, anti inflammatory drugs, anti psychotic drugs, drugs for cardiovascular diseases, estrogens, sedatives, pain killers, immunosuppressants, gastrointestinal drugs etc have been found to react with grapefruit and its juice. It does not matter whether grapefruit or its juice is taken together or hours before. The chemical compounds called furanocoumarins interfere with the human digestive enzyme cytochrome P-450 3A4. This enzyme metabolizes toxic substances preventing them from getting into the blood. Also, it is this enzyme that inactivates the effects of 50% of all medications. Therefore, when this enzyme is inhibited the concentration of drugs in a patient's system increases manifold, from 2 to 4 to even 10 times the required concentration. Thus it is very important to understand that if you are taking any medication to consult your doctor whether it would be safe to consume grapefruit during this time. Better still, avoid consuming grapefruit. Also, if you have had no problems in the past to keep a close watch on any symptoms that arise after eating it. This caution is not meant as a deterrent to grapefruit consumption by healthy people who are not on prescription drugs. They can continue to consume grapefruit and derive its health benefits. Those who take prescription drugs should get the green signal from their doctor. DisclaimerThe information provided in this hub is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician, or healthcare provider before taking any home remedies, supplements or starting a new health regime.
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