Florida is considered to be the heart of grapefruit production in USA; this subtropical citrus fruit has many health benefits. Grapefruit seed extract (GSE), is used by alternative medicine practitioners and nutritionists for its healing properties.
Grapefruit seed extract is prepared from the seeds and pulp of the fruit. The extract is very acidic liquid.
This polyphenolic compounds have antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties.
Besides this GSE is considered to be a great natural antibiotic, it helps the body to fight bacterial, viral and fungal infection.
The phenols present in grapefruit seed extract enhances the immune system, which allows the body to fight against viruses and fungi. GSE acts on the cytoplasmic membrane of the germs and neutralizes them.
Benefits Of Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit seed extract contains vitamin C, E and bioflavonoid. This antioxidants help to fight against the free radicals and allow proper metabolism in our body.
Due to its immense therapeutic value; grapefruit seed extract can benefit in many diseases such as;
- Cold and flu.
- Sore throat.
- Digestive disturbances.
- Candida infection, athletes’s foot, ringworm.
- Intestinal Amebiasis and giardiasis.
- Herpes, chicken pox and cold sores.
- Ear infection and sinusitis.
- Urinary tract infections.
- Pyorrhea and other gum disorders.
Side Effects Of Grapefruit Seed Extract
With all the benefits and uses known of grapefruit seed extract, a person should also be aware of GSE side effects.
It increases the absorption rate of other drugs you are taking. This is because the GSE decreases the secretion of digestive enzymes; as a result the effect of the drug increases. One should be careful while taking drugs for hypertension and Coumadin (warfarin). The synthetic preparations used in commercially prepared GSE may have side effects in some individuals.