Grapefruit seed extract

Grapefruit properties were discovered by Jacob Harich (immunologist, physicist and gardener), who wanted to know why grapefruit seeds do not rot. He discovered that they contain antiparasitic and antibiotic substances, and that was only the beginning of his research, which he later became involved with many academics studies.

Grapefruit seed extract has started to be recommended as a particularly effective natural “antibiotic” for diseases such as:

• food poisoning
• diarrhea
• parasitic diseases
• colds
• infections
• flu
• bronchitis
• urinary tract infections

It has also been recommended to its use for external use in the treatment of many dermatological diseases, including:

• acne
• skin infection
• psoriasis
• warts
• fungal infections

Grapefruit was found to be use in the treatment of gynecological diseases such as vaginal infections.

It was used to strengthen the immune system and to fight allergy.

The stage has come  however, when the extract use was questioned. Why?

Many pharmaceutical companies made a huge deal out of sale of grapefruit seed extract as an antidote to almost all possible human diseases. The wake up call came when the research was published on the presence of synthetic antibiotics and preservatives used in industry, including benzethonium chloride (quaternary ammonium chloride), triclosan (chlororganic compound) and methyl paraben1. There have been questions as to how many actual benefits are given to the seeds of the fruit and how many chemical molecules. Many manufacturers did not cope with the wave of criticism and finished production of specifics.

What are the characteristics and benefits of using grapefruit extract?

Shortly after being exposed to the extract, the results of the experiment in rats appeared in the Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology. It turned out that grapefruit seeds have a salutary effect on the action of the pancreas. The benefits of grapefruit seed extract are confirmed by studies of free flavonoids (naringins and hesperidins), which are natural antioxidants that neutralize free radicals in the body. In addition, they prevent the occurrence of cardiovascular disease, some cancers and other chronic diseases such as inflammation, diabetes or obesity. Grapefruit seed extract is also rich in vitamin C, tocopherols, sterols, citric acid and mineral salts. This makes them widely used in horticulture and veterinary medicine.

If you decide to buy grapefruit seed extract, remember about the quality. It is best to choose the following:

• Citrus paradisi seed extract, a species of grapefruit imported from Asia that has been researched and has a favorable opinion.
• Made in Europe to avoid production fraud
• in liquid form and resulting from the extraction of vegetable glycerin (the purest and most effective form of extract)
• without additives and preservatives other than ascorbic acid, citric acid or potassium sorbate
• It should contain about 33% of the grapefruit extract. The content of naringin, the main ingredient and a strong antioxidant, should be at least 400 mg / 100 g of extract

Treatment of grapefruit seed extract should last from 3 weeks to 1 month. Depending on the type of illness, use as follows:

• Preventing colds and flu: Adults about 30 drops (1 teaspoon) daily with a glass of water or fruit juice. Best to drink in the morning. For children, take a half-dose given in the same way.
• To combat typical winter colds and digestive problems: Adults: Mix 30 drops with a glass of water or fruit juice and drink 3 times a day. For children, take a half-dose given in the same way.
• For sore throat: 3-15 drops add to a glass of water. Gargle throat 2 to 3 times a day.
• Externally antifungal and ancillary in combating mycosis: Apply a diluted or ready extract to the affected part of the body or use a ready-made gel formulation, for example, for inflammation of the oral cavity.