Grapefruit Seed Extract Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses

Grapefruit Seed Extract is made from condensing the seeds, white membrane and pulp of the fruit from the citrus grapefruit tree (Citrus paradise) that is commercially grown in subtropical orchards. Grapefruit has no botanical relationship to common grapes used in food and wine making. ²
 
Once the oil is made into grapefruit seed extract, it’s a thick, yellow liquid with a strong, bitter taste. Vegetable glycerin is often added to reduce the acidity and bitterness. Commercially, grapefruit seed oil is available in liquid or capsule form with varying degrees of potency. ^1,2
 
Grapefruit seed extract is well known as a powerful antibacterial, antioxidant, and antimicrobial with additional antiviral and antifungal properties. The main chemical compounds in grapefruit seed oil are polyphenols known as naringenin and limonoids. These compounds kill dangerous microbes and protect body tissues from excessive production of reactive oxygen species.¹
 
Besides being a highly powerful natural health remedy, grapefruit seed extract is widely used as an antimicrobial preservative in the personal care product and food industry.¹
 
Grapefruit Seed Extract Health Uses and Health Benefits
 
Grapefruit seed extract health benefits are much more effective than simply eating raw grapefruit and consuming the flesh and juice.¹
 
The health properties in grapefruit are amplified during the extraction process and become better suited for treating fungal, bacterial and viral infections like candidiasis, throat infections, sinusitis, intestinal disorders such as diverticulitis and controlling the natural stomach bacteria called H-Pylori. Treatment of yeast and urinary tract infections are effective grapefruit seed extract uses as is controlling genital warts.^1,2,3,4
 
Grapefruit seed extract candida treatment is also effective for ridding the body of this type of infection.¹
 
With strong antiviral health benefits, there are plenty of grapefruit seed extract uses. The known grapefruit seed extract uses include being a natural treatment and home remedy for:

• Genital Warts - Genital warts are a sexually transmitted infection caused by the human papillomavirus. Grapefruit seed extract health benefits provide antiseptic and antiviral properties to kill the infection.
• Sinusitis - Sinusitis is an infection of the nasal cavities and extends to the mouth and throat. Grapefruit seed extract kills the microbial  action causing sinusitis and helps to remove mucus.
• Urinary Tract Infection - UTIs are bacterial infections of the kidneys, bladder and urethra. Grapefruit seed extract is an excellent remedy for killing antibiotic-resistant urinary tract infections.
• Yeast Infection - Yeast infections are a common ailment caused by excessive bacteria in the body’s natural bacterial content. Grapefruit seed extract candida and yeast infection natural remedies are effective at controlling yeast levels that can lead to these infections.
• Diverticulitis - Diverticulitis is a digestive system disorder where tiny, bulging pouches form in the lining of the large intestine and colon. When inflamed, diverticula can be treated with an internal application of grapefruit seed extract.
• H-Pylori - The stomach contains a natural level of the H-Pylori bacteria. Excessive amounts of H-Pylori bacteria lead to stomach and digestive tract infections. Consuming concentrated grapefruit seed extract quickly works to control the H-Pylori bacteria and return it to a natural level.

Grapefruit Seed Extract Side Effects and Precautions
 
The most well-known grapefruit seed extract side effects are the danger of consuming grapefruit with various medications. Grapefruit inhibits certain body enzymes involved in metabolizing some prescription medications. Extreme care must be used if consuming grapefruit with these drugs as it can lead to devastating adverse reactions. Follow the instructions on the medication label that indicate if the pharmaceutical is not to be taken with grapefruit. If in doubt, consult a doctor about potential grapefruit seed extract side effects and contraindications. ¹
 
Grapefruit seed extract side effects may also include skin irritation when applied topically at full strength. Liquid grapefruit seed extract should be diluted when taken internally. As well, care should be taken to avoid getting grapefruit seed extract in the eyes. ^1,2

References

1. http://universityhealthnews.com/daily/nutrition/grapefruit-seed-extract-uses-and-benefits/
2. https://draxe.com/grapefruit-seed-extract/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2632137/
4. http://www.earthclinic.com/supplements/grapefruit_seed_extract.html#diverticulitis