How to Use Grapefruit to Prevent the Flu

Protecting yourself and your family from influenza is an important concern. A case of the flu is at the very least unpleasant, and in some instances can be quite dangerous. Taking a flu shot is one form of protection, and is usually recommended for people with certain risk factors. However, there are some natural options for protecting you and your family against the flu. One of those options is grapefruit. Like other citrus fruits, grapefruit is a good source of Vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system. Grapefruit also aids in digestion and helps the body absorb nutrients. These health-promoting benefits of grapefruit make it an excellent natural source of flu prevention.

Things You'll Need

• Juicer
• Grapefruit seed extract

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Consume enough grapefruit to reap the benefits. The body needs a good amount of grapefruit to be effective in preventing the flu. Eat fresh grapefruit, drink freshly squeezed juice and add grapefruit juice to other dishes.

• 2

  Use a juicer to get the maximum benefit from grapefruit. As with other citrus fruits, most of the vitamins and nutrients are contained in the fleshy part of the fruit. A juicer grinds the entire piece of fruit and prevents the loss of nutrients.

• 3

  Consider using grapefruit-seed extract if you have a hard time consuming enough fresh grapefruit. Grapefruit-seed extract, or GSE, is a good alternative for people who don't like the taste of grapefruit or who have a hard time finding good-quality fruit to eat. It is made by extracting the seeds and pulp from the grapefruit and turning them into liquid. GSE has no known side effects, is non-toxic and is generally hypoallergenic.

• 4

  Purchase grapefruit-seed extract in health-food stores or other places that sell supplements. In addition to GSE, it may also be packaged as citrus-seed extract. It is available in two forms: liquid and capsule. Most people prefer the capsules, because the liquid form has a strong bitter taste. If you opt for the liquid, it is recommended that you dilute it with water or some other beverage to mask the unpleasant taste.