Grapefruit for Hypertensive Treatment

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice is a staple at the breakfast table, with more than 1.6 tons of the fruit produced annually in the United States alone, according to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations. Grapefruit also has long been touted as a health staple, even becoming the center of its own diet fad. Still, though many of the claims around the health benefits of grapefruit have been exaggerated, its use in helping to prevent and treat hypertension does have the research to prove the benefits.

Potassium

• Grapefruit contains high levels of potassium, a key nutrient in keeping blood pressure under control, according to the American Heart Association. Just a few grams of potassium daily lowers both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by a few points, which in turn significantly lowers the risk of stroke and heart disease. A study by the John Hopkins Center in Baltimore compared a typical diet of only 3.5 servings a day of fruits and vegetables, providing only 1.7 grams per day of potassium, with a diet of 8.5 servings of fruits and vegetables, or 4.1 grams of potassium. The subjects with high blood pressure who consumed the additional fruits and vegetables servings had systolic readings an average of 7.1 points lower and diastolic readings an average of 2.8 points lower.

Other Nutrients

• Potassium is not the only nutrient in grapefruit that can aid those with hypertension. Grapefruit contains pectin, a fiber that has been shown to lower both blood pressure and cholesterol. A study by the University of Florida College of Medicine showed pectin could lower cholesterol numbers by as much as 10 percent. Grapefruit also contains a number of nutrients that can prevent hardening of the arteries.

Additional Benefits

• Grapefruit's benefits go beyond hypertension and heart health. Its high fiber levels can help ward off colorectal cancer and constipation. Red and pink varieties contain lycopene, an antioxidant that can help lower the risk of prostate cancer. Vitamin C levels in the fruit give a boost to the immune system. Grapefruit consumption has also has been shown to prevent kidney stones.

Warning

• Although the natural nutritional properties of grapefruit are scientifically supported, the fruit also can be dangerous when mixed with certain medications. Some compounds in grapefruit interfere with enzymes in the small intestine that help to absorb medications, meaning toxic levels of certain medications can get into the bloodstream. These medications include some cholesterol drugs, pain medications, calcium channel blockers, antihistamines and anti-HIV medication. Always check with a doctor before increasing grapefruit consumption if on any prescribed medications.

Alternatives

• The nutrients in a grapefruit that help combat hypertension are not unique to this particular fruit and can be found in a variety of other food sources. Many fruits -- bananas, apricots, kiwis, honeydews, prunes and oranges -- as well as potatoes, spinach and lima beans have higher levels of potassium than grapefruit. Carrots, bananas, peas, beans and some cereals also are good sources of pectin. Nutritional supplements can help provide these benefits as well.