John Myers
Grapefruit seed extract, many claim, is a secret remedy for numerous ailments and diseases. In this article, we explain what is really behind it and how to use the products made from grapefruit seed extract.
Effect of grapefruit seed extract
Grapefruit seed extracts have long been used as a dietary supplement and also as a “natural antibiotic”. And indeed: grapefruit seed extract shows some very positive effects. However, caution should also be exercised with some products:
- Apart from the extracts, the positive effect of the grapefruit should not go unnoticed: the citrus fruit contains an enormous amount of vitamin C and other substances that are only good for your body. These vitamins are also found in the extracts and thus help your immune system.
- On the one hand, grapefruit seed extract is good for the skin: If you suffer from acne or eczema and don’t know how to get out, it’s worth trying a product made from grapefruit seed extract.
- On the other hand, the effect of grapefruit seed extract has been proven, especially in connection with fungi. However, if you have vaginal thrush, athlete’s foot or other fungal infections, it pays to ask your doctor or pharmacist about its effectiveness.
- The manufacturers of the products also refer to an effectiveness in gastrointestinal problems, colds and other ENT infections. Test carefully whether the products really help you. However , it is always worth asking the doctor whether he also makes a recommendation for use.
Scientific approach
A single in vivo study published in 1999 describes how citrus seed extracts work in atopic eczema. The investigations showed that Candida and Geotrichum species as well as hemolytic coliform bacteria could be effectively inhibited by the application of citrus seed extract products. Side effects were probably not observed in any patient.
- So far, there have only been a few studies on the use of grapefruit seed extracts that demonstrate effective modes of action. Also, most of them are very outdated. In addition to the indicated antibacterial effects on skin problems, it could also be shown that grapefruit seed extract can protect the digestive tract from stress.
- As always with any product you take for your health, we recommend checking with a doctor. As with all dietary supplements, less is more. A large intake of grapefruit seed extract can also have negative consequences, although the studies deny side effects.
- Benzethonium chloride has been found in some grapefruit seed extract products . This substance does not occur in the natural grapefruit seed extract and is actually not approved for dietary supplements. It can cause skin irritation and intolerance.
- Please also pay attention to where you get your grapefruit seed extract from and read the list of contents carefully. Also, don’t forget that the extracts are dietary supplements. Under no circumstances should these be seen as a substitute for a balanced diet, but as an additional compensation.
Application of grapefruit seed extract
As already mentioned, grapefruit seed extract is a dietary supplement and cosmetic. While a grapefruit itself is easy to peel and cut and has excellent properties as a fruit, here are some things to keep in mind when using the extract:
- You can take grapefruit seed extract in the form of drops . Mix the indicated dose with sufficient liquid. Grapefruit seed extracts are also available in capsules .
- Grapefruit seed extracts are mostly lactose-free, vegetarian and vegan. For children, you should work with even more diluted doses. By the way, there are also nasal sprays for colds with grapefruit seed extracts.
- Note: The studies from the 1990s probably showed that you can use products made from grapefruit seed extracts to treat minor diseases of the skin and mucous membranes. To do this, you need to dilute the concentrated preparations sufficiently. This recommendation is advisable. Grapefruit seed extracts are suitable for surface disinfection.
- However, if you suffer from a serious systemic disease, you should follow your doctor’s advice and take his recommended and, above all, indicated medicines. A proof of the effectiveness of grapefruit seed extracts in serious illnesses lacks sufficient studies, there are no results in this regard.
