Novosibirsk doctors explain pomelo's benefits and harms for stress and sleep
To ensure the fruit is tasty, choose a heavy pomelo with dense, slightly shiny skin and a distinct aroma.
In the winter season, a large citrus fruit with green or yellow peel — pomelo — is increasingly appearing on store shelves. Many buy it for variety, but not everyone knows that this fruit is not just tasty, but truly beneficial for health. However, like any product, it has its limitations. We explore this together with Novosibirsk doctors.
Benefits of Pomelo
Olga Zyuzina, a general practitioner at the Astra-Med clinic, notes that pomelo is the largest member of the citrus family. And it is essentially the ancestor of the grapefruit: it was bred from pomelo and orange.
«Pomelo contains less acid than grapefruit, and therefore has a gentler effect on the stomach, and in terms of the amount of vitamins and antioxidants, it can compete with lemon», the doctor specifies.
Olga Zyuzina recommends eating pomelo in the first half of the day — then vitamins are better absorbed, and energy is expended. It should not be combined with dairy products and alcohol — this can cause bloating.
Novosibirsk endocrinologist-dietitian Iraida Mokhova says that pomelo is a source of vitamin B1, which slows aging and improves brain function. The fruit also contains vitamin B6, which normalizes the nervous system. Pomelo improves digestion due to the fiber it contains.
It«s better to eat pomelo in the first half of the day — then vitamins are better absorbed, and energy is expended.
Olga Zyuzina adds that due to its high content of potassium and antioxidants, pomelo helps strengthen blood vessel walls, reduces cholesterol levels, and helps regulate blood pressure. Regular consumption of a small amount of the fruit can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and stroke.
«B vitamins and magnesium in pomelo help reduce stress levels, improve concentration, and enhance sleep quality. The light citrus aroma acts as a natural antidepressant. Pomelo has a mild diuretic effect — this helps the body get rid of excess fluid, reduce swelling, and maintain water-salt balance», emphasizes Olga Zyuzina.
According to the doctor, pomelo is often recommended to include in the diet for weight loss. It is low in calories, satiates well, and accelerates metabolism. Moreover, the fruit slows the increase in glucose levels after meals, making it useful for people with prediabetes and metabolic syndrome.
The fruit also stimulates the production of gastric juice, improving digestion.
Harm of Pomelo
Iraida Mokhova warns that pomelo contains enzymes that interact with medications. This can lead to changes in the properties of drugs, especially statins, antidepressants, anticoagulants, and contraceptives.
Pomelo is contraindicated in cases of allergy, exacerbation of peptic ulcer disease and gastritis, increased acidity, hepatitis, nephritis, and urolithiasis.
Earlier, Novosibirsk doctors talked about the benefits of other citrus fruits — mandarins.
