Grapefruit essential oil’s high concentration of naturally occurring antioxidants makes it effective at combating oxidative damage and inflammation that can lead to many diseases. Limonene, one of the key components of grapefruit essential oil, is responsible for many of the oil’s beneficial effects (It accounts for 88%-95% of oil content). When it comes to protecting DNA and cellular damage protection, limonene is a well-known phytochemical that can help fight tumors and prevent cancer. It has many potent antioxidants, including limonene and vitamin C, etc. For decades, people have known that eating grapefruit can aid in weight loss, and recently, people have begun exploring the possibilities of using pure grapefruit essential oil to achieve the same advantages.
Grapefruit oil, which is pressed from the fruit’s skin, has been used for generations as a remedy for anything from headaches to irritation and sugar cravings. It has been studied for its potential health benefits and has shown to be an effective anti-stressor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic. It is extracted from the fruit’s peel, which contains a variety of useful volatile components (despite the pulp’s many benefits, including being a favorite fat-burning snack). Grapefruit oil has a clean, fresh, and somewhat bitter aroma, much like genuine fruit, making it one of the most versatile essential oils. Because of its characteristic citrusy flavor and aroma, it is frequently included in handmade soaps, cosmetics, and other all-natural cleaning solutions. Orange-hued and fragrant with citrus notes, it is a popular choice for aromatherapy. Cold pressing is used to extract the oil from the grapefruit’s peel glands.
The essential oil of the grapefruit tree possesses unique qualities that may have positive effects on health, such as lowering blood pressure and stress.
What are the grapefruit essential oil’s positive health effects on the human body?
Several individuals discover themselves feeling more positive after smelling grapefruit oil, which is recognized to have a pleasant and energetic aroma. For example, limonene, the primary chemical component of grapefruit oil, is a monoterpene found in many citrus oils and has been shown in controlled laboratory tests to possess a wide range of purifying qualities and antioxidant activity. As a key component of these oils, limonene is widely credited with the mood-lifting benefits commonly associated with aromatherapy. Myrcene, pinene, and sabinene are three more notable terpenes extracted from grapefruit oil that have shown similar purifying capabilities and antioxidant activity in cell and animal model experiments. All these chemical components work together to make Grapefruit oil a popular addition to aromatherapy baths and massages because of its purported detoxifying effects.
Grapefruit oil has been shown to have a positive effect on mood, but it may also help with weight loss by suppressing appetite and stimulating the sympathetic nervous system, according to animal studies on aromatherapy. In addition, it has shown promise as a potential adjunct treatment for reducing anxiety.
When applied to all-natural skincare products, Grapefruit Essential Oil is revered for its ability to cleanse, normalize overly oily skin, and lessen the visibility of acne scars. Grapefruit oil has been used for centuries in beauty treatments because of its ability to cleanse and clarify the scalp and hair, allowing for the hair to retain its natural bounce and luster. Grapefruit oil is commonly used to lessen the look of cellulite because of its purported detoxifying and circulation-boosting properties. Grapefruit oil is commonly found in body scrubs and exfoliating formulas for its ability to soften the skin while still retaining a toned, firm appearance.
Following are the positive health effects of grapefruit essential oil
Possible Appetite Suppressant
Research suggests that aromatherapy with grapefruit oil can help those who struggle to control their hunger. Rats were given 15 minutes of exposure to the aroma of grapefruit essential oil three times a week, and the results showed that their appetite, food intake, and body weight decreased. Recent research also found that the aroma of grapefruit essential oil reduced food intake by rats by stimulating the stomach vagal nerve. When stimulated, this nerve causes the stomach to secrete digestive juices. Important to grapefruit essential oil’s smell is limonene, which was also investigated in the same study. Both smelling limonene and eating less resulted in the same outcomes. These encouraging findings are, however, restricted to animal research at present. We need further studies on the impact of grapefruit essential oil on humans.
Possibly Aids in Weight Reduction
Although there is a lack of evidence, grapefruit essential oil may aid in weight loss. The aroma of grapefruit essential oil was demonstrated to reduce food intake and promote fat loss in a rat study. Experimental research using rat fat cells found that grapefruit essential oil suppressed fat tissue development when administered directly to the cells. Grapefruit essential oil has also been found to aid in weight loss when used topically.
Since other oils were also used, it is impossible to say whether or not the outcomes might be attributable to grapefruit oil. Grapefruit essential oil may help you lose weight, but you should know that the evidence supporting this claim is scant and low quality. Before any claims can be made, more research into these impacts is required. Furthermore, it is not advised that individuals take essential oils internally as a dietary supplement.
Potentially Stabilizes Emotional State
Many people look for alternative treatments because many drugs used to treat nervousness and depression might cause negative side effects in some patients. According to several studies, aromatherapy has the potential to be an effective adjunct therapy for regulating mood and reducing anxiety. There is presently a paucity of studies investigating the effects of grapefruit essential oil that are especially related to this area of concern. However, research has linked citrus essential oils, including grapefruit oil, to soothing and anxiety-reducing effects. These oils contain the same components as grapefruit oil.
Limonene is responsible, in part, for the calming effects that have been seen. There is less study on the consequences of grapefruit essential oil; however, studies reveal that citrus essential oils, in principle, may have favorable impacts on mood and anxiety. In particular, grapefruit essential oil may have these benefits.
Benefits against germs and other microorganisms
Grapefruit essential oil is highly effective against germs and other microorganisms. Antimicrobial activity was demonstrated in vitro against pathogenic microorganisms. In a comparison of five essential oils, grapefruit essential oil was found to be among the most effective in terms of its antibacterial effects against MRSA. This strain of bacteria is notoriously difficult to treat because it has evolved to withstand many of the medicines now in use. Finally, it has the potential to help stop H. pylori from causing stomach ulcers. For instance, white grapefruit essential oil’s antibacterial benefits against H. pylori were discovered in a test-tube study comparing the qualities of 60 essential oils. There is evidence that grapefruit essential oil can be used to combat specific types of fungi, including the human pathogen Candida albicans. This yeast can cause serious infections, especially in those with compromised immune systems.
Could potentially aid in relieving stress and bringing down blood pressure
To complement or replace the usage of pharmaceuticals, many people turn to natural remedies for hypertension management. Aromatherapy has been studied for its potential to reduce stress and hypertension. Latest clinical research, for instance, has shown that inhaling essential oils like citrus and lavender can have rapid and long-lasting effects on reducing hypertension and stress. After 24 hours of wearing an essential oil necklace, participants saw a drop in systolic blood pressure during the day. Not only that, but levels of cortisol, a hormone secreted in response to stress, were found to be lower. According to another research investigation, grapefruit essential oil improved nerve activity and thus reduced blood pressure in rats. The principal active element, limonene, was thought to have played a role in these positive outcomes. Yet, there is no accessible evidence that indicates whether or not grapefruit essential oil alone can cure hypertension in humans.
Deal with Acne
Essential grapefruit oil may help keep skin clear of acne and other blemishes. Citrus essential oils are popular in facial lotions and creams due to their uplifting aroma and powerful antibacterial and antioxidant activities. Your acne may clear up faster if you use these oils to keep your skin free of microorganisms. Acne-causing P. acnes bacteria were the target of an in vitro study that tracked the antibacterial effects of 10 different essential oils. Grapefruit essential oil, the researchers concluded, possesses minimal antibacterial action against P. acnes. But, the activity was not as strong as with some of the other essential oils tried. The effectiveness of grapefruit essential oil as a home treatment for acne is unclear; more study is needed to draw that conclusion. Due to its high antibacterial content, grapefruit essential oil shows great promise as a means of warding off and curing acne.
Enhances Hair Vitality
Grapefruit oil has been shown to have antibacterial effects and to make ordinarily resistant microbes more susceptible in laboratory trials. Therefore, incorporating grapefruit oil into your shampoo or conditioner may assist in deep cleaning your hair and scalp. Grapefruit oil has the added benefit of adding volume and gloss to your hair while also helping to eliminate oil buildup. Additionally, grapefruit oil may shield dyed hair from the sun’s harmful rays.
The Bottom Line
Although grapefruit essential oil is generally well tolerated, it has the potential to interact with some drugs, such as stimulants and hypertension medicines. If you are on any medications or have delicate skin, you should talk to your doctor before including grapefruit in your diet or utilizing grapefruit oil as a natural medicine. Some citrus oils, like grapefruit oil, might enhance photosensitivity, so you should also avoid personal sun exposure shortly after applying it topically. Give yourself at least an hour after using the oil for your body to go out in the sun. It’s important to remember that certain persons with sensitive skin may develop discomfort or an adverse reaction to grapefruit essential oil, thus a skin patch check must be done before using the oil liberally.
This holds when beginning the use of any essential oil, as its essential oils vary widely in their constituent chemicals and other components. Finally, low-quality brands of grapefruit oil may contain harmful ingredients and fillers, so be wary of any deceptive material you find online regarding using significant doses of grapefruit oil for weight reduction. Some recommendations call for as much as half a bottle daily to see benefits, which are risky, potentially poisonous, and extremely likely to induce adverse responses. Grapefruit oil, like any essential oil, should be used with caution and only in the appropriate doses to avoid overstimulation of the gallbladder, which can lead to spasms and major digestive difficulties including gallstones or alterations in the bile ducts.
Sirisha B