Grapefruit Is Healthy — But Combining It With This Can Turn It Into a Silent Li.ver To.xin

Grapefruit is rich in vitamins and widely known for its health benefits. However, consuming it incorrectly while drinking alcohol or taking certain medications can transform this fruit into a silent threat to the liver. A compound called furanocoumarin may turn grapefruit into a hidden “killer” that damages liver cells.

According to herbalist Bùi Đắc Sáng from the Hanoi Traditional Medicine Association, grapefruit is a familiar fruit that offers many health benefits. In traditional Eastern medicine, grapefruit is used as a remedy to dispel wind, reduce phlegm, ease coughs, support digestion, and prevent motion sickness.

Nutritionally, grapefruit is packed with vitamin C, fiber, minerals, and antioxidants, which help boost immunity and protect cardiovascular health. However, grapefruit should be consumed at the right time and by the right individuals.

Can Grapefruit Help You Sober Up?

Many people believe that because grapefruit is juicy and high in vitamins, it can help “sober up” after drinking alcohol. Experts say this is a misconception.

In reality, grapefruit contains furanocoumarin — a compound that can inhibit enzymes responsible for metabolism in the intestines and liver. When combined with alcohol, this compound may increase the toxicity of ethanol in the body, placing a heavier burden on the liver.

Herbalist Bùi Đắc Sáng advises that after consuming alcohol, people should wait about 48 hours before eating grapefruit to avoid potential health risks.

Caution for People Taking Medication

Grapefruit doesn’t only interact with alcohol; it can also interfere with many types of medications. Some modern medical studies show that grapefruit can alter drug concentrations in the bloodstream, reducing effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.

People taking certain cancer treatments, cardiovascular drugs, or medications metabolized by the liver should consult a doctor before consuming grapefruit. Meanwhile, for people with diabetes, grapefruit can be beneficial if consumed properly and in appropriate amounts.

Grapefruit Peel — A Familiar Traditional Remedy

Not only the flesh, but grapefruit peel has long been used in traditional medicine. According to Eastern medicine, grapefruit peel has a bitter and slightly spicy taste with a fragrant aroma and neutral properties. It helps dispel wind, reduce phlegm, relieve swelling, and ease abdominal pain.

Today, grapefruit peel is commonly used to make herbal hair rinses that strengthen hair and reduce hair loss. Essential oils from the peel can also help improve poor appetite and reduce nausea in pregnant women.

In addition, dried grapefruit peel boiled with saltwater is used traditionally as a mouth rinse to reduce bad breath. Many families also boil grapefruit peel with aromatic herbs for steam inhalation to relieve colds.

Valuable Compounds in Grapefruit Peel

Medical studies show that grapefruit peel contains flavonoids, naringin, hesperidin, and vitamins A and C. These compounds help protect blood vessels, support blood pressure control, and reduce the risk of stroke.

Thanks to its antioxidant properties, grapefruit peel is also used in skincare to slow aging, reduce wrinkles, and minimize dark spots.

Grapefruit Pith Helps Reduce Blood Fat and Protect the Stomach

In traditional medicine, grapefruit pith has a slightly bitter, spicy, and sweet taste with warm properties. Its pectin content helps limit fat absorption and supports lowering blood cholesterol.

Pectin also forms a protective layer over the stomach lining, reducing pain and irritation. Dried grapefruit pith can be brewed as tea or simmered with honey to help relieve coughs.

In daily life, grapefruit pith is used in desserts, salads, and vegetarian dishes, adding variety to meals while helping manage lipid disorders.

Important Notes When Using Grapefruit Peel and Pith

Experts recommend not consuming grapefruit peel or pith on an empty stomach, as it may cause digestive discomfort. Grapefruit peel may also carry pesticide residues, so it should be washed thoroughly and prepared properly before use.

For people undergoing medical treatment, especially for chronic diseases or cancer, consuming grapefruit, its peel, or pith should be done under medical advice to avoid harmful interactions.