Inflammation & Oxidative Stress

What is Oxidative Stress and Inflammation?

Oxidative stress refers to the imbalance of the body’s defense systems, like damage, from free radicals in our environment. Inflammation often occurs from oxidative stress, and it is a response of the immune system that sometimes results in redness and swelling. Food allergies or an infection, like the cold or flu, are among the causes of short-term inflammation. Long-term, or chronic, oxidative stress or inflammation are thought to play a significant role in the onset and progression of several diseases including cardiovascular disease.

Reducing Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Nutrients in grapefruit have been associated with reducing oxidative stress and inflammation: Vitamin C: Vitamin C supports antioxidant activities in the body which in turn may help lessen oxidative stress and inflammation.¹ For example, vitamin C deactivates free radicals in the skin providing photo protection against sunburn and premature aging.² Vitamin C also helps regenerate vitamin E into its antioxidant form providing further protection against damage.¹

An 8-ounce glass of 100% grapefruit juice or ½ of a medium fresh grapefruit are excellent sources of vitamin C, providing 60% (juice) and 50% (fruit) of the recommended Daily Value.*

Flavonoids: Plant compounds called flavonoids, such as naringin found in grapefruit and hesperidin found in oranges, may help maintain cell health. Some research indicates these flavonoids found in orange juice may be able to reduce inflammation and support health of blood vessel cells.^3,4

The flavonoid naringin is the primary flavonoid found in grapefruit⁵ and is concentrated in the peel of the grapefruit. Commercial grapefruit juice can have higher amounts of absorbable flavonoids compared to fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice because of the increased pressure during processing which releases these compounds from the peel.

Carotenoids: Carotenoids are colorful plant pigments that affect oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways, thus can inhibit the production of inflammation in our cells.⁶ Ultraviolet sunlight is a source of oxidative stress which can contribute to age-related eye diseases including cataracts and Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Several studies have observed reduced risk of AMD with increased intake of carotenoids.⁷ Carotenoids have also been shown to protect against sunburn^8,9 and premature aging.¹⁰

 Since carotenoids are stored under the skin, regular consumption of grapefruit juice may increase carotenoid levels in the skin. Grapefruit and 100% grapefruit juice contain a number of carotenoids including beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene (in colored fruit varieties), which may help manage inflammation.