The reverse side of citrus fruit

In the previous article we learned about 7 advantages of citrus fruits (grapefruit, oranges, lemons, tangerines…). However, besides the advantages there are also disadvantages.

1. Can cause tooth decay

Eating a lot of citrus fruits or juices can increase your risk of tooth decay. That’s because the acid in citrus fruits eats away at tooth enamel. This is a particular risk if sipping lemonade all day means you’re soaking your teeth in acid.

Interestingly, certain compounds in citrus peels may fight the bacteria that cause tooth decay, although more research is still needed to see how that information can be used.

2. Fruit juices are not as healthy as whole fruits

Although orange and grapefruit juices are high in vitamin C and other nutrients commonly found in citrus fruits, they’re not entirely healthy. That’s because a serving of juice provides more sugar and less fiber than a serving of whole fruit.

There are a number of reasons why that would be a problem. First, more sugar per serving leads to more calories. Drinking juices and other high-calorie beverages can make you gain weight.

Second, when your body absorbs large amounts of fructose (a type of sugar in fruit juice), it is quickly absorbed into your bloodstream and delivered to your liver.

If your liver gets more fructose than it can handle, it turns some of the excess fructose into fat. Over time, those fat deposits can cause fatty liver disease.

Getting the fructose from whole fruit shouldn’t be a problem, since you’re eating smaller amounts at a time. Plus, the fiber found in fruit buffers the sugar fructose, causing it to be absorbed into the bloodstream more slowly.

3. Grapefruit can interact with some drugs

Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice can be a problem if you take certain medications. There is an enzyme in your gut that reduces the absorption of some medications. Furanocoumarin, a chemical in grapefruit, binds to this enzyme and stops it from working properly. As a result, your body absorbs more of the drug than it needs.

Furanocoumarin is also found in tangelos and Seville oranges (the kind used to make marmalade).

There are a number of prescription and over-the-counter medications that are affected by grapefruit, including:

Some statins, for high cholesterol, including Lipitor and Zocor.

Certain calcium channel blockers, for high blood pressure, including Plendil and Procardia.

Cyclosporine, an immunosuppressive drug.

Some Benzodiazepines, including Valium, Halcion, and Versed.

Other medicines, including Allegra, Zoloft, and Buspar.

There are many reasons to eat citrus fruits. They are nutritious and contain plant compounds that may protect against a variety of diseases, including cancer, heart disease, brain dysfunction, and kidney stones. But try to consume whole fruit, rather than lots of fruit juice, as the high sugar content can lead to problems.

Overall, citrus fruits are very healthy, low in calories and convenient to eat. Most people can benefit from adding more citrus to their diet.

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