Can you drink water infused with grapefruit peel?

May 12, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
The peel of the pomelo (Citrus maxima), a plant from the Rutaceae family, is rich in volatile oils, vitamin C, and flavonoids. It has a unique fresh aroma and a slightly bitter, sweet aftertaste. Traditional Chinese Medicine considers it to have warm properties and a pungent taste, capable of regulating qi, resolving phlegm, strengthening the spleen, and aiding digestion. It is often used in combination with aged tangerine peel (chenpi). Using orange peel to steep in water can best preserve the active substances present in pomelo peel.

Generally speaking, pomelo peel can be steeped in water for consumption. Details are as follows:

Pomelo peel is the peel of the citrus fruit pomelo from the Rutaceae plant family and contains flavonoids, volatile oils, and vitamins. Among these components, flavonoids have antioxidant properties that can reduce damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin C enhances immunity and improves microcirculation. Volatile oils aid in promoting the secretion of digestive fluids and help relieve stomach bloating. Steeping pomelo peel in water preserves the volatile oils while extracting water-soluble substances such as flavonoids, polysaccharides, and vitamins. Additionally, steeping allows the active ingredients to be slowly released gradually, making the medicinal effects milder and easier for the body to absorb.

Although pomelo peel offers multiple benefits, there are also potential risks—for example, if pesticide residue is not thoroughly cleaned, it may affect health. Moreover, special populations should use it cautiously, such as those with sensitive gastrointestinal systems or individuals allergic to pomelo peel, to avoid experiencing discomfort.

While enjoying the benefits pomelo peel brings to the body in daily life, one should also maintain reasonable eating habits, exercise moderately, and avoid staying up late. Healthy lifestyle habits combined with the benefits of pomelo peel can help maintain the body at an optimal health level.

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