By Mary N. DiZazzo

GRAPEFRUIT-Good for your body inside and out!

Ciao bella,

Grapefruit is believed to be a hybrid of the sour fruit known as shaddock and a sweet orange. This citrus gem was first cultivated in the West Indies. Today grapefruit is primarily grown in the U S. It comes from a glossy-leaved tree, which is about 30 feet high and produces white flowers. The oil glands are deep embedded within the peel and yield a small amount of essential oil, which is extracted by cold compression.

This essential oil is known for its antidepressant, diuretic, anti-infectious, astringent and antiseptic properties. As well as the fruit itself the essential oil is rich in antioxidants (primarily Vitamin C), helping boost the immune system and fight free radicals. Also effective in protecting the body from aging and also in treating anxiety, digestive problems, skin disorders, cold, flu, depression and cellulite. The astringent properties help with acne, keeping the skin clean while acting as a disinfectant for varied skin conditions.

Grapefruit oil also has stimulating effects on the body and on the mind, making it a wonderful ingredient for an energizing massage oil.

You can find Grapefruit essential oil in premixed lotions, creams, massage oils and shower gels. Used as a carrier oil in LUSH’s Grapefruit scented shower gel Happy Hippy—great for hair and body, a scent-sational wake up call!!!

Grapefruit when eaten is also known to protect against colds and flu. Thought to have a positive effect on obesity-it has diuretic properties, helping to remove excess water from the body.

So grab yourself one of these pale yellow beauties and enjoy the benefits inside and out.

Buona giornata, and God bless the United States of America!

--Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.mary4nails.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com