![]() Constipationĭue to the sourness of grapefruit, it is believed to support bile production combined with the soluble fiber content, grapefruit can certainly get things going. Cardiovascular Healthĭue to the antioxidant and the high potassium content, consuming grapefruit helps to support vascular dilation, modulates blood sugar levels, supports weight loss, and lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides which all works towards protecting your heart health. The triglycerides also decreased by 17.2% with the red grapefruit while it reduced by 5.6% for the yellow grapefruit. A study at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem showed that eating 1 red grapefruit daily after 30 days reduced LDL cholesterol by 20.3%, a yellow grapefruit lowered it by 10.7%, while eating no grapefruit made no changes. ![]() High Cholesterolĭue to the high soluble fiber of pectin in grapefruits, this type of fib0re is helpful for the elimination of cholesterol via the bowel. This effect also has the added bonus of reducing the likelihood in the development of type 2 diabetes. When insulin is elevated it tends to utilize calories into stored fats and inhibits the body’s ability to burn fat so further perpetuates weight problems. Blood Sugar BalanceĬonsuming grapefruit regularly may be associated with better insulin sensitivity. ![]() With the increased sensitivity to insulin and better blood sugar control the cells become more receptive and food is more efficiently burnt as fuel which also supports a more regulated appetite. There was an 18% reduction in weight gain compared to the group that consumed sweetened water, these results also included lowered blood pressure and insulin readings. Fat MetabolismĪnimal studies indicate that consuming grapefruit juice with fatty meals reduces the weight gain that can be associated. It has been demonstrated that grapefruit helps to lower insulin levels and it was shown in one study that grapefruit worked just as well as metformin in lowering blood sugar levels with a 13% reduced fasting blood sugar level. Scientists found that naringenin makes the liver burn fat instead of storing it. Grapefruit contains specialized antioxidants such as naringenin, that has shown to improve insulin sensitivity and helps to maintain a healthy weight. They also found that the insulin levels were lower in the grapefruit groups which is associated with improved weight loss and improved blood sugar control which reduces the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.Īnother study involving 91 obese people showed that grapefruit consumption significantly reduced body weight by an average of 3.5lbs over 12 weeks with significant reduction in post insulin readings, some even lost 10 pounds. The results showed that the grapefruit consumers lost an average of 3.3 – 3.6 pounds in the 12 weeks while the non-grapefruit group didn’t lose anything sufficient. No other changes were made to their diets. Group 2 – drank grapefruit juice before each meal three times a day.Group 1 – ate half a grapefruit before each meal three times a day.The benefits of grapefruits seems endless but here are some well-known benefits: Supports Weight LossĪ study at the Nutrition and Medical Research Center at Scripps Clinic in San Diego included 100 obese people who were divided into 3 groups. The pink and red varieties also contain carotenoids which includes lycopene and beta-carotene. The nutritional content of a grapefruit is impressive with 1 grapefruit offering 85 calories, 2g of protein, 77mg of vitamin C, 30mcg of folate, 330mg of potassium, 28mg of calcium, 21mg of magnesium, 2.3g of soluble fiber, vitamin B1 and B6, along with a long list of specialized antioxidants and plant compounds that offer an array of health benefits. Grapefruit has a long list of health benefits and due to its ability to alter pathways in the liver it can also cause increased concentrations of some medications and should be consumed with caution or not at all (more on this later). Once considered a myth, science now backs grapefruit’s true health benefits. They also find their way into many weight loss plans. Grapefruits are certainly known for their weight loss benefits and are commonly associated with weight loss diets. By Claire Georgiou, Reboot Naturopath, B.HSc ND
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