Health Benefits Of Grapefruit
Grapefruit can seem like an acquired taste. Their bulbous size;
bitter pith (the white stuff that surrounds the fruit); and tart taste
can be off-putting to those who are more accustomed to their sweeter
citrus cousins, like the orange. But consider adding this super-food to
your regular rotation of healthy foods. Considered to be one of the best foods to have for breakfast,
you don't actually have to limit your intake to the early morning
hours.
Grapefruit can inhibit an enzyme in the intestines called CYP3A4, (although some other fruits may do the same, grapefruit is the most documented) which plays a key role in breaking down certain medications in the body. The fruit, particularly the juice, has been shown to result in extra-high, even potentially dangerous levels of certain drugs in the body when consumed at the same time.
Grapefruit is an incredibly healthy food to include in your diet. That's because it's high in nutrients, but low in calories. In fact, it's one of the lowest-calorie fruits.
It provides a decent amount of fiber, in addition to more than 15 beneficial vitamins and minerals. Grapefruit is low in calories and also provides a significant amount of fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Eating grapefruit regularly may be beneficial for your immune system.
It's prized for its high content of vitamin C, which has antioxidant properties known to protect your cells from harmful bacteria and viruses .
Additionally, several studies have shown Vitamin C to be beneficial for helping people recover more quickly from the common cold .
Many other vitamins and minerals found in grapefruit are known to benefit immunity, including vitamin A, which has been shown to help protect against inflammation and several infectious diseases.
Grapefruit also provides small amounts of B vitamins, zinc, copper and iron, which all work together in the body to promote immune system function. They also help maintain the integrity of your skin, which acts as a protective barrier to infection.
Grapefruit contains a decent amount of fibre — 2 grams in half of a medium-sized fruit .
Research shows that a diet high in fiber-rich fruits is beneficial for inducing feelings of fullness. This is because fiber slows the rate at which your stomach empties, increasing digestion time .
Thus, consuming adequate amounts of fiber may automatically help you eat fewer calories throughout the day by keeping your appetite at bay.
Grapefruit
has several properties linked to weight loss, especially its fiber
content, which helps promote fullness and reduce calorie intake .
Additionally, grapefruit contains few calories but lots of water, which is another characteristic known to help with weight loss.
One study in 91 obese subjects found that those who consumed half of a fresh grapefruit before meals lost significantly more weight than those who didn't .
In fact, those in the group that ate fresh grapefruit lost an average of 3.5 pounds (1.6 kg) over 12 weeks, while the participants in the group that didn't eat grapefruit lost less than 1 pound (0.3 kg), on average .
Other studies have found similar weight-reducing effects. For instance, one study found that participants experienced a reduced waist size when they consumed grapefruit daily with their meals .
This isn't to say that grapefruit will produce weight loss on its own, but adding it to an already healthy diet may prove to be beneficial.
Eating grapefruit regularly may have the potential to prevent insulin resistance, which can lead to diabetes.
Insulin resistance occurs when your cells stop responding to insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates many processes in your body. For example, it's involved in many aspects of your metabolism, but it's most commonly known for its role in blood sugar control.
Insulin resistance ultimately leads to higher insulin and blood sugar levels, two primary risk factors for type 2 diabetes .
Eating grapefruit may help control insulin levels and thus have the ability to reduce your likelihood of becoming insulin resistant .
In one study, subjects who ate half of a fresh grapefruit before meals experienced a significant reduction in both insulin levels and insulin resistance, compared to the group that didn't eat grapefruit.
Furthermore, eating fruit as a whole is generally associated with better blood sugar control and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes .
Regularly consuming grapefruit is thought to improve heart health by
reducing risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure and
cholesterol.
In one study, people who ate grapefruit three times daily for six weeks experienced significant reductions in blood pressure over the course of the study. They also showed improvements in total cholesterol and "bad" LDL cholesterol levels.
These effects are likely due to the important nutrients that grapefruit contains, which play a role in keeping your heart functioning properly.
First, grapefruit is fairly high in potassium, a mineral responsible for many aspects of heart health. Half a grapefruit provides about 5% of your daily potassium needs .
Adequate potassium intake is associated with a reduced risk of high blood pressure. Additionally, it has been shown to lower the risk of death from heart disease .
Second, the fiber in grapefruit may also boost heart health, given that a high fiber intake is associated with lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels .
Grapefruit contains a few different antioxidants that provide various health benefits, including a reduced risk of several diseases.
Antioxidants protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that may cause harmful reactions in your body .
Here's an overview of the most important antioxidants in grapefruit:
Vitamin C: A powerful, water-soluble antioxidant that is present in high amounts in grapefruit. It may protect cells from damage that often leads to heart disease and cancer .
Beta-carotene: It's converted into vitamin A in the body and thought to help reduce the risk of some chronic conditions, including heart disease, cancer and eye-related disorders like macular degeneration .
Lycopene: Known for its potential ability to prevent the development of certain types of cancer, especially prostate cancer. May also help slow the growth of tumors and decrease the side effects of common cancer treatments .
Flavanones: Their anti-inflammatory properties have been shown to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease .
Consuming grapefruit may reduce your risk of developing kidney stones, which result from a buildup of waste materials in the kidneys.
These waste materials are products of metabolism that are normally filtered through the kidneys and removed from the body in urine.
However, when they crystallize in the kidneys, they become stones. Larger kidney stones may cause a blockage in the urinary system, which can be incredibly painful.
The most common type of kidney stones is calcium oxalate stones. Citric acid, an organic acid found in grapefruit, may be effective at preventing them by binding with calcium in the kidneys and flushing it out of the body .
Also, citric acid has the ability to increase the volume and pH of your urine, producing an environment that is less favorable to the formation of kidney stones .
Grapefruit contains a lot of water and is, therefore, very hydrating. In fact, water makes up most of the fruit's weight.
There are almost 4 ounces (118 ml) of water in half of a medium grapefruit, which accounts for about 88% of its total weight .
While drinking lots of water is the best way to stay hydrated, eating water-rich foods can also help.
The authors speculate that compounds in citrus fruits reduce inflammation and stop cancer cells from multiplying. They may also help repair damaged DNA, which contributes to the development of tumors.
The fiber in grapefruit may also help prevent colorectal cancer while fruits high in vitamin C and beta-carotene, which is in pink and red grapefruit, may lower the risk of esophageal cancer.
There are a few reasons why some people may need to avoid eating grapefruit.
This is because it contains substances that inhibit cytochrome P450, an enzyme your body uses to metabolize certain medications.
If you eat grapefruit while taking these medications, your body may not be able to break them down, which could cause an overdose and other adverse effects .
The medications most likely to interact with grapefruit include :
Immunosuppressants Benzodiazepines
Most calcium channel blockers Indinavir Carbamazepine Some statins
If you are taking any of these medications, talk with your doctor before adding grapefruit to your diet.
Citric acid, which is found in citrus fruits, is a common cause of enamel erosion, especially if you consume it in excess .
If you have particularly sensitive teeth, you may need to avoid acidic fruits. However, there are some things you can do to preserve your tooth enamel while still enjoying grapefruit:
Never suck on grapefruit or other acidic fruits and avoid putting them directly against your teeth.
Rinse your mouth with water after eating the fruit and wait 30 minutes to brush your teeth.
Eat cheese with the fruit. This helps neutralize the acidity in your mouth and increase saliva production.
SUM UP
Grapefruit can inhibit an enzyme in the intestines called CYP3A4, (although some other fruits may do the same, grapefruit is the most documented) which plays a key role in breaking down certain medications in the body. The fruit, particularly the juice, has been shown to result in extra-high, even potentially dangerous levels of certain drugs in the body when consumed at the same time.
Benefits of Grapefruit
Grapefruit is a tropical citrus fruit known for its sweet and somewhat sour taste.
It's rich in nutrients, antioxidants and fiber, making it one of the healthiest citrus fruits you can eat.
Research shows that it may have some powerful health benefits, including weight loss and a reduced risk of heart disease.
It's rich in nutrients, antioxidants and fiber, making it one of the healthiest citrus fruits you can eat.
Research shows that it may have some powerful health benefits, including weight loss and a reduced risk of heart disease.
1. Low in calories , high in nutrients
Grapefruit is an incredibly healthy food to include in your diet. That's because it's high in nutrients, but low in calories. In fact, it's one of the lowest-calorie fruits.
It provides a decent amount of fiber, in addition to more than 15 beneficial vitamins and minerals. Grapefruit is low in calories and also provides a significant amount of fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
2. Benefits Immune system
Eating grapefruit regularly may be beneficial for your immune system. It's prized for its high content of vitamin C, which has antioxidant properties known to protect your cells from harmful bacteria and viruses .
Additionally, several studies have shown Vitamin C to be beneficial for helping people recover more quickly from the common cold .
Many other vitamins and minerals found in grapefruit are known to benefit immunity, including vitamin A, which has been shown to help protect against inflammation and several infectious diseases.
Grapefruit also provides small amounts of B vitamins, zinc, copper and iron, which all work together in the body to promote immune system function. They also help maintain the integrity of your skin, which acts as a protective barrier to infection.
3. Helps to control appetite
Grapefruit contains a decent amount of fibre — 2 grams in half of a medium-sized fruit .
Research shows that a diet high in fiber-rich fruits is beneficial for inducing feelings of fullness. This is because fiber slows the rate at which your stomach empties, increasing digestion time .
Thus, consuming adequate amounts of fiber may automatically help you eat fewer calories throughout the day by keeping your appetite at bay.
4. Aids weight loss
Grapefruit
has several properties linked to weight loss, especially its fiber
content, which helps promote fullness and reduce calorie intake .Additionally, grapefruit contains few calories but lots of water, which is another characteristic known to help with weight loss.
One study in 91 obese subjects found that those who consumed half of a fresh grapefruit before meals lost significantly more weight than those who didn't .
In fact, those in the group that ate fresh grapefruit lost an average of 3.5 pounds (1.6 kg) over 12 weeks, while the participants in the group that didn't eat grapefruit lost less than 1 pound (0.3 kg), on average .
Other studies have found similar weight-reducing effects. For instance, one study found that participants experienced a reduced waist size when they consumed grapefruit daily with their meals .
This isn't to say that grapefruit will produce weight loss on its own, but adding it to an already healthy diet may prove to be beneficial.
5. May help prevent insulin resistance and diabetes
Eating grapefruit regularly may have the potential to prevent insulin resistance, which can lead to diabetes.Insulin resistance occurs when your cells stop responding to insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates many processes in your body. For example, it's involved in many aspects of your metabolism, but it's most commonly known for its role in blood sugar control.
Insulin resistance ultimately leads to higher insulin and blood sugar levels, two primary risk factors for type 2 diabetes .
Eating grapefruit may help control insulin levels and thus have the ability to reduce your likelihood of becoming insulin resistant .
In one study, subjects who ate half of a fresh grapefruit before meals experienced a significant reduction in both insulin levels and insulin resistance, compared to the group that didn't eat grapefruit.
Furthermore, eating fruit as a whole is generally associated with better blood sugar control and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes .
6. Improves heart health
Regularly consuming grapefruit is thought to improve heart health by
reducing risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure and
cholesterol.In one study, people who ate grapefruit three times daily for six weeks experienced significant reductions in blood pressure over the course of the study. They also showed improvements in total cholesterol and "bad" LDL cholesterol levels.
These effects are likely due to the important nutrients that grapefruit contains, which play a role in keeping your heart functioning properly.
First, grapefruit is fairly high in potassium, a mineral responsible for many aspects of heart health. Half a grapefruit provides about 5% of your daily potassium needs .
Adequate potassium intake is associated with a reduced risk of high blood pressure. Additionally, it has been shown to lower the risk of death from heart disease .
Second, the fiber in grapefruit may also boost heart health, given that a high fiber intake is associated with lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels .
7. High in antioxidants
Grapefruit contains a few different antioxidants that provide various health benefits, including a reduced risk of several diseases. Antioxidants protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that may cause harmful reactions in your body .
Here's an overview of the most important antioxidants in grapefruit:
Vitamin C: A powerful, water-soluble antioxidant that is present in high amounts in grapefruit. It may protect cells from damage that often leads to heart disease and cancer .
Beta-carotene: It's converted into vitamin A in the body and thought to help reduce the risk of some chronic conditions, including heart disease, cancer and eye-related disorders like macular degeneration .
Lycopene: Known for its potential ability to prevent the development of certain types of cancer, especially prostate cancer. May also help slow the growth of tumors and decrease the side effects of common cancer treatments .
Flavanones: Their anti-inflammatory properties have been shown to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease .
8. May reduce the risk of Kidney stones
Consuming grapefruit may reduce your risk of developing kidney stones, which result from a buildup of waste materials in the kidneys.These waste materials are products of metabolism that are normally filtered through the kidneys and removed from the body in urine.
However, when they crystallize in the kidneys, they become stones. Larger kidney stones may cause a blockage in the urinary system, which can be incredibly painful.
The most common type of kidney stones is calcium oxalate stones. Citric acid, an organic acid found in grapefruit, may be effective at preventing them by binding with calcium in the kidneys and flushing it out of the body .
Also, citric acid has the ability to increase the volume and pH of your urine, producing an environment that is less favorable to the formation of kidney stones .
9. Very hydrating
Grapefruit contains a lot of water and is, therefore, very hydrating. In fact, water makes up most of the fruit's weight. There are almost 4 ounces (118 ml) of water in half of a medium grapefruit, which accounts for about 88% of its total weight .
While drinking lots of water is the best way to stay hydrated, eating water-rich foods can also help.
10. May speed wound healing
11.May even help prevent cancer
The effect was amplified among those who also drank a lot green tea.The authors speculate that compounds in citrus fruits reduce inflammation and stop cancer cells from multiplying. They may also help repair damaged DNA, which contributes to the development of tumors.
The fiber in grapefruit may also help prevent colorectal cancer while fruits high in vitamin C and beta-carotene, which is in pink and red grapefruit, may lower the risk of esophageal cancer.
Caution- Grapefruit may not be for all
There are a few reasons why some people may need to avoid eating grapefruit. Medication Interactions
For some people, consuming grapefruit and its juice may lead to medication interactions .This is because it contains substances that inhibit cytochrome P450, an enzyme your body uses to metabolize certain medications.
If you eat grapefruit while taking these medications, your body may not be able to break them down, which could cause an overdose and other adverse effects .
The medications most likely to interact with grapefruit include :
Immunosuppressants Benzodiazepines
Most calcium channel blockers Indinavir Carbamazepine Some statins
If you are taking any of these medications, talk with your doctor before adding grapefruit to your diet.
Tooth Enamel Erosion
In some instances, eating grapefruit may lead to tooth enamel erosion.Citric acid, which is found in citrus fruits, is a common cause of enamel erosion, especially if you consume it in excess .
If you have particularly sensitive teeth, you may need to avoid acidic fruits. However, there are some things you can do to preserve your tooth enamel while still enjoying grapefruit:
Never suck on grapefruit or other acidic fruits and avoid putting them directly against your teeth.
Rinse your mouth with water after eating the fruit and wait 30 minutes to brush your teeth.
Eat cheese with the fruit. This helps neutralize the acidity in your mouth and increase saliva production.
SUM UP
Grapefruit is one of the healthiest fruits on the planet. It's rich in important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
On the whole, grapefruit is delicious and incredibly easy to add to your diet.
On the whole, grapefruit is delicious and incredibly easy to add to your diet.
Labels: aids weight loss, antioxidant, boosts immunity, controls appetite, diabetes, Grapefruit, heart health, hydrating, Kidney Stones, less calories, prevents cancer, reduce risks, wound healing
posted by G S Iyer at 5:46 AM
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