Grapefruit is an excellent source of vitamin C, a vitamin that helps to support the immune system. Vitamin C-rich foods like grapefruit may help reduce cold symptoms or severity of cold symptoms; over 20 scientific studies have suggested that vitamin C is a cold-fighter. Vitamin C also prevents the free radical damage that triggers the inflammatory cascade, and is therefore also associated with reduced severity of inflammatory conditions, such as asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. As free radicals can oxidize cholesterol and lead to plaques that may rupture causing heart attacks or stroke, vitamin C is beneficial to promoting cardiovascular health. Owing to the multitude of vitamin C’s health benefits, it is not surprising that research has shown that consumption of vegetables and fruits high in this nutrient is associated with a reduced risk of death from all causes including heart disease, stroke and cancer.
Grapefruits Are Great For:
- Weight loss
- Promoting heart health
- Preventing diabetes
- Boosting the immune system, preventing a cold or sickness
- Helps prevent arthritis
- Helps cleanse the liver
- Cancer prevention
- Macular degeneration, preserving eye health
- Reducing blood pressure
- Skin health (acne, psoriasis, wrinkles)
Grapefruit Lowers Cholesterol
Grapefruit contains pectin, a form of soluble fiber that has been shown in animal studies to slow down the progression of atherosclerosis. In one study, animals fed a high-cholesterol diet plus grapefruit pectin had 24% narrowing of their arteries, while animals fed the high-cholesterol diet without grapefruit pectin had 45% narrowing.
Both blond and red grapefruit can reduce blood levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and red grapefruit lowers triglycerides as well, shows a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Israeli researchers from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem first tested the antioxidant potential of blond and red grapefruits and then their cholesterol-lowering potential in humans. The test tube research showed that red grapefruit contains more bioactive compounds and total polyphenols than blond, but both grapefruits are comparable in their content of fiber, phenolic and ascorbic acids, and the flavonoid, naringinen, although red grapefruit contains slightly more flavonoids and anthocyanins.
REDUCES STRESS
You don’t necessarily have to ingest grapefruit to reap its benefits. The smell of citrus fruit can make a difference on curbing our stress and anxiety levels, and depression. A 1995 study published in theJapanese Journal of Psychopharmacology found citrus fragrance restored stress-induced immunosuppression, and induced calm behavior in mice.
FIGHTS GUM DISEASE
Simply eating two grapefruits a day can prevent and even reverse damage caused by gum disease. A 2005study published in the British Dental Journal found the daily consumption of grapefruit can reduce gum bleeding for those who suffer from gum disease. The participants in the study also showed an increase in their vitamin C levels, which aids in the repair of gums. Vitamin C, according to Blake, is essential for healthy gums, which helps keep our teeth firmly in place.
BOOSTS METABOLISM
Grapefruit is a popular diet staple among those looking to lose weight. A high metabolism can continue to burn fat in the body even when it is resting. A 2006 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found people who ate half a grapefruit before each meal, without making any other dietary changes, lost an average of 3 and a half pounds over 12 weeks.
Natural Fat Burner
Grapefruit that burns fat is not a simple rumor or fad. Scientific researchreveals the amazing power of this wonderful breakfast or anytime fruit. Simply enjoy a glass of grapefruit juice or half of a grapefruit before each meal to reap the benefits. Those who participated in the experiment lost up to four pounds in twelve weeks.
Grapefruits for Weight Loss
Ever hear of the grapefruit diet? Also known as the Hollywood Diet, the grapefruit has has been around for decades, and apparently holds some merit. One 12-week study led by Dr. Ken Fujioka found that including grapefruit or grapefruit juice into your daily diet does indeed boost weight loss. For the study, 100 participants were separated into 3 groups with varying grapefruit and grapefruit juice intake levels. In the end, participants who ate 1/2 grapefruit with each meal lost 3.6 pounds on average while those drinking grapefruit juice 3 times daily lost 3.3 pounds on average. In many cases, more than 10 pounds was lost.
