Health Benefits Grapefruit; In 1932, a group of South Texas citrus growers came together to form the Edinburg Citrus Association. Texas has the distinction of being the home of red grapefruit varieties. These are only grown in Texas. In 1929, a Ruby Red was found growing on a pink grapefruit tree. Since then, Texas scientist have developed red grapefruit varieties like the Rio Star, which is the sweetest & juiciest grapefruit that you can find.
What Are Grapefruits?
Health Benefits Grapefruit , a tangy-sweet tasting fruit, is juicy like an orange and shares many of the same health promoting benefits. Grapefruit juice and the actual grapefruit can be part of a healthy diet. Grapefruit has vitamin C and potassium nutrients your body needs to work properly.
What is The Recommended Dosage?
Quality clinical trials upon which to base dose recommendations are limited. Improved lipid profiles were achieved with consumption of 1 grapefruit daily for 30 days. Grapefruit juice 8 oz, or half of a fresh grapefruit, 3 times a day before each meal for 12 weeks resulted in weight loss in a clinical trial evaluating the effect on metabolic syndrome.
How Do They Grow?
- Grapefruits grow in a cluster, similar to grapes, on large trees with glossy dark green leaves. The trees are planted in rows called groves.
- Grapefruits grow best in tropical or subtropical regions, such as south Texas, where it is warm year around.
- In South Texas, grapefruit is harvested between October and May. For best quality, grapefruit ripens on the tree and is hand-picked. Area shippers wash, inspect and grade them before shipping to stores throughout the United States and Canada.
In 1970, grapefruit diet plan was promoted widely to achieve a loss of 10 lbs weight in 10 days. The fruit is customarily a breakfast fruit. Some consumers sweeten it with sugar or honey. Some add cinnamon, nutmeg or cloves. It is also served as an appetizer before dinner. The sections are commonly used in fruit salads, puddings and tarts. It is also processed as marmalade in Australia. The juice is marketed as beverage. It also can be made into an excellent vinegar or carefully fermented as wine. Raw grapefruit juice (per 100gm) contain calories 37-42, moisture 89.2-90.4g, niacin 0.2mg, ascorbic acid 36-40mg, vitamin A 10-440 IU, potassium 162mg, phosphorus 15mg, calcium 9mg, carbohydrate 8.8-10.2g, protein 0.4-0.5g, fat 0.1g, iron 0.2mg, sodium 1.0mg, riboflavin 0.02mg, thiamine 0.04mg
Grapefruit have been demonstrated to have a preventive influence on many chronic diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. An essence prepared from the flowers is taken to overcome insomnia, also as a stomachic and cardiac tonic. The pulp is considered an effective aid in the treatment of urinary disorders. Leaf extractions have shown antibiotic activity. However, since the early 1990s, the potential health benefits of grapefruit have been oversha-dowed by the possible risk of interactions between drugs and grapefruit juice. Concomitant administration of grapefruit juice can increase the plasma concentration of numerous drugs in humans and also decrease the concentration of few other drugs.
The use of grapefruit juice with a few drugs may lower plasma drug concentrations by inhibiting drug absorption catalysed by the organic anion transporting polypeptide.
Grapefruit juice also inhibit P-glycoprotein, a transporter that carries drug from the enterocyte back to the gut lumen, resulting in a further increase in the fraction of absorbed drug.
Inhibition of P-glycoprotein is a possible mechanism that increases oral drug bioavailability by reducing intestinal efflux transport.
A single normal amount (e.g. 200-300 mL) or by whole fresh fruit segments can inhibit drug metabolizing enzymes, can increase oral bioavailability of a drug and enhance its adverse effects [5,6]. Enhanced oral drug bioavailability can occur 24 hours after juice consumption as the duration of effect of grapefruit juice can last 24 hours. These interactions appears to be influenced by individual patient susceptibility, type and amount of grapefruit juice and administration-related factors. Therefore patients should take their medications at least 4 hours distant from fruit juice intake.
Grapefruit has high antioxidant activity. It contains lycopene, limonoids which appears to have anti-tumor activity. It can reduce blood levels of LDL and triglycerides as well. Substances in grapefruit can change the metabolism of drug and increase the amount of medication that enters the bloodstream to dangerous levels. The amount of drug metabolizing enzymes may varies from person to person. So grapefruit juice may affect people differently. Table-1 shows possible drug interaction of Grapefruit juice.
Benefits of Grapefruit
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 study 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.
The copious amount of enzymes, high-water content, and less sodium helps burn fat easily. While grapefruit does not have any magical fat-burning properties, it is low in calories and is a good source of fiber, which helps keep us full for longer by taking longer to digest. … Grapefruit also has a high water content which can help you feel full and stay hydrated.
Reduces Kidney Stones Risk
Known for its bitter taste of grapefruit has been found to successfully prevent the formation of kidney cysts. According to a report the naturally occurring compound regulates the PKD2 protein that is responsible for the condition. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects not only help prevent the formation of cysts, but also reduce swelling in the kidneys that is caused by fluid retention. Drinking up to a liter of grapefruit juice daily will help reap the greatest benefits in effectively blocking the formation of kidney cysts.
Protects Against Cancer
The antioxidant vitamin C has been linked to decrease the risk of certain cancers. A study found grapefruits help repair damaged DNA in human prostate cancer cells. Stimulates DNA repair in these cancer cells and protects the body from developing cancer.
Diets high in vitamin C, which is an antioxidant found in many fruits and vegetables such as grapefruit, had been linked to a reduced risk of cancers of the stomach, colon, bladder, breast, and esophagus. Cautions these results are specific to vitamin C rich foods, rather than supplements.
Strengthens Immune System
It is well known any fruit rich in vitamin C will strengthen and support our immune system. Vitamin C works with other micronutrients that provide good and regular nourishment for the body. Micronutrient deficiencies of vitamins A, B6, C, and E have been found to alter immune responses in animals and are thought to have a similar effect on the human immune response.
Maintaining good levels of vitamin C in the body can reduce the severity of cold symptoms, acting as a natural antihistamine. This makes it helpful in controlling allergies, since it reduces histamine levels. Grapefruit is abundant in vitamin C which help supports the immune system. Half of a grapefruit provides about 78 percent of your recommended daily intake of Vitamin C.
Fights Gum Disease
Simply eating two grapefruits a day can prevent and even reverse damage caused by gum disease. A study 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, it is essential for healthy gums, which helps keep our teeth firmly in place.
Other Benefits of Gradefruit
Although grapefruit has a sub-acid taste, its juice actually has an alkaline reaction after digestion. This has a profound effect in the treatment of acidity in the digestive system that causes a host of other health problems.
Pectin in this fruit has been found to be effective in reducing the accumulation of arterial deposits, and the vitamin C helps to strengthen and maintain the elasticity of arteries.
In another study, the bioflavonoids found in grapefruit was discovered to even halt cancer cells from spreading in breast cancer patients, by ridding the body of excess estrogen.
A common cold is usually your body telling you that you are overworked. A regular drink of grapefruit during a stressful period gives your immune system the boost needed to prevent it coming on.
A certain compound found in grapefruit helps reduce the excessive production of cholesterol from the liver.
A diabetic can safely eat a grapefruit. In fact, more consumption of this fruit will help reduce the starches and sweets in the system. If you have a tendency towards diabetes, consume more grapefruit juice to prevent it.
This juice helps to promote digestion by increasing the flow of gastric juices. Eat the fruit together with its rind for its extra fiber that aids bowel movements.
The bioflavonoids and vitamin C help to reduce water retention and swelling of the legs during pregnancy.
This fruit has a fat-burning enzyme and can help to absorb and reduce the starch and sugar in the body. It is widely consumed by people who are trying to lose weight. If you don’t fall under the category of people mentioned below (look at “Caution” colum), then take a glass of grapefruit juice twice a day and eat normally.
Grapefruit Essential Oil
Grapefruit essential oil can be used topically with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or almond oil. This can help reduce cellulite by attacking the source directly and detoxifying the skin. Simply mix 10 drops of grapefruit essential oil with 1 ounce of pure almond or coconut oil and rub it directly onto the skin where rejuvenation is needed.
What Science says about Grapefruit’s Role in Weight Loss?
- A study by the Scripps Clinic in California monitored the effects of Grapefruit on weigh among 91 obese participants. The group was randomly split into several groups. One group was given a placebo capsule and apple juice, another group was given grapefruit capsules and apple juice, another group was given a placebo capsule and grapefruit juice, and a final group was given a placebo capsule and half a Grapefruit. The dose was taken three times before every meal. At the end of the 12-week study, the researchers found the following results
- The group that consumed the fresh grapefruit lost an average of 1.6 kilograms.
- The group that consumed the grapefruit juice lost an average of 1.5 kilograms.
- The group that consumed the grapefruit capsules lost an average of 1.1 kilograms.
- The placebo group lost an average of 0.3 kilograms.
- The study confirmed that consuming grapefruit in any form before every meal can have a significant positive impact on weight control and may even lead to a reduction of body fat. The study also found that grapefruit had a positive impact on glucose insulin level among participants, whereas the placebo group showed no positive effect on glucose insulin levels.
Grapefruit Diet: What you can eat?
In most versions of the Grapefruit Diet a small variety of foods are required at breakfast, lunch, dinner and at bedtime. Dieters are encouraged to drink black coffee and plenty of water throughout the day.
Sample Meal Plan
2 eggs, 2 slices of bacon, black coffee, 1/2 grapefruit or a glass of grapefruit juice.
Salad with salad dressing, unlimited meat and 1/2 grapefruit or a glass of grapefruit juice.
Red or green vegetables (except starchy ones such as peas, beans, corn, sweet potatoes) or salad, unlimited meat or fish, and 1/2 grapefruit or 227? ml grapefruit juice.
Glass of skimmed milk
In the Grapefruit Diet you can use all the butter and salad dressing you desire and prepare foods in any method, including fried. Grapefruit juice must be unsweetened. Any food or beverage not on the diet is not allowed. Snacking is only permitted after dinner. Drink eight glasses of water a day. Eat all of the approved foods.
Grapefruit Diet: How it works
This low-carbohydrate, moderate-protein diet is another low-calorie diet averaging 800 -1,000 calories in most versions. Most people will lose weight – with or without grapefruit on the Grapefruit Diet – when calories are dramatically reduced to this level. Unfortunately, there are no explanations for how the mysterious grapefruit enzyme works and why it is only contained in grapefruit and not other citrus fruits. Experts say the diet is too low in calories for healthy sustainable weight loss. No scientific studies to date substantiate grapefruit’s power to burn fat.
Reports of adverse reactions to grapefruit consumption are limited to drug interactions. Case reports exist of allergy to pectin and pectin-induced asthma.