The benefits of grapefruit for the human body
Grapefruits have long been known for their useful properties in weight loss, and therefore are most often associated with diets that help get rid of excess weight. There are many ways to incorporate them into a healthy diet, such as half a grapefruit with a boiled egg for breakfast or a grapefruit diet (a portion of this fruit with each meal boosts metabolism and weight loss). And if in the past, talk about the benefits of grapefruit was often perceived as just another myth, today its many properties are scientifically proven.
The benefits of grapefruit for men and for women are somewhat different. In men, the elimination rate of itraconazole was similar whether taken with grapefruit juice or water. However, in women, grapefruit juice caused a dramatic decrease in the rate of elimination from their serum. Doctors warn that people should avoid grapefruit juice altogether when taking calcium channel blockers, which can reach levels 100-150% higher than normal, causing a rapid drop in blood pressure.
There is speculation that grapefruit can directly increase estrogen levels in women. In men, grapefruit can increase the body's production of aromatase, the enzyme that turns testosterone into estrogen in men.
In pregnancy.
The huge amount of nutrients in grapefruit allows us to recommend it as a necessary product for the diet of pregnant women.
What are the benefits of grapefruit for the human body, besides weight loss?
The nutrient content of grapefruit is impressive: in 100 grams - 42 kilocalories, 1 g of protein, 31 mg of vitamin C (50% of the recommended daily allowance), 13 mcg of folic acid, 135 mg of potassium, 22 mg of calcium, 9 mg of magnesium, 2 g of fiber, vitamins B1 and B6. And that's along with a long list of antioxidants. Grapefruit is not only good for its refreshing taste and low calories and carbs (which will help curb your appetite, so you can try eating it before a meal if you tend to overeat). It also lowers blood sugar, is rich in antioxidants, and contains 77 mg of vitamin C in one serving. All of this helps support your overall health and immune system.
What is the difference between white and red grapefruit?
The pink and red varieties contain the carotenoids lycopene and beta-carotene, in addition to all the vitamins and antioxidants listed above.Eating red grapefruit can help lower triglyceride levels in patients with coronary atherosclerosis. Therefore, the beneficial properties of red grapefruit can be called simply amazing.
Effective for weight loss
The study, conducted by the Nutrition and Medical Research Center at Scripps Clinic in San Diego, involved 90 people who were divided into 3 groups.
The first group ate half a grapefruit before each meal three times a day. The second group drank grapefruit juice before each meal three times a day. The third group ate no grapefruit.
No other changes were made to their diet. The results showed: participants from the first two groups lost an average of 1.5 kg over 12 weeks, while participants in the third group retained their previous weight. Researchers also noted that people in the "grapefruit" groups had lower blood insulin levels, which was associated with increased weight loss. The benefits of grapefruit in weight loss have been successfully proven.
Insulin resistance
Grapefruit contains antioxidants such as naringenin, they improve insulin sensitivity and help maintain a healthy weight. Scientists have found that naringenin stimulates the liver to burn fat rather than store it. Grapefruit has also been found to help lower insulin levels as effectively as metformin.
Appetite suppression.
When insulin sensitivity is high and the body controls blood sugar levels, cells become more receptive to substances from food. Because of this, everything we eat is burned more efficiently as fuel. And this contributes to a healthy appetite.
High cholesterol
Thanks to the soluble pectin fiber in grapefruit, this fruit eliminates cholesterol through the intestines. A study from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem showed that one red grapefruit every day for 30 days reduced LDL cholesterol by 20.3% and triglycerides by 17.2%. And yellow grapefruit in the same regime reduces LDL cholesterol by 10.7% and triglycerides by 5.6%.
Cardiovascular disease.
Thanks to its antioxidants and potassium, grapefruit helps maintain vascular dilatation, modulates blood sugar levels, stimulates weight loss, and lowers LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. All of these work to protect the heart.
Constipation
The acidity of grapefruit helps support bile formation, and when combined with fiber, it improves digestion.
Immunity Support
Because of its significant content of vitamin C and other antioxidants, this fruit helps the immune system fight infections and colds . There are some indications that vitamin C may also protect against oral and stomach cancer. Grapefruit also fights free radicals. Cancer, stroke and heart attack can all be linked to unproven free radicals.In addition to having anti-cancer properties, it reduces the risk of kidney and liver stones and is effective in preventing the hepatitis C virus. Preliminary laboratory tests show that naringenin can stop the spread of the hepatitis C virus by 80%.
Grapefruit harms and contraindications
An article in the Canadian Medical Association Journal notes more than 85 medications that can interact with grapefruit, with 43 of these interactions having potentially serious consequences. Therefore, if you are taking medications, you should consult your doctor before including grapefruit in your diet.The health benefits of grapefruit for the human body are undeniable, however, be in moderation and prioritize a balanced diet to feel and look equally good.
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