Normally when we talk about losing weight we talk about cutting foods out of our diet. With grapefruit, that isn’t the case. Because of the many micronutrients found in grapefruit nutrition, this fruit can actually help you lose weight!
Grapefruit Nutrition
While most fruits are too high in sugar to be considered weight loss foods, grapefruit has been shown to do just that.
Looking at a grapefruit nutrition label you will see the majority of the fruit is composed of carbs and water. Still, there is a diverse nutritional profile. This weight loss fruit is a great source of vitamin C. It also contains vitamin A, pantothenic acid, copper, fibre, potassium, biotin, and vitamin B1. Most importantly there are many micronutrients and enzymes not listed on a grapefruit nutrition label. These are the true all-stars that can boost your health.
Grapefruit Health Benefits
Grapefruit can reduce weight gain, reduce inflammation. It also helps reduce oxidative stress and improve insulin sensitivity. One study found clear weight loss from solely adding grapefruit to the diet of obese patients. Therefore, adding grapefruit to your other dietary changes will help you see an even greater fat loss.
There can be many different reasons for this weight loss. One reason is that grapefruit oil activates the sympathetic nerves. This results in weight gain suppression. This is important to note. Grapefruit can actually keep you from gaining weight.
The greatest weight loss results have been in obese patients. Still, even in mildly overweight patients grapefruit results in slight weight loss. Regardless of weight, grapefruit consumption results in a significant improvement in blood pressure.
Another reason grapefruit results in weight loss is because of an enzyme called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK is usually activated while exercising. It helps muscles use stored sugars and fat for energy. AMPK is activated by certain foods like grapefruit. This is because grapefruit nutrition is high in nootkatone, which activates these fat-burning enzymes.
The problem people can get into with grapefruits is when they add sugar to this fruit. Grapefruit can be sweet, but is typically bitter or sour. Masking this taste with sugar may make it taste better, but it will be more damaging to your system. It will also undo the weight loss effects of this food.
Grapefruit juice significantly augments the effect of statins. This means that grapefruit juice will significantly lower cholesterol when mixed with these pharmaceuticals. However, it can increase rhabdomyolysis, which is a medical term for the breakdown of muscle fibres.
Grapefruit seeds have proven to be an effective, natural cure for urinary tract infections. While the normal method of treatment is the prescription of antibacterial drugs, grapefruit seeds may be a natural substitute. Antibiotics are necessary at times but we often take too many. While antibiotics kill bad bacteria that is causing an infection, they also kill good bacteria. Heavy doses of antibiotics can have long-term effects on your gut, and can lead to gut permeability.
The mere smell of citrus fruit, specifically grapefruit, has shown to help with depression. A 1995 study showed that grapefruit fragrance significantly reduced the amount of anti-depressants needed.
The vitamin C found in grapefruit also lowers the risk of stroke. While grapefruit is by no means the only source of vitamin C, it is important to get this necessary vitamin wherever you can.
Grapefruit nutrition also provides you with necessary compounds to break down and prevent kidney stones. Stones can be incredibly painful to pass, so eating grapefruit may be something to consider if you are at a high risk of developing stones.
In summary, grapefruit not only helps you lose weight but help prevent you from gaining weight. It can also help with many diseases and infections. This truly is an incredibly good whole food.
Disclaimer: We are not medical professions. Consult with your doctor about any foods that should be avoided while on any medication. Please also talk to your doctor before taking natural remedies instead of prescribed pharmaceuticals.
