Grapefruits: For Good Health and Weight Loss

Grapefruits: For Good Health and Weight Loss

If you are serious about wanting to improve your health, grapefruits are one of many foods you should consider adding to your regular diet.

Grapefruits are a fantastic fruit that supplies the body with plenty of essential nutrients including vitamin A, B1, B3, B5, B6 and C, biotin, copper, folate, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc bioflavonoids, and more. Because of the abundance of nutrients present, grapefruits have some incredible healing properties that you may not have been aware of.

Lowering Cholesterol

Grapefruit aids in the breakdown of fats in the body. The pith, which is the white part on the inside of the skin, and the membranes surrounding the individual sections help lower cholesterol in the blood. Grapefruit is an excellent source of dietary fiber and contains pectin, which helps trap fats like cholesterol and allows them to be excreted. Because of this, grapefruit has also been linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

Read more about cholesterol

Weight Loss

One whole grapefruit contains only about 100 calories and about four grams of fiber. This makes it naturally filling and contains compounds that help reduce appetite. It has a glycemic Index rating of 35 (under 55 is good) so it doesn't spike blood sugar levels.

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Detoxification

Grapefruits may help cleanse the kidneys, digestive and urinary systems, detoxify the liver, ease chronic liver conditions and help to eliminate toxins from the body. They may also help dissolve gallstones.

Anti-Cancer

Red and pink grapefruits contain lycopene, which is a very powerful antioxidant and may help greatly in reducing the risk of prostate cancer. A six-ounce glass of grapefruit juice daily has been shown to reduce the activity of an enzyme that activates cancer-causing chemicals in tobacco smoke. It may also be helpful in the treatment of esophageal cancer.

Anti-Inflammatory

Grapefruit works as an anti-inflammatory and is therefore helpful with chest congestion, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and other inflammatory disorders. It may also be helpful in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Read more about inflammation

Immune Booster

Grapefruits can help to strengthen the respiratory and immune system and relieve cold and flu symptoms. With all these amazing health benefits, you can see why grapefruits are a perfect example of how eating fresh, whole, live foods can strengthen the body and help create wellness.

Enjoy grapefruits daily for better health!

CAUTION: Grapefruit may interact negatively or boost certain medications. Before adding grapefruit to your diet, make sure it is safe for you to eat by consulting your physician or pharmacist.

 

References

1) Balch, Phyllis, Prescription for Dietary Wellness, Penguin Group, New York, 1992

2) Mateljan, George, The World’s Healthiest Foods, GMF Publishing, Canada, 2007

3) Shealy, C. Norman, MD, PhD, Healing Remedies, Harper Collins, China, 2002

Photo Credit: sophie.z.j

 

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Linda Miner
Linda Miner is a Registered Nutritionist specializing in Metabolic Typing. Linda works with clients to help them restore their health by re-establishing balance in the body. Through one-on-one coaching and an individualized food plan based on your unique characteristics, Linda can help you achieve Optimal Health. If you are looking for a plan that is as unique as you are, then choose Linda Miner to be your Wellness Guide.