Grapefruit Nutrition

Fruit Benefits

Fruit Health Information

More and more studies are showing that grapefruit nutrition can play a large role in not only keeping you healthy but keeping you slimmer as well.

A three month study which focused in on the weight and metabolic value of grapefruit came out with some amazing finds. First it was found that individuals who ate half a grapefruit with all their meals lost 3.5 pounds during the period. Not only that, but those who drank a glass of grapefruit juice everyday lost almost the same amount. If you do the math you find that could be a significant amount of weight loss over a years time.

The main ingredient in grapefruit that causes people to lose weight is naringin. This is a flavonoid that blocks the intake of fatty acids into the cells in our bodies, thus preventing them from using carbohydrates effectively. Naringin is also what gives grapefruit its bitter flavor.

Another finding that has been made is that those who drink three 6 ounce glasses of grapefruit each day have a reduction in the activity of an enzyme that activates cancer causing chemicals in the body. This alone could be a very important reason for adding grapefruit and grapefruit juice to our diet.

One of the best benefits of grapefruit nutrition is the fiber it contains. All fruit contains fiber, but grapefruit is found to have a very generous amount. For instance, though apples are thought of as a good fiber fruit, a grapefruit will give you more than twice as much fiber as an apple. Since around half a grapefruit's fiber is insoluble it also helps prevent constipation and reduces the risk of colon cancer. However you must eat the fruit itself for the fiber. The juice alone has very little fiber content.

Grapefruit nutrition contains many more benefits than those listed above. It contains a supply of vitamin A, beta carotene, phytonutrients, lycopene and more. It is indeed a very popular addition to the diet of health conscious people the world over.

One great piece of grapefruit nutrition information is the pectin it contains. Pectin is known to reduce blood cholesterol levels in the blood by tremendously reducing the re-absorption of cholesterol binding bile as it enters the colon.

Besides the nutrients listed above, grapefruit also has a generous amount of iron, folate and calcium. The red varieties are found to be especially rich in lycopene, which is the most powerful flavonoid antioxidant the body requires.

Of course one of the best reasons to eat grape fruit or drink grapefruit juice is because it taste so refreshing. It is just an added plus that it is good for your health as well.

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