Grapefruit

Grapefruits are a great source of vitamin C which has been shown to relieve the severity of cold symptoms and to protect our bodies against oxidative stress. But there’s a lot more to grapefruits than vitamin C.

 

Warning: If you are taking any kind of prescription medication, please check with your doctor before adding grapefruit to your diet. There have been known interactions between grapefruit and prescription medications.

 

Cancer

Pink and red grapefruits are excellent sources of lycopene. Lycopene has a high capacity to help fight oxygen free radicals and is a powerful agent against tumors and cancers. Grapefruit also contains liminoids and naringenin. Liminoids may help prevent cancerous cells from proliferating and also inhibit tumor formation by promoting the formation of glutathione-S-transferase, a detoxifying enzyme. Naringenin is an antioxidant compound which has been shown to repair damaged DNA in prostate cancer cells.  

High-Cholesterol

Grapefruits can help reduce cholesterol levels. Grapefruits are high in antioxidants and contain pectin, a soluble fiber that has been shown to slow down the progression of atherosclerosis. Studies have shown that grapefruits can reduce blood levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Both red and blond grapefruits can positively influence cholesterol levels, but red grapefruit is more effective, especially in lowering triglycerides.

Weight Loss

Research suggests that the chemical properties of grapefruit reduce insulin levels and encourage weight loss. Grapefruits have high amounts of fat burning enzymes, high water content, fiber and low glycemic load. A combination of these characteristics makes grapefruit a perfect food for losing weight.