A study published in Food and Nutrition Researchin 2014 found that people who ate more of the bitter fruit actually had lower body weights than those who didn’t. Grapefruit eaters also showed, on average, smaller waists and higher 'good' HDL cholesterol levels.
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Researchers who conducted the study also found thatgrapefruit provided essential nutrients such as fibre that aided in weight loss.
What makes grapefruit so beneficial?
Grapefruit contains high levels ofvitamin C which plays an important role in the enzyme function of cells. According to a Nutrition and Metabolism study published in 2006, when someone has a low level of vitamin C, they may find it harder to oxidise fat during exercise.
So, it turns out adding a glass of grapefruit juice to your daily dietmay not be such a bad idea. And, if you’re not yet convinced another study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition in 2010 also showed similar results.
In this study, those who drank 100% grapefruit juice in the mornings on average were leaner and less likely to suffer from obesity.
But don’t be fooled, grapefruits aren’t some kind of magic fat burning food, to reap their benefits one does need to keep up a healthy routine of diet and exercise. Dr Kathleen Zelman told Express.co.uk:
Grapefruit can be part of a healthy weight loss diet because it's nutritious, not because of any mysterious fat-burning properties. If you're a grapefruit lover, reap the benefits of this super-nutritious fruit by enjoying a serving before meals. A half grapefruit or a glass of grapefruit juice before meals may help fill you up, so you'll eat fewer calories at meals and potentially lose weight.
Grapefruit can also help boost the immune system
Because of grapefruit’s vitamin C, vitamin A, zinc, copper and iron content, it can also be super beneficial for the immune system.
Several studies over the years have concluded that vitamin C helps people to recover faster from the common cold. That’s why our mums always made us take vitamin C in the winter!
Grapefruit aids in appetite control
Grapefruits are also high in fibrewhich can keep us satiated for longer. Studies have shown that diets high in fibre-rich fruits can help induce feelings of fullness. This is because fibre slows the stomach’s digestion rate.
So, making sure you consume high fibre fruits like grapefruit can help you curb your cravings for longer!
Grapefruit can help prevent insulin resistance and diabetes
A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food shows that grapefruit can help control insulin levels and preventinsulinresistance. This is what helps stop people from developing type 2 diabetes later down the line.
In the study, those who ate half a grapefruit before meals showed a huge improvement in insulin resistance as well as insulin levels compared to the group who didn’t consume the fruit.
However, eating morefruit, on the whole, has also been linked to insulin resistance and insulin control so as long as you’re consuming abalanced diet you should be in the clear!
So, whether you’re looking to lose weight or just be a little healthier then it may be a good idea to pick up some grapefruit juice next time you hit the grocery store.
But, if you’re taking any medication we encourage you to check with your doctor before consuming grapefruit as it can affect some types of medicine.
