Grapefruit is good for you
Grapefruit is called so because it grows in clusters like grapes. In Latin, grapefruits are called citrus paradisi meaning the citrus from paradise. One of the most popular weight loss diets is the Grapefruit diet. This diet involves drinking of at least three glasses of grape fruit juice everyday, as it helps burn calories. Well known actress Sophia Loren was one of the first celebrities to endorse this diet.
The grapefruit looks similar to an orange but is larger in size and belongs to the citrus family of fruits. However, the flesh of the grapefruit is usually red or pink in colour. Grapefruits taste sour and bitter but have a lot of health benefits. Here are some health benefits of grapefruits that you didn't know:
Though grapefruits are sour and acidic in taste, they are known to produce an alkaline reaction after digestion. This helps treat acidity which can affect the digestive system.
Grapefruit is rich in vitamin C which helps maintain the elasticity of the arteries. It also strengthens them. Pectin, a compound, is known to help reduce the accumulation of arterial deposits.
Consuming grapefruit on a regular basis will help you boost your immune system.
Grapefruits are highly beneficial for diabetics as they help in bringing down blood sugar levels in the body.
Eating grapefruit before bedtime gives good sleep thus, reducing symptoms of insomnia.
Pregnant women can reduce water retention in their bodies and swelling in their legs by consuming grapefruit.
Grapefruits contain fat-burning enzymes that can promote weightloss. That's because they prevents sugars and starch getting stored in the body.
Drinking fresh grapefruit juice can help relieve a sore throat.
Grapefruit contains anti-oxidant properties that helps prevent cancer.
20 Replies
nagalakshmi.karunanidhi wrote:
[quote]Please do share some pictures of grape fruits if you have some.[/quote]
@ nagalakshmi
for images of grape fruit refer to the link below
http://www.fotosearch.com/photos-images/grapefruit.html
[quote]Please do share some pictures of grape fruits if you have some.[/quote]
@ nagalakshmi
for images of grape fruit refer to the link below
http://www.fotosearch.com/photos-images/grapefruit.html
Health Benefits of Grapefruit
* Grapefruit is very helpful in removing or dissolving inorganic calcium which may have formed in the cartilage of the joints, as in arthritis, as a result of an excessive consumption of devitalized white flour products. Fresh grapefruit contains organic salicylic acid, which aids in dissolving such inorganic calcium in the body.
* Grapefruit can help in weight loss, since it is low in sodium, high in fat burning enzymes. Low sodium intake can help flush out excess water that is caused by high sodium food.
* Grapefruit has high water content, and an increased water consumption can help increase metabolism.
* Grapefruit is a rich source of Vitamin C
* Grapefruit is rich in lycopene (the red color/pigment), it helps to prevent the occurance of tumor and cancer.
* It is a liver tonic
* Helps in cases of Gallstones
* Helps in cases of Cold, Pneumonia, Fever
* It is a powerful drug-poison eliminator
* Helps in proper digestion of food
* Can help improve complexion
* Grapefruit is a natural antiseptic for wounds when used externally.
* Grapefruit is very helpful in removing or dissolving inorganic calcium which may have formed in the cartilage of the joints, as in arthritis, as a result of an excessive consumption of devitalized white flour products. Fresh grapefruit contains organic salicylic acid, which aids in dissolving such inorganic calcium in the body.
* Grapefruit can help in weight loss, since it is low in sodium, high in fat burning enzymes. Low sodium intake can help flush out excess water that is caused by high sodium food.
* Grapefruit has high water content, and an increased water consumption can help increase metabolism.
* Grapefruit is a rich source of Vitamin C
* Grapefruit is rich in lycopene (the red color/pigment), it helps to prevent the occurance of tumor and cancer.
* It is a liver tonic
* Helps in cases of Gallstones
* Helps in cases of Cold, Pneumonia, Fever
* It is a powerful drug-poison eliminator
* Helps in proper digestion of food
* Can help improve complexion
* Grapefruit is a natural antiseptic for wounds when used externally.
The Grapefruit Diet Plan
The Grapefruit Diet has been around for a long time. Although most experts believe the diet is not nutritionally sound, it does allow you to drop several pounds in a short amount of time. Many dieters lose between 12 and 30 pounds during the twelve-day program. Unfortunately, most dieter gain back what they loss when they resume their old eating habits.
How The Diet Works
The Grapefruit diet allows no more than 800 calories a day, which is very restrictive. Also:
* Eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice during each meal. The grapefruit acts as a kick-starter for fat burning.
* You must eat until you are full
* Limit coffee intake to 1 cup per meal.
* Don’t eat between meals.
* Butter can be added to your vegetables and you can fry using butter.
* No desserts, breads, white vegetables, or sweet potatoes are allowed on this diet.
* You can eat more than the specified vegetables, meats and salads.
* Stay on the diet for 12 days then stop for 2 days. Repeat.
* You cannot eat white onions, potatoes, celery, peas, cucumbers, carrots, green onions, potato chips, cabbage, tomatoes, green beans, lettuce, chili, cheese, mayonnaise, hot dogs, coleslaws, regular salad dressing green vegetables, dried nuts and butter/dill/bread pickles.
* You may have red onions, bell peppers, radishes, broccoli, cereal, corn, starchy vegetables, leaf spinach, pasta, peanut butter, corn chips jelly, jam, sweet pickles, pretzels, fruit, low-fat dressings.
Studies on the grapefruit diet
A 12 week study, lead by Dr. Ken Fujioka, monitored 100 men and women on the Grapefruit diet. Participants who ate grapefruit lost an average of 3.6 pounds and those who drank grapefruit juice lost an average of 3.3 pounds. However, many of the participants lost more than 10 pounds during the study. The participants did not change any of their existing diet except to include grapefruit or grapefruit juice to each meal.
Other Benefits
Another benefit of adding grapefruit to your diet is that researchers believe grapefruit reduces insulin levels, which help with weight loss. A high level of insulin indicates your body is not utilizing sugar for energy and the excess sugar can be converted and stored as fat on your body. High levels of insulin can also make people feel hungry even though they just ate! Studies indicate the consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice helps to lower the insulin levels, allowing the body to more effectively burn energy, increase the metabolic rate, and give us the feeling of being full.
Side Effects
If you are taking any medication, you should speak to a professional before starting this diet. Research has proven that grapefruit and grapefruit juice interacts with some medications causing potential side effects. Grapefruit inhibits an enzyme in the intestines, which provides for breakdown and absorption of many medications. Toxic side effects can happen when this process is blocked.
Many years of nutritional research has taught us that eating a wide variety of foods is the best way to lose weight. Restrictive diets that fall below 1,100 calories per day can be damaging. Many nutritional experts agree that more research is needed before results are conclusive. There is one thing to take comfort in, grapefruit will not damage your health, will boost your immune system due to the hight vitamin C content and should help with your weight loss program.
The Grapefruit Diet has been around for a long time. Although most experts believe the diet is not nutritionally sound, it does allow you to drop several pounds in a short amount of time. Many dieters lose between 12 and 30 pounds during the twelve-day program. Unfortunately, most dieter gain back what they loss when they resume their old eating habits.
How The Diet Works
The Grapefruit diet allows no more than 800 calories a day, which is very restrictive. Also:
* Eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice during each meal. The grapefruit acts as a kick-starter for fat burning.
* You must eat until you are full
* Limit coffee intake to 1 cup per meal.
* Don’t eat between meals.
* Butter can be added to your vegetables and you can fry using butter.
* No desserts, breads, white vegetables, or sweet potatoes are allowed on this diet.
* You can eat more than the specified vegetables, meats and salads.
* Stay on the diet for 12 days then stop for 2 days. Repeat.
* You cannot eat white onions, potatoes, celery, peas, cucumbers, carrots, green onions, potato chips, cabbage, tomatoes, green beans, lettuce, chili, cheese, mayonnaise, hot dogs, coleslaws, regular salad dressing green vegetables, dried nuts and butter/dill/bread pickles.
* You may have red onions, bell peppers, radishes, broccoli, cereal, corn, starchy vegetables, leaf spinach, pasta, peanut butter, corn chips jelly, jam, sweet pickles, pretzels, fruit, low-fat dressings.
Studies on the grapefruit diet
A 12 week study, lead by Dr. Ken Fujioka, monitored 100 men and women on the Grapefruit diet. Participants who ate grapefruit lost an average of 3.6 pounds and those who drank grapefruit juice lost an average of 3.3 pounds. However, many of the participants lost more than 10 pounds during the study. The participants did not change any of their existing diet except to include grapefruit or grapefruit juice to each meal.
Other Benefits
Another benefit of adding grapefruit to your diet is that researchers believe grapefruit reduces insulin levels, which help with weight loss. A high level of insulin indicates your body is not utilizing sugar for energy and the excess sugar can be converted and stored as fat on your body. High levels of insulin can also make people feel hungry even though they just ate! Studies indicate the consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice helps to lower the insulin levels, allowing the body to more effectively burn energy, increase the metabolic rate, and give us the feeling of being full.
Side Effects
If you are taking any medication, you should speak to a professional before starting this diet. Research has proven that grapefruit and grapefruit juice interacts with some medications causing potential side effects. Grapefruit inhibits an enzyme in the intestines, which provides for breakdown and absorption of many medications. Toxic side effects can happen when this process is blocked.
Many years of nutritional research has taught us that eating a wide variety of foods is the best way to lose weight. Restrictive diets that fall below 1,100 calories per day can be damaging. Many nutritional experts agree that more research is needed before results are conclusive. There is one thing to take comfort in, grapefruit will not damage your health, will boost your immune system due to the hight vitamin C content and should help with your weight loss program.
The grapefruit is a large orange-like fruit that belongs to the citrus family. It is a somewhat "new" addition to the family, deriving from a natural cross-breeding between orange and pomelo, thus its size.
The diameter of a grapefruit, depending on its variety, can range between four and six inches. Its albedo (the white matter under the skin) is about a quarter to half an inch thick. The fruit's skin looks like that of an orange, but its flesh comes in white, pink or red.
It is called a grapefruit simply because it grows in clusters, like grapes. The taste of a grapefruit can be bitter and sour but it has so many health benefits.
Nutritional Benefits
Grapefruit doesn't only contain vitamin C which is commonly known to be protective against cold or flu. It is not just one nutrient that helps prevent a certain disease, but rather the combination of several ingredients in it that does the trick. This is the kind of nutritional power that we can find only in the way God makes our natural food.
This juicy fruit contains citric acid, natural sugars, essential oils like limonene, pinene and citral. It has high amounts of vitamin C, and smaller amounts of vitamin A, B complex, E and K.
In the mineral department, larger amounts of calcium, folic acid, phosphorus, and potassium are found. The nutritive phytonutrients of this voluptuous fruit¾liminoids, flavonoids, lycopene and glucarates¾help fight cancer and various diseases.
The diameter of a grapefruit, depending on its variety, can range between four and six inches. Its albedo (the white matter under the skin) is about a quarter to half an inch thick. The fruit's skin looks like that of an orange, but its flesh comes in white, pink or red.
It is called a grapefruit simply because it grows in clusters, like grapes. The taste of a grapefruit can be bitter and sour but it has so many health benefits.
Nutritional Benefits
Grapefruit doesn't only contain vitamin C which is commonly known to be protective against cold or flu. It is not just one nutrient that helps prevent a certain disease, but rather the combination of several ingredients in it that does the trick. This is the kind of nutritional power that we can find only in the way God makes our natural food.
This juicy fruit contains citric acid, natural sugars, essential oils like limonene, pinene and citral. It has high amounts of vitamin C, and smaller amounts of vitamin A, B complex, E and K.
In the mineral department, larger amounts of calcium, folic acid, phosphorus, and potassium are found. The nutritive phytonutrients of this voluptuous fruit¾liminoids, flavonoids, lycopene and glucarates¾help fight cancer and various diseases.
Health Benefits
When eating or juicing grapefruit, peel off the skin but leave as much of the albedo intact as possible as it contains the highest amount of valuable bioflavonoids and other anti-cancer agents.
Acidity: Although grapefruit has a sub-acid taste, its juice actually has an alkaline reaction after digestion. This has a profound effect in the treatment of acidity in the digestive system that causes a host of other health problems.
Atherosclerosis: Pectin in this fruit has been found to be effective in reducing the accumulation of arterial deposits, and the vitamin C helps to strengthen and maintain the elasticity of arteries.
Breast cancer: In another study, the bioflavonoids found in grapefruit was discovered to even halt cancer cells from spreading in breast cancer patients, by ridding the body of excess estrogen.
Common cold: A common cold is usually your body telling you that you are overworked. A regular drink of grapefruit during a stressful period gives your immune system the boost needed to prevent it coming on.
Cholesterol: A certain compound found in grapefruit helps reduce the excessive production of cholesterol from the liver.
Diabetes: A diabetic can safely eat a grapefruit. In fact, more consumption of this fruit will help reduce the starches and sweets in the system. If you have a tendency towards diabetes, consume more grapefruit juice to prevent it.
Digestive disorder: This juice helps to promote digestion by increasing the flow of gastric juices. Eat the fruit together with its albedo and pith for their extra fiber that aids bowel movements.
Fatigue: At the end of a long and tiring day, drink a glass of grapefruit juice with lemon juice in equal parts with a little honey, to dispel all fatigue and tiredness.
Fever: Besides drinking plenty of fluids, also drink grapefruit juice to reduce fever.
Insomnia: A drink of grapefruit juice before bedtime, helps to promote sleep and alleviates insomnia.
Pregnant woman: The bioflavonoids and vitamin C help to reduce water retention and swelling of the legs during pregnancy.
Sore throat: Drinking a freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice helps relieve sore throats and soothes coughs.
Stomach and pancreatic cancer: The anti-cancer agents in grapefruit (especially in the albedo) are particularly protective against these cancers in the digestive system.
Weight-loss: This fruit has a fat-burning enzyme and can help to absorb and reduce the starch and sugar in the body. It is widely consumed by people who are trying to lose weight. If you don't fall under the category of people mentioned below (look at "Caution" colum), then take a glass of grapefruit juice twice a day and eat normally.
When eating or juicing grapefruit, peel off the skin but leave as much of the albedo intact as possible as it contains the highest amount of valuable bioflavonoids and other anti-cancer agents.
Acidity: Although grapefruit has a sub-acid taste, its juice actually has an alkaline reaction after digestion. This has a profound effect in the treatment of acidity in the digestive system that causes a host of other health problems.
Atherosclerosis: Pectin in this fruit has been found to be effective in reducing the accumulation of arterial deposits, and the vitamin C helps to strengthen and maintain the elasticity of arteries.
Breast cancer: In another study, the bioflavonoids found in grapefruit was discovered to even halt cancer cells from spreading in breast cancer patients, by ridding the body of excess estrogen.
Common cold: A common cold is usually your body telling you that you are overworked. A regular drink of grapefruit during a stressful period gives your immune system the boost needed to prevent it coming on.
Cholesterol: A certain compound found in grapefruit helps reduce the excessive production of cholesterol from the liver.
Diabetes: A diabetic can safely eat a grapefruit. In fact, more consumption of this fruit will help reduce the starches and sweets in the system. If you have a tendency towards diabetes, consume more grapefruit juice to prevent it.
Digestive disorder: This juice helps to promote digestion by increasing the flow of gastric juices. Eat the fruit together with its albedo and pith for their extra fiber that aids bowel movements.
Fatigue: At the end of a long and tiring day, drink a glass of grapefruit juice with lemon juice in equal parts with a little honey, to dispel all fatigue and tiredness.
Fever: Besides drinking plenty of fluids, also drink grapefruit juice to reduce fever.
Insomnia: A drink of grapefruit juice before bedtime, helps to promote sleep and alleviates insomnia.
Pregnant woman: The bioflavonoids and vitamin C help to reduce water retention and swelling of the legs during pregnancy.
Sore throat: Drinking a freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice helps relieve sore throats and soothes coughs.
Stomach and pancreatic cancer: The anti-cancer agents in grapefruit (especially in the albedo) are particularly protective against these cancers in the digestive system.
Weight-loss: This fruit has a fat-burning enzyme and can help to absorb and reduce the starch and sugar in the body. It is widely consumed by people who are trying to lose weight. If you don't fall under the category of people mentioned below (look at "Caution" colum), then take a glass of grapefruit juice twice a day and eat normally.
Consumption Tips
Choose grapefruits like how you would oranges¾firm and springy to the touch. If you can, choose the pink and red variety which are slightly sweeter.
Keep grapefruits at room temperature before juicing to get the most out of it. To prepare, quarter the fruit and peel off the skin.
If you find the grapefruit juice too bitter or sour, mix with a little honey or with juices of other sweeter fruits.
Caution
Grapefruit contains high levels of flavonoid naringin that will reject synthetic man-made drugs. This is beneficial for our human cells because it helps to recognize alien compounds which should not be in our body, therefore, are treated as toxins.
The presence of grapefruits may halt the metabolism of these drugs, leaving the drugs in your body thus creating the risk of toxic poisoning. Doctors may tell you that grapefruit is the cause of the toxicity, but in fact, it is really the drugs that is causing the toxicity.
If you are not under medication, grapefruit juice can do a world of good. However, despite all its goodness, always remember to take only in moderation. Excessive consumption of any citrus juices can leach calcium from the body system, causing decay of the bones and teeth.
Choose grapefruits like how you would oranges¾firm and springy to the touch. If you can, choose the pink and red variety which are slightly sweeter.
Keep grapefruits at room temperature before juicing to get the most out of it. To prepare, quarter the fruit and peel off the skin.
If you find the grapefruit juice too bitter or sour, mix with a little honey or with juices of other sweeter fruits.
Caution
Grapefruit contains high levels of flavonoid naringin that will reject synthetic man-made drugs. This is beneficial for our human cells because it helps to recognize alien compounds which should not be in our body, therefore, are treated as toxins.
The presence of grapefruits may halt the metabolism of these drugs, leaving the drugs in your body thus creating the risk of toxic poisoning. Doctors may tell you that grapefruit is the cause of the toxicity, but in fact, it is really the drugs that is causing the toxicity.
If you are not under medication, grapefruit juice can do a world of good. However, despite all its goodness, always remember to take only in moderation. Excessive consumption of any citrus juices can leach calcium from the body system, causing decay of the bones and teeth.
Nice information Neetu!
[quote]I never knew about the grapefruit.I am not sure whether it is available in our markets. Same thing about avocado.Even though its available, its costly.But anyway it was a very good post.I think we may prepare a list of nutritious foods which are cheap as well as easily available [/quote]
I happen to agree with Rajesh! Also from environmental point of view, eating more of foods that are available and produced locally is more beneficial! Fruits such as avocadoes, Kiwi, grapefruit etc that are imported from other countries are also very expensive even if available and are not economical.
[quote]I never knew about the grapefruit.I am not sure whether it is available in our markets. Same thing about avocado.Even though its available, its costly.But anyway it was a very good post.I think we may prepare a list of nutritious foods which are cheap as well as easily available [/quote]
I happen to agree with Rajesh! Also from environmental point of view, eating more of foods that are available and produced locally is more beneficial! Fruits such as avocadoes, Kiwi, grapefruit etc that are imported from other countries are also very expensive even if available and are not economical.
Thank you,Grapefruit is believed to be native to Jamaica. It is sometimes confused with the pomelo (Citrus maxima), which is a close relation but is larger and pear-shaped.
The grapefruit tree can grow to a height of 26 to 30 feet. Grapefruits are round, with a diameter of between 4 and 6 inches. Their thin skin may be either completely yellow or yellow with a pinkish hue. The pulp of the fruit may be yellow, pinkish, or reddish. It can be more or less sharp-tasting, acidic, sweet, and fragrant.
The United States is the largest producer of grapefruit, accounting for over 40% of global production. Approximately 60% of the grapefruit crop is used for the manufacture of juice and canned grapefruit, while the rest is sold fresh.
The grapefruit tree can grow to a height of 26 to 30 feet. Grapefruits are round, with a diameter of between 4 and 6 inches. Their thin skin may be either completely yellow or yellow with a pinkish hue. The pulp of the fruit may be yellow, pinkish, or reddish. It can be more or less sharp-tasting, acidic, sweet, and fragrant.
The United States is the largest producer of grapefruit, accounting for over 40% of global production. Approximately 60% of the grapefruit crop is used for the manufacture of juice and canned grapefruit, while the rest is sold fresh.
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neetu jain
@neetu020784
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Saturday, 25 December 2010 11:45
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