Healthy Friday: 5 Evidence-Based Health Benefits Of Grapefruit
Grapefruit is one of the lowest-calorie fruits. It provides a good amount of fibre in addition to more than 15 beneficial vitamins and minerals. It is a rich source of powerful antioxidant plant compounds which are probably responsible for many of its health benefits.
It boosts the immune system
Grapefruit is valued for its high content of vitamin C, which has antioxidant properties known to protect cells from harmful bacteria and viruses.
Many other vitamins and minerals found in grapefruit are known to benefit immunity, including vitamin A, which has been shown to help protect against inflammation and several infectious diseases.
It assists in controlling appetite
Research shows that a diet high in fibre-rich fruits induces feelings of fullness. This is because fibre slows the rate at which your stomach empties into the digestive system, increasing digestion time. Therefore consuming enough fibre may help you eat less by controlling your appetite.
It assists with weight loss
- Grapefruit has several properties linked to weight loss, especially its fibre and water content, which help promote fullness and reduce calorie intake.
- Research has shown that eating grapefruit daily with meals can reduce waist size.
- Grapefruit on its own will not produce weight loss, but adding it to a healthy diet may contribute.
Grapefruit could help prevent insulin resistance and diabetes
Insulin resistance occurs when cells stop responding to insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates many processes in the body including many aspects of the metabolism. It is most commonly known for its role in blood sugar control.
Insulin resistance ultimately leads to higher insulin and blood sugar levels, two primary risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
Eating grapefruit may help control insulin levels and thus may reduce the chances of becoming insulin resistant.
Your heart may benefit from eating grapefruit
Eating grapefruit regularly is thought to improve heart health by reducing risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol.
Grapefruit is fairly high in potassium, a mineral responsible for many aspects of heart health. Half a grapefruit provides about five percent of daily potassium needs. Enough potassium is associated with a reduced risk of high blood pressure.
The fibre in grapefruit may also boost heart health as a high fibre intake is associated with lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Story Credit: http://albertonrecord.co.za/150913/healthy-friday-5-evidence-based-health-benefits-grapefruit/
