Grapefruit is one of the citrus fruits that is associated to weight loss. Researches revealed that the antioxidant content of grapefruit stimulates the liver in breaking down fat at the same time enhancing the insulin sensitivity. Naringenin imitates the effects of anti-diabetic and lipid-lowering drugs.
This citrus fruit is rich in Vitamins A and C that helps to make the immune system strong and function properly. It’s also a good source of pectin, a soluble fiber that aids in reducing the cholesterol level (1).
Grapefruit also contains lycopene that combats free radicals and reduces the possibility of developing prostate cancer (2).
Citrus fruits like grapefruit contains polyphenols that are known to provide lipolytic effect or breaking down the stored fat. Polyphenols are highly beneficial to obese people in reducing large percentage of body fat. This means that eating grapefruit will surely aid in losing weight.
Grapefruit has lower calorie that may enables the body to burn fat efficiently. Likewise, the pectin present in this fruit also burn up the cholesterol in the blood and arteries.
Grapefruit Nutrition Facts
1 medium-sized grapefruit is loaded with over 80 nutrients including:
- Vitamin C (107.4%)
- Vitamin A (79%)
- Vitamin B1 (8.2%)
- Copper (13.2%)
- Fiber (11.2%)
- Potassium (10%)
- Pantothenic acid (14.4%)
- Biotin (8.4%)
How Does Grapefruit Works in Losing Weight?
Experts recommend consuming half a grapefruit before eating to achieve the goal of losing weight. This fruit is loaded with fiber that will keep you feel full longer. It is best to eat grapefruit during breakfast and a single serving offers 2 grams of fiber and 53 calories.
Does grapefruit help in burning fat?
Partly yes, but the core benefit of eating this fruit is that it makes you feel full longer due to the high water and fiber content that also curbs cravings. That’s why you should start your day eating grapefruit to prevent cravings and stimulate weight loss.
Grapefruit is just one of 30 Metabolism Boosting Foods.
Since eating grapefruit makes you satiated, thus keeps your blood sugar within the normal range. It also boosts your energy to endure workouts. As it cuts extra calories, it eventually aids in shedding unhealthy fat along with regular exercise.
You can activate the AMPK enzyme present in grapefruit while exercising. With this, the muscles utilize the stored fat and sugar and converted it to energy. Likewise, grapefruit also contains high level of nootkatone that activates AMPK.
In a study shows people those who ate half a fresh grapefruit before meals lost 2.9 pounds (1.3 kg) more weight than those who didn’t.
5 Health Benefits of Grapefruit
Cellulite reduction
Grapefruit also helps in reducing cellulite. This is possible by inhaling the grapefruit extract as it awakens the nervous system by almost 250%.
The fresh juice of grapefruit contains skin cleansing and anti-inflammatory agents having the enzyme bromelain that helps in breaking down cellulite.
Likewise, you can also use grapefruit essential oil that is applied onto your skin to detoxify skin, reduce cellulite and improve the circulation. All you have to do is to mix the essential oil with almond or coconut oil. Massage the oil mixture to achieve firm and toned skin.
Immunity
Starting your day eating grapefruit can boost your immune system. The pink and red varieties contain higher level of bioflavonoids that offer extra lift to your immune system. In fact, the decoction of grapefruit seed is used by Nigerian herbalists to treat diabetes and anemia. Therefore, to reverse the risk of developing chronic diseases is to consume this citrus fruit regularly.
Brain function
The grapefruit essential oil enhances the cognitive function due to the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. This enzyme breaks the neurotransmitter acetylcholine that has been used to treat various health conditions including Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, autism, lucid dreaming, glaucoma, Schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease.
Skin cleansing
Grapefruit is one of the active ingredients in many skin cleansing and cosmetic products. It helps to improve acne-prone skin making it oil-free. Likewise, it also clear away dirt that clogs the skin pore keeping skin free from impurities.
The natural acid content of grapefruit and the Vitamin C protects the skin and the quercetin improves the circulation. It is also rich in potassium that supports cellular cleansing and tightens the skin.
Improves indigestion
Aside from keeping you feel full longer, eating grapefruit also helps in solving indigestion. It keeps the excretory system regulated, thus makes the bowel movement easily. This is made possible by the vegetative pulp and fiber present in grapefruits.
Grapefruit Juice Recipe For Weight Loss
Ingredients
- 2 grapefruits (pink one)
- 1 lime
- 2 inch chunk of ginger
- 1 cup pure cranberry (for the best results)
Blend all ingredients in a citrus juicer. If you think it is too bitter then add a half cucumber to dilute this drink further.
Consuming of grapefruit is better than taking supplements in losing weight. The natural properties and enzymes present in this citrus fruit will lead the way to losing weight. Although it does not act directly on burning fat, but in a way it helps.
Read our 5 Weight Loss Supplements That Actually Work.
By keeping you feel satiated, you can avoid craving and eating too much. Likewise, it also improves your metabolism that plays significant role in shedding extra pounds.
However, as you want to lose weight naturally by eating grapefruit, you must be watchful with your diet. Make sure that you’re getting enough nutrients needed by your body.
Keeping in shape and healthy is everyone’s concern. See to it that you’re doing it right to achieve the best possible results.
is a registered dietitian with over 10 years of experience in the field of nutrition. She has a Master’s degree in Nutritional Science from Dhaka University and has worked with various clients to help them achieve their health goals through personalized diet plans. Mounota is passionate about educating people on the benefits of a healthy diet and lifestyle and has written extensively on the subject for various publications.
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