McKinney Chiropractor;
Benefits of Grapefruit
Video by Dr. Bryan Stephens
Benefits of Grapefruit
I remember growing up and watching my parents eat grapefruit in the morning. I loved oranges and thought it was just a big orange. I was quite surprised when I took a bite and found it to be more tart than sweet like I was expecting. As time has passed, I have actually become quite fond of grapefruits and enjoy eating them as a tasty snack when they are in season. Not only are they refreshing, but they have quite a few health benefits as well.
One thing that has drawn people to grapefruits is a fad diet known as the grapefruit diet. By adding a grapefruit to each meal, people found that they were losing weight. There are a couple of reasons behind this that we now know to cause this. One reason is that, as large as grapefruits are, they are low in calories. Calorie cutting is a base for many diets and does assist with weight loss. Besides being low in calories, grapefruits have a decent amount of fiber. Foods full of fiber also help the body feel satiated more rapidly and for longer periods of time. This feeling of fullness helps keep the cravings at bay which further limits the calorie consumption caused by snacking. Now please, do not take this as “grapefruits are the only thing I should eat for weight loss.” They can help, but only when added to a healthy diet full of all our essential nutrients.
Along with weight control and calorie counting, grapefruits have also been shown to aid with insulin resistance. Insulin is required for our cells to absorb glucose from the blood. Insulin resistance occurs when our cells are placed in stressed environments caused by inactivity, poor diet, psychological and emotional stress, etc. which lead the body to have a lowered response to insulin and become unable to absorb glucose into the cell. This increased sugar in the blood leads to type 2 diabetes. One study found that adding grapefruit to the meal helped control not only insulin resistance, but also aided in the insulin level itself.
But wait, there’s more!
Grapefruit is also linked with heart health and lowered LDL cholesterol. This is thought to be the result of grapefruit having moderate amounts of potassium and fiber, both of which are known to aid in cardiovascular health. Add high antioxidants in the form of vitamin C, beta carotene, lycopene, and flavanones, and you begin to see the amazing fruit that the grapefruit really is. Try adding one to your next meal and see for yourself the benefits. Until next time, continue eating well!
RECIPE
1 ½ frozen cups spinach
3 wedges grapefruit (peeled)
2 cups water
Capsule of Innate Choice probiotic sufficiency ©
Add everything to blender and blend for 30 seconds or until smooth
References
Fujioka K, Greenway F, Sheard J, Ying Y. The effects of grapefruit on weight and insulin resistance: relationship to the metabolic syndrome. J Med Food. 2006 Spring;9(1):49-54. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2006.9.49. PMID: 16579728.
Dow CA, Going SB, Chow HH, Patil BS, Thomson CA. The effects of daily consumption of grapefruit on body weight, lipids, and blood pressure in healthy, overweight adults. Metabolism. 2012 Jul;61(7):1026-35. doi: 10.1016/j.metabol.2011.12.004. Epub 2012 Feb 2. PMID: 22304836.
Our Message
Our Chiropractors, located near Eldorado Pkwy. and Ridge Rd., know how to get you out of pain through better movement AND making sure you are getting the proper nutrients. We also teach our patients how to manage their stress for optimal health. When you are looking for a Chiropractor near you, choose one who will not only get rid of your back pain, neck pain, or headaches but who will also guide you to living a healthier lifestyle to keep you out of pain. So try this Smoothie to enjoy the Benefits of Grapefruit and let us know what you think!