7 reasons to include grapefruit in your daily diet

1. Good for the immune system

One of the most vital benefits of grapefruit is that it can boost your immune system. It is rich in vitamin C which will help you fight the common cold prevalent these days due to the change in the weather. Not only do grapefruits have abundant vitamins and minerals, they also pack a powerful antioxidant punch with lycopene and beta-carotene along with the phytonutrients limonoids and naringenin. 

2. Packed with vitamins

Studies show that eating half of a grapefruit per day will meet 64% of your vitamin C  28% of vitamin A, 2% of calcium and 2% of magnesium needs. They also contain small amounts of vitamin E, thiamin, rioboflavin, niacin, potassium, folate, zinc, pantothenic acid, phosphorous, manganese and copper. 

3.  Prevents kidney stone

Kidney stones are actually a build up of calcium and once developed, these stones must either pass through the urethra or they must be broken up medically. It’s an extremely painful condition but there are a lot of studies out there which show that the greatest benefit can be reaped through drinking up to a liter of grapefruit juice daily. The research as to why grapefruit juice increases the risk of kidney stones is inconclusive. 

4. Burns fat

Grapefruit juice is a natural fat burner. There are a lot of scientific studies that support this hypothesis and which reveal the amazing power of this wonderful fruit. Try reaping its amazing benefits by drinking a glass of grapefruit juice in the morning or half a galass of a grapefurit before each meal. Scientists from Kao Corporation in Japan investigated the effects of nootkatone, a compound found in grapefruit, on AMP-activated protein kinase, or AMPK. In the report, published in the American Journal of Phsyciology-Endocriniology and Metabolism, the investigators found that nootkatone increases energy expenditure and enhances fat loss, partly by activating AMPK. 

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5. Increases metabolism

One mechanism for losing weight is to speed your metabolism. Grapefruit will help speed up your metabolism thus, supporting your efforts to lose weight. Along with a proper diet and with exercise, it can help you lose up to two pounds a week. A 2011 study by Vanderbilt University in Tennessee found that participants lost about 7.1% body weight after 12 weeks following a diet that included grapefruit juice. In addition, researchers noted a reduction in body fat and waist circumference and said it was due to consuming grapefruit before meals. 

6. Liver cleanser

This wonderful fruit is a liver cleanser too. It actually helps your liver by cleansing unhealthy toxins from your body, so taking grapefruit in any form will make you feel better in the long term. Also, detoxification of the liver is said to improve overall health and it can even alleviate symptoms of chronic conditions, such as depression, stiff muscles, and chronic headaches. 

7. Reduces bad cholestrol

There are a lot of studies which have shown that grapefruit even reduces bad cholestrol. They indicate tthat LDL (the bad cholestrol) was lowered by 15% and triglycerides (another form of bad cholestrol) were found to be lowered 17% with regular grapefruit consumption. 

Published in The Express Tribune, November 30^th,  2015.

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