Research on the components of grapefruit has revealed benefits to human health. Consequently, natural product manufacturers have developed formulations of pureed whole grapefruit that has been dried using a heat-sensitive process to preserve nutrients. One such patented product is CitraSens, which has been incorporated into grapefruit spplement capsules available at Rite-Aid stores and General Nutrition Centers. Four grapefruit powder benefits are listed below.
Lowers Cholesterol Level
J. J. Cerda and colleagues studied the effect of grapefruit pectin on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and also on other substances in human volunteers. The results show that grapefruit pectin added to any diet can lower blood cholesterol levels.
Achieves Weight Loss
K. Fujioka and coworkers divided obese patients into several groups. Each group consumed a different form of grapefruit except for the control group, which received a placebo. After 12 weeks, the grapefruit group lost the most weight, the juice group lost almost the same weight, and the grapefruit powder capsules group lost less weight than the former two, but still more than the placebo group.
Lowers Cancer Risk
Grapefruit pulp powder and specifically a phytochemical called limonin, were studied for effects on colon cancer in rats. The researchers report that the limonin in grapefruit pulp powder may suppress colon cancer.
K. K. Mandadi and team state, "Citrus limonoids have been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer in colon, lung, mouth, stomach and breast in animal and cell culture studies." In their report of a red grapefruit seed powder study, the researchers note that they successfully purified and identified five bioactive limonoids, including limonin, from the grapefruit seed powder.
Scientists extracted a substance, aurapten, from grapefruit peel, which has been previously reported to inhibit cancer in rats. The team suggests that aurapten can readily be recovered from peel oil and used as a food additive in agricultural products to prevent cancers.
The red pigment phytochemical, lycopene, is present in red grapefruit, as well as in tomatoes and watermelon. It is well known that lycopene inhibits cancers of the prostate, lung, stomach, colon and breast.
Lowers Blood Glucose
Fiber supplements enhance blood glucose control, necessary for people with diabetes. Grapefruit pectin powder taken with water before meals forms a gelatinous mass in the stomach, which slows down the absorption of glucose from the meal and reduces the amount of calories absorbed.
Warning
Grapefruit and its products can increase the action of some pharmaceutical drugs. Confer with your doctor if you are taking medications to see how grapefruit might interact with it. It may be possible to lower your dose of medication.
References
- "Clin Cardiol"; The effects of grapefruit pectin on patients at risk for coronary heart disease without altering diet or lifestyle; Cerda JJ et al; 1988; 11(9):589-594
- "J Med Food"; The effects of grapefruit on weight and insulin resistance: relationship to the metabolic syndrome; Fujioka K et al; 2006; Spring; 9(1):49-54
- "Carcinogenesis": Suppression of colon carcinogenesis by bioactive compounds in grapefruit; Vanamala J et al; 2006; Jun; 27(6):1257-65
- "Z Naturforsch C"; 2007; Mar-Apr; 62(3-4):179-88
- "J Agric Food Chem"; 2002; May 22;50(11):3193-96
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