What Are the Benefits of Drinking Pink Grapefruit Juice?

What Are the Benefits of Drinking Pink Grapefruit Juice?
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Grapefruit is contains many nutrients including, potassium, vitamin C, calcium and phosphorous. According to Holistic Online, grapefruits are native to Jamaica. However, Holistic Online also reports that the United States is now the largest producer of grapefruit, which accounts for a global production of over 40 percent. Pink grapefruit contains high amounts of lycopene and beta carotene, which is converted to vitamin A. These benefits make the juice from pink grapefruits especially healthy.

Prevention of Heart Disease

According to the Bastyr Center for Natural Health, coronary artery disease is a leading cause of death in the United States. Coronary artery disease causes blood vessels which supply blood to the heart to become hard and narrow due to plaque buildup. This causes an increased risk for heart attacks. Drinking pink grapefruit is an excellent way to help prevent this medical condition. If you already suffer from heart disease, the Bastyr Center reports that pink grapefruit juice can help to reduce your cholesterol and triglycerides. In fact, HolisticOnline.com notes that grapefruit juice is high in pectin, which is a soluble fiber that actually helps to lower blood cholesterol levels. However, if you do not suffer from heart disease, drinking pink grapefruit disease still offers benefits because it can lower the risk of your suffering from this condition in the future.

Cancer Prevention

According to HolisticOnline.com, since pink grapefruit juice has a high amount of lycopene it may be helpful with lowering the risk of prostate cancer. In fact, research done in 2007 by L. Jian, A.H.Lee, and C.W. Binns published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that pink grapefruit could actually help to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Pink grapefruit also contains phenolic acid that according to HolisticOnline.com helps to prevent cancer--causing nitrosamines from forming. In addition, grapefruit juice also contains bioflavonoids that help to inhibit hormones that can cause tumor growth. In addition, Juicing for Health reports that the bioflavonoids can help to halt breast cancer cells from spreading because it helps to rid your body of any excess estrogen.

Dieting and Digestion Aid

According to Organic Facts, drinking grapefruit juice can help you to increase your metabolic rate, lower your insulin levels, make you feel fuller.This can be very beneficial if you are dieting and trying to lose a few pounds. In addition, drinking pink grapefruit juice can also help to improve your digestion by stimulating the flow of your digestive juices, as reported by Organic Facts. Organic Facts also reports that drinking a glass of pink grapefruit juice before bed can help you to fill up and reduce hunger pangs at night, which can actually help you sleep better.

References

Article reviewed by Lisa Dittrich Last updated on: Sep 27, 2010

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