The controversial grapefruit diet has been around since the 1970s, according to DietHound.com. Most medical experts do not consider it a sound nutritional way to lose weight, but some people have lost 12 to 30 lbs. in less than two weeks. The diet involves eating half to a whole grapefruit before each meal and consuming approximately 800 calories during the entire day. DietSpotlight.com claims that grapefruit has a "fat burning enzyme" that helps raise the metabolism.
Nutritious
Grapefruit is an excellent source of many nutrients, including vitamin C, beta carotene, folate, calcium, iron and bioflavinoids. It also contains pectin, a water-soluble fiber, which helps decrease blood cholesterol. Pink grapefruit has lycopene, a nutrient that helps decrease the risks of certain types of cancer, including prostate cancer. Since grapefruit is approximately 90 percent water, you'll have the benefit of additional hydration that keeps the toxins flushed and your body energized. Grapefruit also has a natural form of quinine, according to Grapefruit-Diet.org. Quinine can help treat malaria, as well as provide relief for some forms of leg cramps.
Helps Weight Loss
According to Grapefruit-Diet.org, researchers have found that eating grapefruit helps reduce insulin levels, which aids in losing weight. The enzymes in grapefruit prevent excess sugar from being converted and stored as fat. As the insulin levels come down, the body burns energy more efficiently, the metabolism increases and your appetite should decrease. The pulp provides bulky fiber, which helps prevent and relieve constipation.
Easy Diet to Follow
The basic premise of the grapefruit diet is to fill up on grapefruit before each meal; therefore, it isn't as difficult to stay under the 800 maximum calories this diet allows. After eating this water-packed fruit, it won't take as much food from the meal to fill you up, so you'll be satisfied with much less. The limited amount of time, 12 days, isn't difficult to achieve. You don't need to take pills or any medication for the grapefruit diet. Exercise is not necessary to lose weight on this plan. Many people enjoy the taste of grapefruit, and it can be sweetened with a no-calorie sugar substitute. The diet's simplicity makes it easy to follow, no matter where you are, as long as you have access to grapefruit.
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