Soba Grapefruit Diet

Soba Grapefruit Diet
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According to a study by the Nutrition and Metabolic Research Center at the Scripps Clinic, the grapefruit diet is a fad diet that has been in existence in the United States since at least the 1930s. The grapefruit has many nutritional and health benefits. The grapefruit diet saw a great revival when mixed with soba. This Japanese noodle increases the health benefits of the grapefruit.

The Grapefruit Diet

Participants in the grapefruit diet ate a half of grapefruit at each meal in order to lose weight, according to Dr. Ken Fujioka, a researcher at the Nutrition and Metabolic Research Center at Scripps Clinic. Grapefruit can help with weight loss when combined with a low-calorie diet and high fiber and vitamin C intake. By eating grapefruit, dieters are likely to feel full without consuming large numbers of calories.

Soba Noodles

Soba noodles are Japanese noodles made from buckwheat flour. They look similar to spaghetti and are cooked just like spaghetti. You can eat soba noodles hot or cold. According to the USDA, soba noodles are rich in wheat, vitamins B-1 and B-2, protein, and minerals. Soba noodles contain high levels of the minerals rutin and choline. Rutin and choline serve as antioxidants. Antioxidants can help to lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, boost metabolism, and maintain a healthy digestive system.

Soba Grapefruit Diet

By combining grapefruit and soba, you create a meal that is extremely healthy. You can reap the health benefits of both the grapefruit and the soba noodles. Dieters can try a noodle salad, which is topped with pieces of grapefruit. For added flavor, you can add bell peppers, cilantro, radishes, snow peas, and onion pieces to your salad. If your taste buds craze spice, peanut sauce is flavorful and full of nutrients.

Effectiveness

Dr. Fujioka and researchers at the Scripps Clinic conducted a 12-week pilot study on the effectiveness of a grapefruit diet. They monitored weight and measured metabolic factors, including insulin levels. One hundred men and women participated in the study. Over 12-weeks, participants who ate a half grapefruit with each meal lost 3.6 pounds. Those who drank grapefruit three times per day lost an average of 3.3 pounds. Many participants in the study did lose 10 pounds or more. Dr. Fujioka also indicates that participants did more than eat grapefruit; they changed their overall diet and increased exercise. The research team at Scripps Clinic believes there is a physiological link between grapefruit and insulin. Insulin assists with the regulation of metabolizing fat.

Warnings

The grapefruit is not the magic fruit it claims to be. While the grapefruit and soba noodles can help with weight loss, it is highly recommended by researchers at Scripps Clinic to maintain a healthy well-balanced diet. You should always consult your doctor before beginning the grapefruit soba diet or any other diet.

References

Article reviewed by GlennK Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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