In addition to being a good source of vitamin C, potassium and dietary fiber, grapefruit contains potent antioxidants that are essential for overall health. Grapefruit can be pink, white or red. Research suggests that red grapefruit can have an abundance of benefits, from combating heart disease to protecting against cancer.
Improves Heart Health
Red grapefruit might improve heart health by lowering triglycerides, the most common type of fat found in the body, according to a study conducted by Shela Gorinstein and colleagues from Hebrew University in Jerusalem that was reported in the February 3, 2006 issue of the "Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry." They examined the effects of red grapefruit on triglyceride levels in patients suffering from coronary heart disease. Subjects received either a single serving of fresh white grapefruit, fresh red grapefruit or no grapefruit for 30 days. At the end of the study, researchers observed that both grapefruit groups had lower triglyceride levels, compared to those who did not receive grapefruit. Furthermore, the red grapefruit group's triglyceride levels were lower than the white grapefruit group's.
Treats Type 2 Diabetes
Consuming red grapefruit might help treat type 2 diabetes, a condition in which the body does not use insulin efficiently. Dr. Yaakov Nahmias and colleagues from Hebrew University in Jerusalem discovered that red grapefruit contains the antioxidant naringenin, which enhances glucose by improving insulin sensitivity. Increasing insulin sensitivity boosts glucose uptake by cells, thereby reducing high glucose levels. Scientists reported their findings in the August 25, 2010, issue of the journal "PLoS ONE."
Protects Against Cancer
Grapefruit's naringenin might also protect against cancer, according to a study conducted by researchers from UCLA and Sun Yatsen University. Scientists examined the effects of naringenin on DNA repair in prostate cancer cells. DNA repair reduces the risk of cancer, since it prevents cell mutation. The report, which was published in the February 2006 issue of the "Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry," revealed that naringenin was effective at repairing damaged DNA in cancer cells.
Interactions
Although red grapefruit has several benefits, it can react with certain medications, including BuSpar, Cordarone, Zoloft and Allegra, and cause serious side effects, according to MayoClinic.com. Therefore, consult your health care provider before consuming fresh grapefruit or grapefruit products, especially if you take any medication.
References
- Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry: Red Grapefruit Positively Influences Serum Triglyceride in Patients Suffering From Coronary Atherosclerosis
- Science Daily: Grapefruit's Bitter Taste Holds a Sweet Promise for Diabetes Therapy
- Nutra Ingredients: Grapefruit Flavonoid May Repair DNA, Protect Against Cancer
- MayoClinic.com: Grapefruit Juice: Beware of Dangerous Medication Interactions
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