Grapefruit contains a number of nutrients, from vitamin C to potassium. It also contains pectin, a type of fiber associated with improving cholesterol levels. Evidence indicates that grapefruit extract contains certain compounds that have a beneficial effect on enhancing weight loss. Consult your health care provider before taking grapefruit extract.
Nootkatone
Grapefruit extract contains a compound called nootkatone, which might increase weight loss, according to a study conducted by researchers at Kao Corporation in Japan. They discovered that nootkatone activates AMP-activated protein kinase, or AMPK, which increases energy expenditure and raises your metabolism. In fact, mice following a diet rich in nootkatone experienced decreases in body weight, particularly around the stomach region. Further research on humans is necessary. The findings were reported in the May 2010 issue of the "American Journal of Physiology Endocrinology and Metabolism."
Weight Loss
Scientists from Scripps Clinic examined the impact of grapefruit and grapefruit products on body weight in obese patients. They observed that participants consuming grapefruit capsules with 7 oz. of apple juice three times a day before each meal experienced greater decreases in body fat compared with those consuming a placebo. Researchers are unsure of the mechanism responsible for grapefruit's ability to induce weight loss, according to research published in the March 2006 issue of the "Journal of Medicinal Food."
Grapefruit Extract
Researchers from France investigated the effects of a polyphenolic citrus dry extract called SINETROL, which contained extracts of grapefruit, red orange and orange, on human body fat. Subjects consumed 1.4 g of SINETROL or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, which was published in the October 2008 issue of "Phytomedicine," researchers observed that the SINETROL group lowered their body fat compared with those consuming a placebo.
Interactions
Although grapefruit extract seems to be effective for inducing weight loss, it may interact with certain medications, such as Buspirone and Sertaline, and lead to serious side effects, according to MayoClinic.com. Consult your health care provider before taking grapefruit extract.
References
- "American Journal of Physiology Endocrinology and Metabolism"; Nootkatone, a Characteristic Constituent of Grapefruit, Stimulates Energy Metabolism and Prevents Diet-Induced Obesity By Activating AMPK; T. Murase et al.; May 2010
- "Journal of Medicinal Food"; The Effects of Grapefruit on Weight and Insulin Resistance: Relationship to the Metabolic Syndrome; K. Fujioka et al.; March 2006
- "Phytomedicine"; Lipolytic Effect of a Polyphenolic Citrus Dry Extract of Red Orange, Grapefruit, Orange (SINETROL) in Human Body Fat Adipocytes; C. Dallas et al.; October 2008
- Mayo Clinic; Grapefruit; November 2010
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