The Grapefruit Diet, historically known as The Hollywood Diet, was widely popular in 1929 as a way to quickly and effectively lose weight. It was followed over the span of 12 to 18 days and consisted of half a grapefruit for lunch, another half for dinner and a small serving of protein with an occasional supplement of toast or tomato. Due to the diet’s clear health risks, it is referred to as a "fad diet." Adding grapefruit to your diet to help reduce cholesterol -- high cholesterol being one of the main causes of bypass surgery -- may be beneficial, however. Bypass patients must follow a strict diet set by their physician. Never make any modifications unless you first speak with your doctor.
Bypass Surgery
Bypass surgery is typically necessary if you have one or more blockages in your coronary arteries, those responsible for supplying the heart with oxygen and nutrients from the blood. If any of these arteries becomes partially or completely blocked, the heart does not get enough blood. This is referred to as "coronary artery disease." Sufferers often experience chest pain, which is commonly a precursor to a heart attack. The surgeon usually replaces the clogged artery with a vein from your leg, ankle or groin.
Grapefruit and Heart Health
A half a grapefruit is only about 60 calories but contains 6 grams of fiber. Red grapefruit in particular can help reduce your risk of heart disease, according to a 2006 article published in the “Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.” The study included 57 patients who recently underwent bypass surgery for high blood cholesterol and who did not respond to typical cholesterol-lowering medication. Researchers found that patients given grapefruit, both the blonde and red varieties, exhibited significant decreases in blood lipid levels; those given red grapefruits showed a larger decrease, especially in triglycerides.
Beneficial Components
The main component responsible for grapefruit’s cholesterol-lowering effects is pectin. Pectin is a soluble fiber found mainly in the peel and pulp of citrus fruits like grapefruit. The component in red grapefruit that makes it more effective than the blonde variety is still unclear, however. It may be due to antioxidative phytonutrients like lycopene that inhibit the formation of cholesterol, although further research is necessary.
Dangers
Although adding grapefruit to your diet -- especially if you’re pre- or post-bypass surgery -- can help keep your coronary health in check, speak with your physician before doing so. Grapefruit can interfere with cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins, and antihistamines by inhibiting their absorption in the intestines.
References
- MedlinePlus: Heart Bypass Surgery
- ScienceDaily: Red Grapefruit Appears to Lower Cholesterol, Fight Heart Disease
- The Perricone Weight-Loss Diet; Nicholas Perricone
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Pectin
- Bastyr Center for Natural Health: Red Grapefruit Fights Heart Disease
- Hollywood Dish; Akasha Richmond
