This makes it helpful in controlling allergies, since it reduces histamine levels. Maintaining good levels of vitamin C in the body can reduce the severity of cold symptoms, acting as a natural antihistamine. Micronutrient deficiencies of vitamins A, B6, C, and E have been found to alter immune responses in animals and are thought to have a similar effect on the human immune response. Vitamin C works with other micronutrients that provide good and regular nourishment for the body. It is well known any fruit rich in vitamin C will strengthen and support our immune system. “Lycopene appears to have propertied that help fight free radicals, which are compounds that can damage cells.” Add this low-calorie fruit to your diet today to uncover the great benefits of grapefruit for your health. "Pink and red colored grapefruit contain the antioxidant lycopene,” Blake told Medical Daily in an email. Lauren Blake, a registered dietician at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, believes we should opt for the pink- and red-colored varieties to reap the most benefits of this cancer-fighting fruit. The moon-shaped fruit is not only rich in vitamin C, but it also provides us with unexpected benefits - from our immune system to our metabolism. Although the slightly bitter and sour grapefruit may not cater to some taste buds, its red, pink, and white pulp varieties are loaded with vitamins and minerals, which add on to its touted health benefits. The Goods is a monthly column about food myths and facts by faculty members in the University of North Florida's Nutrition and Dietetics Flagship Program.Merely hearing the name of this juicy fruit, or seeing it in the produce aisle, can make our palates cringe and our face scrunch up. The nutritional value of the grapefruit varies with color (white, pink or red.) Red and pink grapefruit have a higher amount of vitamin A. It's rich in vitamin C, contains potassium and folic acid. Myth: A grapefruit is more nutritious than an orange.įact: Grapefruit is slightly less nutritious than an orange. Grapefruits don't lose their green color until they're exposed to cool temperatures of 39 to 50 degrees. Myth: The color of citrus fruit is a good indication of its ripeness.įact: The color of citrus fruits isn't a good indication of their ripeness and can't be relied upon to determine the best moment for picking. Also, a study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry revealed that enjoying one grapefruit a day can help lower "bad" LDL cholesterol levels by up to 20 percent and triglycerides by 27 percent. A recent study in mice showed that freshly squeezed grapefruit juice may decrease blood glucose and insulin levels, good news for those with diabetes. It can help support the immune system and protects the body against cancer, especially prostate cancer. Myth: Grapefruit does not provide any health benefits.įact: The health benefits of grapefruit are numerous. Grapefruit contains a compound that can decrease the level of an enzyme naturally present in the intestines that is involved with the breakdown of certain medications, so the blood level of those medications can actually increase, being equivalent to taking a higher dose. Myth: Grapefruit can be taken with all medications.įact: Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may have interactions with different medications, especially cholesterol-lowering drugs, heart medicines and some antidepressants. Half a grapefruit provides 60 calories and contains fiber, which will give you a feeling of fullness, helping curb your appetite. Grapefruit doesn't contain fat-burning enzymes, but it does contain a low amount of calories. Myth: Certain foods, such as grapefruit, can burn fat.įact: No food can burn fat. Andrea Altice, instructor in the Nutrition and Dietetics Flagship Program at the University of North Florida, discusses myths about grapefruit and provides tips - and a recipe - for including it in a healthy diet. Grapefruits are considered a "superfood" because they are jammed packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, nutrients and low in calories. The term "grapefruit" was first used in Jamaica in 1814, and it refers to the fact that grapefruits grow in clusters like grapes.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |