GRAPEFRUIT Here are some of the reasons why you should be juicing grapefruit. 1. Vitamin C Grapefruit is packed with vitamin C. As you may already know, vitamin C helps boost your immune system, which is necessary for fighting off and preventing infections and colds. Besides boosting your immune system power, vitamin C is a vitamin that prevents free radical damage that can cause inflammatory responses in your body. Some inflammatory conditions include asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis. (1) Free radicals are damaging to the body because they can oxidize cholesterol and this leads to atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries). Atherosclerosis can increase risks associated with heart disease and stroke. 2. Antioxidants Pink grapefruit contains antioxidants like lycopene. Lycopene is a carotenoid phytonutrient. (1) This antioxidant has anti-tumor properties. *Note: Lycopene is only contained in pink grapefruit, not white grapefruit. Grapefruit juice scored high in antioxidant activity. Phytonutrients like limonoids present in grapefruit inhibit tumor formation by promoting glutathione-S-transferase. (1) Glutathione-S-transferase is a detoxifying enzyme which helps break down toxins in the liver so that they become more water soluble and easier to excrete from the body. (1) 3. Cholesterol Grapefruit contains a water soluble fiber called pectin. Pectin has been shown to help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. The Hebrew University tested the antioxidant potential of blond and red grapefruits and their effects on cholesterol. Findings from this research study found that participants who added red or blond grapefruit to their diet had a reduction in LDL cholesterol levels in just 30 days, total cholesterol levels also decreased. (1) 4. Prevention of Kidney Stones, Colon Cancer & Lung Cancer, & Colon Cancer Grapefruit juice can also decrease risks of kidney stones by increasing execration of citric acid and pH value of urine also increased. (1) A study conducted found that drinking three 6 ounce glasses of grapefruit juice per day lowed the enzyme activity that is associated with cancer causing compounds. Antioxidant compounds increased the death of cancer cells and increased the production of normal functioning colon cells. (1) Grapefruit contains a flavonoid called naringenin which helps repair damaged DNA in prostate cancer cells. (1) 5. Balance of Insulin & Weight Loss Due to the water soluble fiber, grapefruit is a citrus fruit that may be able to balance insulin levels. (1) The Glycemic Load of grapefruit is 6. Anything below 10 is consider low. The soluble fiber also promotes weight loss. During the Alpha Reset it is a great idea to have a 6 ounce glass of grapefruit juice. This will aid in shedding weight while giving your body the nutrients it needs to function at an optimal level. Many of my clients juice grapefruit and they have seen amazing results from it. WARNING ABOUT GRAPEFRUIT INTERACTIONS Some prescription medications interact with grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Be sure to check with your physician before consuming grapefruit.
Posted on: Tue, 04 Mar 2014 05:23:57 +0000
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