Grapefruit Is The New GREATfruit
Each month it seems like there’s a new trend to fight fat and stay healthy…this month’s pomegranate juice is next month’s acai berries. Not that I’m pretending that I don’t religiously follow these (sometimes superficial) trends in the health and wellness sphere, but once and a while you need to kick it old school to get exactly what you’re looking for.
Grapefruits are an excellent source of vitamin c and fiber, among other nutrients. They are best in season from winter to early spring (hence, why Grandma and Grandpa always ship them North for Christmas presents) and are one of the top ranked fruit juices in terms of antioxidant activity. Grapefruit is most commonly associated with lowering cholesterol levels, especially the red kind, as well as significantly increasing the production and activity of liver detoxification enzymes (think flushing out cancer causing toxins). This citrus is also said to increase the absorption of certain drugs.
One reason why I try to fill my grapefruit quota is for its tremendous fiber content when compared to its “peers” (one whole grapefruit/12 grams fiber vs. an orange/7 grams, apple/5 grams and a banana/4 grams). HOWEVER, you must eat the walls that separate the actual segments to get the full 12 grams of fiber (i.e. grapefruit juice does not pack as much fiber as you would think). I’m not encouraging the Grapefruit Diet (please tell me you haven’t been suckered into this one already), but definitely take advantage of the coming season and incorporate this fruit into your breakfast or afternoon pick me up snack.
Hi!
The grapefruit is an excellent fruit. I think if you are going to write “This citrus is also said to increase the absorption of certain drugs.” It is necessary to point out that the citrus also decreases the absorption of certain drugs. It’s miss leading to only say the positive.
Bex said this on October 22, 2009 at 11:44 PM |
Thanks for the feedback! This is certainly true and a significant point I should have emphasized. A grapefruit’s potential to increase/decrease absorption of certain drugs can act as a positive or even negative depending on the person and type of drug. My general rule of thumb (and I certainly don’t have my MD…although sometimes I wish!) is to discuss any and all side effects with your doctor before taking medication or combining with another substance. Thanks again for reading and glad that you like grapefruit as much as I do!
fitpost said this on October 23, 2009 at 12:02 AM |