Second, the fiber in grapefruit may also boost heart health, given that a high fiber intake is associated with lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Additionally, it has been shown to lower the risk of death from heart disease ( 17). Half a grapefruit provides about 5% of your daily potassium needs ( 1, 16).Īdequate potassium intake is associated with a reduced risk of high blood pressure. These effects are likely due to the important nutrients that grapefruit contains, which play a role in keeping your heart functioning properly.įirst, grapefruit is fairly high in potassium, a mineral responsible for many aspects of heart health. They also showed improvements in total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels ( 15). In one study, people who ate grapefruit 3 times daily for 6 weeks experienced significant reductions in blood pressure over the course of the study. Regularly consuming grapefruit is thought to improve heart health by reducing risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol. Eating grapefruit may improve heart health Grapefruit may help reduce insulin resistance, which can lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.ĥ. Plus, eating fruit as a whole is generally associated with better blood sugar control and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes ( 14).

In one study, subjects who ate half of a fresh grapefruit before meals experienced a significant reduction in both insulin levels and insulin resistance, compared with the group of people who didn’t eat grapefruit ( 13). Insulin resistance ultimately leads to higher insulin and blood sugar levels, two primary risk factors for type 2 diabetes ( 12).Įating grapefruit may help control insulin levels, meaning it may have the ability to reduce your likelihood of becoming insulin resistant ( 13). It’s involved in many aspects of your metabolism, but it’s most commonly known for its role in blood sugar control ( 12). Insulin is a hormone that regulates many processes in your body. Insulin resistance occurs when your cells stop responding to insulin. Grapefruit may help prevent insulin resistance and diabetesĮating grapefruit regularly may have the potential to prevent insulin resistance, which can lead to diabetes. Its fiber and water content can promote fullness and reduce calorie intake.Ĥ. SummaryĮating grapefruit before meals may help with weight loss. This isn’t to say that grapefruit will produce weight loss on its own, but adding it to an already balanced, nutritious diet may prove to be beneficial. However, there were no significant differences in the reduction of waist size between the study participants who drank water, those who ate grapefruit, and those who drank grapefruit juice. For instance, one study found that participants experienced a reduced waist size when they consumed grapefruit daily with their meals ( 11). Several studies have found weight-reducing effects associated with consuming grapefruit. Grapefruit contains a decent amount of fiber - 2 grams in half of a medium-sized fruit ( 1).Īdditionally, grapefruit contains few calories but lots of water, which is another characteristic known to help with weight loss ( 10). This helps promote fullness and reduce calorie intake ( 8, 9).

It has several properties linked to weight loss, especially its fiber content. Grapefruit is a weight loss–friendly food. It contains several vitamins and minerals known for their role in protecting the body against infection. Grapefruit may benefit your immune system. They also help maintain the integrity of your skin, which acts as a protective barrier to infection ( 5, 6, 7).

These all work together in the body to promote immune system function.

Grapefruit also provides small amounts of B vitamins, zinc, copper, and iron. Vitamin A has been shown to help protect against inflammation and several infectious diseases ( 4). Many other vitamins and minerals found in grapefruit are known to benefit immunity, including vitamin A. Vitamin C has antioxidant properties known to protect your cells from harmful bacteria and viruses ( 2).Īdditionally, studies have shown vitamin C to be beneficial for helping people recover more quickly from the common cold ( 3). It’s prized for its high vitamin C content. Eating grapefruit regularly may be beneficial for your immune system.

Grapefruit lady