Grapefruit
whether red, pink or white offer a number of health benefits. They contain a
number of vitamins and minerals such as potassium, vitamin C, calcium and
phosphorus. Grapefruit are low in calories and fat, so you can easily add this
fruit to your diet in different ways. Grapefruit are also high in lycopene and
fiber and have been seen to help treat heart disease, lower insulin levels and
even reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Consult your doctor before using
grapefruit to self-treat any condition.
Half
of a medium grapefruit contains approximately 70 percent of the recommended
amount of vitamin C for an adult, according to the United States Food and Drug
Administration. It also contains 2 percent of the recommended daily amount of
calcium for an adult. Grapefruit also contains a modest amount of dietary
fiber, carbohydrates, natural fruit sugar and protein. A half of a grapefruit
contains approximately 40 calories.
Lower Insulin
Grapefruit
may help in reducing levels of insulin in the blood, the Happy Nutritionist
reports, which can be helpful both for diabetics and those seeking to lose
weight. Not only are grapefruit a safe addition to a diabetic's diet, the
Organic Facts website adds, but the fruit can also help to reduce starch in the
body and even lower blood sugar levels. Health Guidance reports that enzymes in
grapefruit might also be able to help you control your insulin levels, which
increase after you eat. These enzymes can help you digest food more
efficiently, the site explains, which can lead to less fat accumulating in your
body thus reducing the risk of diabetes.
Heart Disease
Red
grapefruit helps to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides in individuals who
suffer from heart disease, the Bastyr Center for Natural Health reports.
Cholesterol and triglycerides cause a narrowing of the arteries, which leads
researchers to believe that, due to its effects on those substances, grapefruit
may also help to prevent other health problems that lead to heart disease. In
fact, the Health Guidance website reports, eating grapefruit can reduce high
blood pressure, another risk for heart disease. The site explains that high
blood pressure occurs when fats and cholesterol from the foods you eat
accumulate along your artery walls, narrowing your arteries and restricting
your blood flow. The Happy Nutritionist website adds that red and white
grapefruit contain powerful antioxidants
which also help curb the risk of heart disease. Antioxidants help to
oxygenate the blood and improve circulation throughout the body.
Prostate Benefits
A
study led by Dr. Le Jian and published in 2007 in the "Asia Pacific
Journal of Clinical Nutrition" found that grapefruit reduced the risks of
being diagnosed with prostate cancer by 82 percent. Researchers concluded that
lycopene of which pink grapefruit are a rich source was the catalyst behind
this improvement. The study further showed that regular consumption of pink
grapefruit could actually produce a protective effect good news for those at risk of prostate
cancer.
Good for Babies
Once
your baby reaches approximately 6 to 8 months of age, it's time to introduce
solid foods into her diet. After cereal, strained fruits and vegetables are the
most popular starter foods. Grapefruit, according to the United States
Department of Agriculture, are citrus fruits that come in a variety of colors.
This fruit is easy to prepare, rich in nutrients and can be added to yogurt or
pudding. Including grapefruit in your baby's diet can add a unique flavor,
dietary fiber and vitamins that can help keep your baby healthy. Check with
your physician before adding any food to an infant or toddler's diet.
Much
of the health benefit of grapefruit for babies lies in the vitamin, water and
fiber contained in the fruit. Although there is no recommended daily allowance
for vitamin C for infants, babies over the age of 1 require 15 milligrams
daily, according to the National Institutes of Health. Constipation, a common
condition in babies, can be decreased by the consumption of fiber-rich
grapefruit. Finally, the calcium found in grapefruit can add to other sources
of dietary calcium that the body uses to build and repair teeth and bones.
Caution:
Small
amounts of grapefruit, finely chopped, pureed or whole, depending on your
child's age, aren't likely to cause an adverse reaction. Any new food should be
introduced slowly and your child should be monitored initially for an allergic
reaction to citrus fruit. Consumption of grapefruit with inadequate tooth and
gum hygiene can lead to dental caries from the sugar in grapefruit and enamel
wear from the acid. Grapefruit also can cause an unwanted interaction with
several over-the-counter and prescription medications, such as antibiotics.
Considerations
If
you are considering feeding grapefruit to your baby, cut the fruit into
manageable pieces and stay with your child while he eats to decrease the risk
of choking. Vary the fruits you feed your child to round out the variety of
nutrients provided. Grapefruit that is not consumed should be covered in
plastic wrap or placed in a plastic container and used within two days.
Although many people prefer to eat grapefruit with sugar for sweetness, the
National Institutes of Health explains that sugar can contribute to dental
caries and can decrease appetite.
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