Texas Grapefruit for Better Heart Health

In spite of all the process medical professionals have made, heart disease remains America's number one killer. Over six hundred thousand citizens lose their lives each year because of a coronary event. That's about one person every minute! Thankfully, doctors are able to save more than half of heart patients, but many are left with life-changing disabilities. The most common type of heart disease is coronary heart disease, which often results in a
heart attack.

What can we do to prevent it?

No matter your personal or family history, you can take steps to reduce your risk of heart disease. A healthy diet and an active lifestyle are your best weapons to fight this deadly foe. Let us take a moment to review a few simple dietary tips:

• Replaces red meat with lean meats like poultry and turkey. Remove the skin and trim any excess fat before cooking.
• Replace whole milk with skim or 1% milk.
• Cut out foods that are high dietary cholesterol.
• Cut back on salt/sodium.
• If you drink alcohol, consume it only in moderation.
• Keep a close eye portion sizes.
• Stop snacking or chooses healthy snack foods.

All of the aforementioned are important guidelines to follow. But perhaps the best advice we can give you today is to eat more fresh fruit. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 32.5 percent of Americans get the recommended two servings of fruit daily. That's less than a third. The slow and steady decline of fresh produce from the American diet has had an expansive effect on our waistlines. At the end of the day modern snacks are not
nearly as good for us as the ones our elders ate, i.e., fruits.

The Heart Healthy Red Grapefruit

Of all the healthy fresh fruits out there, red grapefruit from Texas might just be the best when it comes to fighting heart disease. Studies have shown that red grapefruit contains more bioactive compounds and polyphenols, which many medical professionals believe may have a positive effect on blood and cholesterol levels.

Red grapefruit is also rich in a form of dietary fiber called pectin. Laboratories studies suggest that pectin may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, which is the most common cause of cardiovascular disease. Researchers believe that pectin may actually help prevent blockages by narrowing the arteries that lead to the heart.

All colors and varieties of grapefruit have been shown to reduce the levels of LDL, otherwise known as “bad cholesterol.” But only red grapefruit has been effective in lowering triglyceride levels in laboratory tests. Triglycerides are a type of lipid or fat, and having too much of it in your blood can lead to heart disease.

Farm Fresh Gifts Since 1926

For nearly a century, Pittman & Davis has shared the bold, sun-kissed flavors of the Rio Grande Valley and beyond. From tree-ripened citrus to smoked meats, pastries, and handcrafted specialties, every gift reflects the land it comes from, the people who craft it, and the unforgettable taste it delivers.

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