Eat Grapefruit for the Fiber
There are many compelling reasons to eat a grapefruit a day. One of the newest members of the citrus fruit family, the grapefruit is fat and cholesterol free. It is also low in calories and high in vitamin C. But perhaps the single best reason to eat grapefruit is for the dietary fiber. The average American gets only 15 grams of fiber a day, according to the American Heart Association. That's just half of the recommended 30 grams per day!
What is fiber and why is it important? Fiber provides the basic framework of a fruit or vegetable, sort of like the skeleton in human beings. It allows them to keep their shape and to stand up straight, when they have to. Ironically, the fact that people cannot digest fibers is what makes it so good for us. You see, fiber passes right through the small intestine, into the colon, and out of the body. In so doing, it cleanses the digestive system by promoting regular bowel movements.
Studies have proven that people with eat high fiber diets have much lower rates of digestive disorders and disease, especially colon cancer. There is also ample evidence to suggest that fiber can reduce the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. Why isn't everyone eating fiber then?
The simplest explanation is that getting fiber into your diet isn't always easy. There are only a handful of foods that are a good source of dietary fiber and most of them are not particularly appetizing. These include bland foods like lentils, brand, and oats. Lima and kidney beans are other high fiber foods that probably wouldn't make the list of palatable food entries.
And when it comes to fruits, the grapefruit is near the top of said list. In fact, it is second behind the expensive and occasionally hard to find raspberry. The average grapefruit contains 12 grams of dietary fiber, more than a third of the recommended daily intake. But since most people only eat half of a grapefruit, a typical serving has around 6 grams of fiber.
We recommend introducing high fiber foods into your diet very slowly over a period of several weeks. This gives your body the time it needs to adjust to the changes that occur when you eat grapefruit and other high fiber foods. Trust us, if you suddenly double your dietary fiber intake you will never get off the toilet. It is better to simply take it slow and eat grapefruit only a few times a week to start. Once your body has adjusted, you should shoot for at least 25-30 grams each day. But like anything in life, moderation is the key. Getting too much fiber can actually be bad for you. No, it won't cause any serious illnesses. But it will upset your stomach and cause insufferable gas.
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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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