Ways to Eat Grapefruit as a Superfood
Though there is no standard definition, a superfood is typically described as one that can confer various health benefits. Like the nostrums of old that were mixed by quacks and alchemists, they are often promoted as modern day panaceas. But do they really work? Today we will take a look at the grapefruit and its possible health benefits.
Arthritis
When a patient is diagnosed with a chronic form of arthritis, doctors typically recommend a modified diet. Since the foods we eat have an effect on the way our bodies operate, when our bodies change, so must our diets. Numerous studies have confirmed that grapefruit can alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with chronic arthritis. The fruit contains copious quantities of salicylic acid, which has been proven to dissolve calcium deposits in the joints that cause pain and inflammation. As a natural organic compound, the acid has been so effective at relieving pain in arthritis suffers that it has become a key ingredient in many prescription medications. Salicylic acid is also has anti-fungal properties and can be applied topically to affected areas.
Cholesterol
There are many ways to eat grapefruit, but all of them are good for your heart. Whether we are talking about fresh grapefruit or its juice, studies have proven that the antioxidants in the fruit are good for your heart. An antioxidant is a helpful little molecule that does battle with inimical free radicals, which are known to damage healthy cells. Because they contain additional antioxidants like naringenin, the pink and red varieties of grapefruit are even better for your heart than the standard white grapefruit.
Cancer
Before we begin this section, it is important to note that further testing is required before we proclaim that the grapefruit has anticancer properties. However, we can confidently state that most of the early evidence has been encouraging. In addition to antioxidants, which may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, the grapefruit also contains lycopene. Lycopene is a carotenoid that is found only in pink and red grapefruit, since it is responsible for its color. In numerous studies, the pigment has been shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer significantly. Again, more testing is needed, but researchers can hardly contain their enthusiasm. In one notable study, the subject group experienced an eighty percent reduction in incidence of prostate cancer!
Digestion
After the raspberry, the grapefruit contains more dietary fiber than any other fruit. Fiber is important because it improves the health of the digestive system by promoting regular bowel movements. These regular trips to the latrine help cleanse the body of harmful toxins and may even encourage weight loss. However, to receive the full benefits, you must know the ways to eat grapefruit for fiber. Because they contain eighty percent of the nutrient, people who need more fiber often consume the walls of the grapefruit. Yes, they tend to be a bit chewy at first, but you'll get used to them.
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