Image via Wikipedia Grapefruit is part of the citrus family but it hasn't been in circulation for as long as oranges have been. Whereas there are references to oranges dating back 4,000 years, the first time we ever heard about grapefruit was in 1750 when it was referred to as the “forbidden fruit” of Barbados. The original name for the grapefruit was a shaddock. It was renamed grapefruit based on the fact that it grows in clusters much like grapes on a vine. Once grapefruit trees were transplanted to the US their popularity as a breakfast fruit grew. Sales for…

At the start of the new millennium, government health officials set what they believed to be modest dietary goals for the American people. The guidelines were designed to combat the growing obesity problem, which some healthcare professionals feared could reach epidemic proportions. A decade later, most Americans are still struggling to reach those “modest” thresholds. In fact, they are further away from them then they were ten years ago. One particular area of concern is the fruit and vegetable group. Health officials had hoped that 75 percent of Americans would be getting the recommended two servings of fruit each day…

There are two types of cholesterol, and grapefruit pectin is good to help lower the bad kind. Before we get into the benefits of grapefruit pectin on bad cholesterol, it is important to know exactly how cholesterol affects your body and why you only want the bad stuff to be reduced. First, the good stuff. Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is what is called good cholesterol. It is good because it helps maintain certain things in your body. LDL is proof that not all cholesterol is bad. As a matter of fact, some cholesterol is absolutely essential in your body…

Atherosclerosis is the medical term used to describe the hardening of the arteries. This condition is usually asymptomatic for years and many people have this condition but do not even know that they have it until they experience some major medical problems including ruptures and clotting on the arteries. Atherosclerosis can lead to fatal heart attacks or strokes. Fortunately, atherosclerosis develops over a long period of time and one can actually arrest its development through proper diet and eating plenty of grapefruit. Studies show that grapefruit contains elements that can help keep the arteries supple and elastic so if you…

Getting healthy is definitely one of the trendiest topics this day in age. Everyone is interested in getting fit to fit in. However, is a fit physique really the trendsetter in America? Currently, America's population as a whole, is extremely overweight. Obesity is a very dangerous state of living and the majority of American's are dealing with it. So how is it that a overweight society is so obsessed with health and thinness? Media plays a huge part. However, this leads the country to Google day after day tricks to get fit. After much research, its been discovered the secret…

Image by Stefanvds(.com) via Flickr If you've ever had a sour grapefruit before you know what its flavor can do. While they can be close to the tartness of a lemon, they can also reward you with being a sweet treat if you know how to look out for the right signs. A good chance of finding the best grapefruit is to select one that is grown in Florida as they have the best citrus growers in the nation. As you begin your search in your local market, you will need to know a few basics. Unless you want a…

When looking for a new snack to add to your diet that is both healthy and delicious, think fruit; but more importantly think grapefruit nutrition and how much you can benefit from this form of citrus. The value found in grapefruit nutrition is remarkable. They contain pectin which is an insoluble fiber that helps keep your colon cleansed and healthy. It does this by acting as a bulk laxative that swifts through your intestines at a pace that leaves little time for toxins within substances to penetrate your colon and also reduces the amount of time your waste is susceptible…