The Grapefruit and Weight Loss

Long before diets became de rigueur in America, people were eating grapefruit to shed pounds. The so-called grapefruit diet, also known as the Hollywood Diet, was one of the first fad diets. Its history can be traced back to the 1930s, shortly after the fruit became popular in America. The diet was a favorite of many young starlets who desperately needed to drop weight in between shoots. Unfortunately, it was also extremely dangerous. Though there were many different versions, the typical grapefruit diet called for a reduction of caloric intake, often below 800 calories per day. In the early years, many young women died because they were not consuming enough calories. Of course, this was not the grapefruit's fault.

Like many diet fads, the grapefruit diet was based on the claim that the breakfast fruit contains a fat-burning enzyme. This mysterious enzyme has never been identified. In other words, it does not exist. The grapefruit diet came into vogue because the grapefruit was seen as exotic, and by definition exotic things are unknown, which leaves us free to ascribe strange and supernatural properties to them.

Is the grapefruit a superfood?

Americans love neologisms, or new words. Perhaps it is because we inhabit a melting pot where other cultures are welcomed and new ideas and terms are readily accepted and incorporated. One of the most popular neologisms for dieters in America is the term superfood. What is it? Any food that is low in calories and high in calories could quite rightly be called a superfood. The overwhelming majority these so-called superfoods come from the fruit and vegetable group.

Like most citrus fruits, the grapefruit is fat and cholesterol free. It is also low in calories and chockfull of vitamins and minerals. And while it may not contain a magic, fat burning enzyme, the grapefruit is loaded with dietary fiber, which has been proven to promote weight lose. How does it work?

Because they are generally tough and require a lot of chewing, high-fiber foods boost our metabolic rate, which helps us burn calories. They also require more energy (calories) to break down as they move through the digestive tract.

The average grapefruit contains 12 grams of dietary fibers, half the amount we need each day. Only about one-quarter of Americans eat enough fiber on a daily basis, which might be why most of us are overweight. According to the latest numbers, nearly two-thirds of the population is overweight or obese. Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, especially those that are high in dietary fiber like the grapefruit, can help any dieter slough off the pounds safely and responsibly.

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.

Shop Now