Grapefruits are full of vitamin C, antioxidants and minerals such as calcium and magnesium and are therefore little miracle weapons for the immune system.
But the cross between orange and grapefruit can do even more: In a study at the University of Arizona, researchers found that grapefruit can help you lose weight.
Grapefruit can help you lose weight
The study divided 74 overweight adults into two groups and followed them for six weeks. 42 of the 72 test subjects received half a grapefruit with every meal every day.
The remaining 32 participants formed the control group and maintained their previous diet without additional grapefruit.
After six weeks, the researchers noticed significant differences. The subjects’ blood pressure values improved; Weight loss and a significant waist reduction were also observed. These five properties in particular make grapefruit a weight loss aid.
1. Grapefruits have hardly any calories
Due to their large water content, grapefruits contain just 32 calories per 100 grams. An even lower-calorie snack is hardly possible.
2. Grapefruit is an absolute vitamin C bomb
With around 44 milligrams of vitamin C per 100 grams of pulp, grapefruit already covers more than half of an adult’s daily requirement.
This not only strengthens the immune system, but also promotes fat burning. Vitamin C also produces the hormone norepinephrine, which in turn increases the body’s calorie consumption.
3. Stimulates digestion
Pectin, a fiber, stimulates digestion and swells in the gastrointestinal tract. This means we feel fuller for longer and therefore eat less.
4. Grapefruit has a diuretic effect
The mineral potassium contained in grapefruit has a diuretic effect. This means that excess fluids in the tissue, such as water retention, disappear. At the same time, toxins are removed from the body.
5. Makes you happy
Ultimately, even the bitter taste of grapefruit has something good: the bitter substance naringenin influences certain proteins so that the liver preferentially breaks down fatty acids.
As if those weren’t enough reasons to include grapefruits in your meal plan, the scents also ensure that serotonin is released when consumed and makes us feel happier.
Do grapefruits really make you slim?
There are foods that particularly stimulate fat metabolism. These include lemons, ginger, cinnamon, chili peppers, green tea – and yes, even grapefruit.
Especially if you treat yourself to a grapefruit for breakfast, this has a huge impact on your metabolism and melts the fat in the long term – but only if you also pay attention to a balanced diet.
The fiber pectin also promotes digestion. The bitter substances in grapefruit also suppress the appetite, so that people generally eat less for breakfast and during the morning.
Include metabolism-stimulating foods in a balanced diet and pay attention to your daily energy balance – this is the key to general well-being and personal weight loss success without stress and the yo-yo effect. A grapefruit diet with an advertised 800 calories a day – which some media often like to report – should be avoided.”