Grapefruit weight loss – Citrus Paradisi
The Citrus Paradisi, ‘grapefruit’ being its official name, originated in Jamaica from a cross between the CitrusMaxima (Pomelo) and Citrus Sinensis (Orange).
Grapefruit weight loss – Tree
The Citrus Paradisi can grow up to 15 metres high. The tree grows in freeze-free regions with a lot of rain but with summery temperatures. The plant has thin dark green leaves and white flowers. Depending on the species the pulp is white, pink or yellow in colour, with an acidic and slightly bitter taste. Until the end of the 19th century the grapefruit was grown as an ornamental plant and it was not until later that the fruit’s delicious pulp was discovered.
Grapefruit weight loss – Nutrients
The fruit consists of 90% water and is also a source of vitamin C and potassium. Potassium plays an important role in the fluid balance in your body, the proper conductivity of your nerve impulses and the contraction of your muscles. Vitamin C is associated with increased resistance, increased iron absorption, strengthening of the connective tissue and consequently a faster wound healing effect. It also has a positive effect on fat burning (see lemon too).
In the nutrient profile of Citrus Paradisi you can also find flavonoids such as naringin, and lycopene. Furanocoumarins (including bergamottin), β-carotenoid and d-limonene
The phytonutrient limonene, like curcumin, causes an increase in the glutathione level. Glutathione is an internal antioxidant that triggers a reaction in the liver so that the toxic substances become more water-soluble and are eliminated from your body. So Limonene has a purifying effect on our body
Lycopene is a bright red flavonoid that can only be found in red fruits (including tomatoes, watermelons). It has strong antioxidative properties and, according to a study described in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, could reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
The most important flavonoid in grapefruit is naringin, which is responsible for the bitter taste of the fruit. Antinicrobial, anti-mutagenic, anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties are attributed to naringin. Studies in rats also have shown a lipid-lowering and anti-atherogenic effect (prevention of plaque formation, blood clotting and clogging of the blood vessels) for this flavonoid.
Grapefruit weight loss
Although few clinical studies are available, the grapefruit is known for assisting in weight loss. This would be due to the presence of pectin, a water-soluble fibre (see also acacia gum). But grapefruit is also presumed to promote metabolism and fat burning. A study indicates that this is the result of an increased activity of the CPT1a enzyme, that plays a role in fat-burning mechanisms.
In addition to its anti-obese properties, the concentration of glucose, insulin and triglycerides could improve and as a result have a positive effect on cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Grapefruit also has a cholesterol-lowering effect (it therefore should not be combined with cholesterol lowering medication). A clinical study confirms a reduced lipid level and improved cholesterol levels in obese patients.
SkinnyLove: grapefruit weight loss and more
The natural fruit fibres in grapefruit, lemon and tangerines in SkinnyLove ensure that harmful waste is broken down and excreted from your body. The acidic fruit fibres also cause a reduction in appetite. The prickly pear will promote the excretion of fats. The dietary fibres have a prebiotic effect, which means that they are a good source of nutrition for the body’s own bacteria linin the intestinal wall. This promotes intestinal peristalsis and therefore the bowel function.
Green coffee and green tea provide a better digestion.
The different herbs and spices, such as ginger and turmeric, each have their own specific effects and mainly provide a supportive effect when it comes to purifying the body.
Our scientific sources for grapefruit weight loss:
- etymologiebank.nl/trefwoord/grapefruit
- “Plants with potential use on obesity and its complications”, Excli Journal 2015:14:209-831
- Klaus Oberbeil, “Vitamines”, The house of Books, Vianen/Antwerpen, 2002
- Mallick et al., “Antihyperlipidemic effects of Citrus sinensis, Citrus paradisi, and their combinations”, J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2016 Apr-Jun; 8(2):112-118
- www.whfoods.com
- Jian L. et al., “Tea and lycopene protect against prostate cancer”, Asia Pac J Clin Nutr 2007;16 (Suppl 1):453-457