Trust me, if there’s anyone who hates diets, it’s me. The food is usually bland and I’m always hungry. I’ve wished for a super food my entire life, one that tastes good, fills me up, and is actually good for my health. Turns out, this food exists, but it’s not a healthy version of pizza or some Weight Watchers recipe — it’s grapefruit.
The juicy, tangy taste of grapefruit is not only amazing but extremely beneficial for your overall well-being. Grapefruit is the true “super food,” and here’s a few reasons why…
Benefits of Grapefruit:
The Antioxidant Lycopene
Lycopene is a carotenoid phytonutrient found in red and pink grapefruits. Studies have found it to have anti-tumor activity, decrease the risk of prostate cancer, and fight oxygen free radicals, which damage your body’s cells. When paired with green tea, this combination is a powerhouse for keeping your body healthy and full of antioxidants.
Vitamin C
A single grapefruit holds over half your daily value in Vitamin C. As we all know, Vitamin C is crucial to a healthy immune system and can even fight off cold symptoms. Next time you have a sore throat, eat a grapefruit.
Lowered Cholesterol
Studies have shown that incorporating grapefruit into your regular diet leads to a reduction in triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol. In addition, grapefruits contain a type of fiber called pectin, which significantly reduces the possibility of your arteries narrowing. If you or your family have a history of high cholesterol, adding a grapefruit to your morning routine might be a good idea.
Repairs DNA
Grapefruits carry a strong concentration of a flavonoid called naringenin, which has been shown time and time again to have the ability to repair damaged DNA cells, specifically those involved in cancer. Take a jump start on your future health and ensure that your DNA never gets to these dangerous levels.
Juice Prevents Kidney Stones
Grapefruit juice increases the citric acidity and pH value in your urine, therefore decreasing your chance of developing kidney stones.
Overall, grapefruit is the superman of all foods. In under 100 calories, you will feel refreshed and replenished, and your body will thank you. I recommend sprinkling some sugar on top of your grapefruit and eating it with a spoon, substituting your daily glass of orange juice with a glass of grapefruit juice, or adding it to simple recipes like a salad. It is truly a food that you cannot and should not live without – it is a power food.
Photo credit: akikoyanagawa via Foter.com / CC BY-SA
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