Grapefruits are very delicious and healthy citrus fruits that have become popular in the last few years due to their natural slimming properties and health benefits. Grapefruits are rich in antioxidants and contain antibacterial properties. This citrus fruit provides a significant source of vitamins A, B, C, D, E and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper and iron.
In an effort to lose weight, we are always seeking various alternatives that help us burn fat more readily and complement our diet with the purpose of eliminating these extra pounds. In this article we will tell you how grapefruits can become your best allies to help you lose weight and notice good results in a short period of time. Are you interested in knowing how grapefruits, and grapefruit juice in particular, can help you lose weight?
Grapefruits are naturally “fat-burning”
Various studies have discovered that the frequent consumption of grapefruit juice is an excellent way to stimulate the burning of body fat and to lose weight more easily. However, to obtain results it is very important to complement the consumption of grapefruit juice with a healthy diet and exercise.
The weight loss power of grapefruit is mainly due to its high content of potassium and enzymes that are well known for their ability to speed up the elimination of fat. Grapefruits are made up of 90% water which helps to improve metabolism and lose weight more easily.
In weight loss diets it is essential to reduce as much as possible your caloric intake and lower your salt intake as well. In this sense, grapefruits make a large contribution, since they contain only 74 calories, depending on their size, and are very low in salt and rich in potassium.
Other important benefits of grapefruit juice
In addition to assisting with our weight loss diet, grapefruits also have other important benefits that are worth knowing and keeping in mind.
- Their properties help to combat problems with constipation and diseases of the urinary system.
- Their intense aroma is used in the production of essential oils for aromatherapy.
- Grapefruits contain pectin, which helps to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol in our body.
- They contain lycopenes which stimulate the elimination of toxins and all types of substances that are dangerous to the body.
- The consumption of grapefruit juice is ideal for persons who suffer from insomnia.
- Due to their high content of vitamin C, grapefruits also help to fortify the immunological system which helps to prevent colds, arthritis and other inflammatory processes.
- The grapefruit pectin helps to regulate metabolism and stimulate the burning of fat.
- The frequent consumption of grapefruit could help you prevent different types of cancers, since they contain a component called naringenin.
How to lose weight with grapefruit
If grapefruits have now grabbed your attention to complement your diet in an effort to lose weight, then follow these tips to take advantage of their many benefits.
The first option is to consume half of a grapefruit three times a day, before each main meal. This method is ideal to burn fat and lose weight, since in addition to activating the metabolism it also provides us with a sense of fullness.
The second option is to prepare a glass of freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice, which will help you to lose weight easily without making any sacrifices. To make your grapefruit juice you simply need to extract the pulp of a grapefruit by using a spoon and then mixing it in a blender with teaspoon of honey. Drink this juice about 20 minutes before eating your main meals and this will help you to burn the calories consumed in the food you eat.
It is also recommended to drink grapefruit juice to treat hypertension and heart disease.
When grapefruit consumption is contraindicated
Sadly the consumption of grapefruit is contraindicated if you are taking certain medicines. Among these are included antihistamines, analgesics, immunosuppressants and medicines to fight impotence, among others. Grapefruits can inhibit their effects and on the contrary they can increase them to the point of being counterproductive. For this reason it is very important to consult your doctor before beginning a diet using grapefruit.
In addition to this, grapefruits can provoke stomach acid so anyone who is susceptible to this type of health problem should avoid their consumption.