Grapefruit can help weight loss

Grapefruit, with its bitter sweetness, is a popular citrus fruit commonly eaten for breakfast to help kickstart digestion and aid in weight loss. This refreshing fruit could also hold the key to treating conditions such as high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. Researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Massachusetts General Hospital have recently found that naringenin, an antioxidant derived from bitter-flavoured grapefruit and other citrus fruits, may cause the liver to break down fat while increasing insulin sensitivity, mimicking the actions of lipid-lowering and anti-diabetic drugs. Naringenin may also protect against liver damage.

Grapefruit is also a good source of vitamins C and A, which help strengthen immune function. It is also a rich source of the soluble fibre, pectin, which helps to lower cholesterol levels. The rich pink and red colour of grapefruit is given by lycopene, a phytochemical with powerful antioxidant properties, which helps fight free radical damage in the body. Lycopene, also found in tomatoes, is known for its ability to lower the risk of prostate cancer. Choose fully ripe grapefruit as they have the highest levels of antioxidants.

Grapefruit juice significantly increases the production and activity of liver detoxification enzymes responsible for preparing toxic compounds, including cancer-causing carcinogens, for elimination from the body. Grapefruit also contains phytonutrients called limonoids that have anti-tumour activity. The citric acid present in fresh grapefruit juice also increases alkalinity in the body, which can be useful for treating diseases caused by too much acid.

Source
http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/weight+loss/lose+weight/grapefruit+can+help+weight+loss,6649