According to research published in the Journal of Medicinal Food (USA), overweight or obese people who eat half a grapefruit before a main meal 3 times/day for 12 weeks have lost an average of 1.5 kg and significantly reduced waist circumference, an important indicator of visceral fat.
Research also shows that grapefruit can help lower insulin levels in the blood, thereby limiting the conversion of excess energy into fat accumulated around the organs.
Dr. Louis Aronne, an endocrinologist at Weill Cornell Medicine (USA), commented that eating grapefruit can contribute to weight control and reduce visceral fat accumulation through the impact on insulin hormone and energy metabolism.
In addition to the benefits of visceral fat, grapefruit is also considered a fruit that has the effect of purifying the liver and kidneys effectively. Research by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that grapefruit extract helps reduce oxidative stress in the liver, supporting the body's natural detoxification process.
Grapefruit is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and limonoid compounds, which can reduce inflammation and support liver cells in the process of neutralizing toxins.
For the kidneys, the amount of water and natural potassium in grapefruit helps increase blood filtration, supporting the excretion of uric acid, thereby reducing the risk of kidney stones and gout.
A diet rich in citrus fruits such as grapefruit can help improve liver function and reduce fat accumulation around this organ, while supporting the kidneys to function more effectively.
One of the dangerous characteristics of visceral fat is its ability to cause prolonged amores in the body.
Antioxidants in grapefruit, especially vitamin C and flavonoids, help neutralize free radicals and reduce markers of systemic inflammation.
Nutritionists from the Mayo Clinic, USA recommend eating whole grapefruit instead of juice, because the natural fiber in grapefruit bags helps stabilize blood sugar and prolong the feeling of fullness.
The reasonable amount of grapefruit is about half a medium-sized grapefruit per day, eaten about 30 minutes before breakfast or lunch.
Grapefruit can be eaten as dessert or combined with light salads. However, it should be noted that grapefruit can interact with some medications (such as statin, a cholesterol lowering drug), so people being treated for the disease need to consult a doctor before using it regularly.
