GRAPEFRUIT
Introduction
Before you read any further, let us dispel the myth that grapefruit can help with weight loss, as this is not true. However, its nutritive importance should not be understated as it contains unique compounds important for health that cannot be found in any other fruit. In 310 BC Theophrastus the Greek historian wrote:
‘A decoction of the pulp of this fruit is thought to be an antidote to poison.’
Later Pliny, the Roman naturalist, labelled grapefruit a medicine.
There are several sorts of grapefruit - yellow, pink and ruby red - all of which are available in supermarkets.
What can they do?
Grapefruit can be considered a medicine (in temperate climates) for the heart, arteries and blood. The fruit’s pectin contains a number of compounds that actively reduce blood cholesterol and debris in the blood known as plaque. This plaque is what coats the sides of arteries causing them to stiffen and narrow. When this becomes severe, heart attacks and strokes become a threat. By actually removing this plaque from the blood grapefruit serves to reduce the risk of such attacks and has even been shown to reverse the malevolent effects of blood cholesterol on the arteries known as arteriosclerosis.
The unique compound found in grapefruit has been found to be as effective as cholestyramine - the pharmaceutical drug used to lower blood cholesterol. This magic compound (unique to grapefruit) has been identified as galacturonic acid.
This is not all, however. Grapefruit is also effective in preventing serious illness in humans caused by cell mutation resulting in irregular tissue growth. This effect is probably due to the high vitamin C and beta carotene content of grapefruit. These substances are known antioxidants, they protect the cell wall and stop mutation otherwise caused by attacking oxygen free radicals. Should such mutation occur the cells would soon become irreparably damaged and serious illness would ensue. The Japanese consider the rind of the grapefruit to be a ‘remarkable antimutagen’.
Very important -
By only eating the grapefruit segments you are losing most of the nutrients available. The pectin and white pith contain the important compounds and vitamins needed to provide benefit. Therefore, try to eat as much as possible. Grapefruit juice is not high in pectin and is therefore no substitute for eating the whole fruit.
