Many people are looking for a solution to the ever-increasing problem of unwanted weight gain. While many people wish to experience the benefits of physical exercise, few have the time or the energy to indulge in such physical and arduous exercises. Luckily, there is the grapefruit diet which works wonders for those who try it out.
What is the grapefruit diet?
The grapefruit diet is also called the Hollywood diet or fad diet. It was introduced in America in the 1930s. Over the following decades, it was adopted by nutritionists in other parts of the world albeit slowly. Grapefruit has a fat-burning enzyme which makes it one of the top options for people who are looking for weight loss solutions. Essentially, this diet involves eating 800 calories a day. You should eat half a grapefruit before eating each and every meal. You should take food with extremely low carbohydrates content. This half grapefruit suppresses your appetite. There are many versions of the diet with varying results.
The history of the grapefruit diet
This diet started in the U.S in the 1930s. It instantly became popular, especially with movie stars. For some years, its prominence in the weight-loss industry went down. However, in the 1970s, the grapefruit diet reemerged with more emphasis and with a new slogan ’10 pound, 10 days’ diet.
How does it work?
Basically, the grapefruit diet involves eating foods rich in proteins and fats. Such foods include meat, eggs, fish, and bacon. At the same time, a dieter should avoid eating foods that contain carbohydrates. This is in an effort to maintain an 800 calorie per day diet. Some of the foods that a dieter should avoid include sugar, grains, cereals, vegetables, and all sweet fruits. The whole program takes between 10 and 12 days. After having finished the program, a person is supposed to take two days off. Many people who have tried the diet say they have lost about 10 lbs in the 10 days on the program.
Citrus-based fruits especially grapefruit contain strong phytochemicals. These plant chemicals are especially unique because they help in fighting and prevention chronic diseases. The all-important phytochemicals found in grapefruits are Hesperidins and Naringenin. These two compounds are especially critical because they act as antioxidants. They are also highly effective are reducing cholesterol as blood pressure in the body.
The human body if not exerted to physically exercise accumulates radical cells which then become part of excess weight. The more radical cells a person has, the more overweight they become. When a person takes grapefruit, these radical cells are eliminated hence a reduction in weight.
Weight loss is achieved when a person uses the grapefruit diet. You can either eat half a grapefruit or take juice made from the same. The effect of taking half of this fruit is felt almost immediately. Your appetite goes down considerably and the amount of food that you will take thereafter will be little. This is one of the aims of the grapefruit diet; to cut down on the intake of calorie-giving foods. By following this technique, you will lose substantial weight within the course of the ten-day weight loss program.
There are two ways by which the grapefruit diet helps you lose the extra waistband that has been bothering you for years. With the satiating effect, you will eat less food and this forces the body to metabolize excess fat. The other way that grapefruit helps the body lose excess weight is by burning up the excess fat and removing radical cells through the antioxidation process. This diet does not require a person to exercise physically to achieve results.
The benefits that come with following the grapefruit diet
- Improves metabolism
Grapefruit uses natural principles of dieting. It contains ample enzymes which are ideal for enhancing metabolism. The fruit also comes with ample fiber and plenty of water. All these components are critical at enabling the body to reach a balanced metabolism state. Studies have shown that if you eat half a grapefruit with each meal you can lose up to 3 pounds over a period of 3 months. Like we said above there are different variations of this diet.
- Improves your immune system
Among the ingredients that grapefruit contains which strengthen your immune system include Vitamin C, E, B6, and A. The ample of Vitamin C in the body acts in the same way as an antihistamine. It reduces the effect of a cold and even prevents your body from catching one. Your body will also be able to fight all manner of allergies.
- Reduces chances of getting cancer
With reasonable amounts of vitamin C in the grapefruit diet, several types of cancers are prevented. Studies have shown that Naringin one of the phytochemicals in grapefruit contributes in a major way to the repair of DNA and also in attacking prostate cancer cells. Among the top cancers that grapefruit is directly credited to fight include colon, throat, stomach, and breast.
- Reduce stress
One of the major reasons that many people are becoming overweight is because they are chronically stressed. Once you are able to manage your life and remove stress from all aspects of your life, you get to enjoy numerous other benefits such as reduced weight, healthier relationships, and even a reduced chance of getting depression.
- Fight kidney stones and gum ailments
Drinking a liter of grapefruit juice will help reduce the chance of developing kidney cysts. Naringenin phytochemical which has a bitter taste is recognized for its direct role in the fight against PKD2 protein which is responsible for the causation of kidney stones. The common gum problem on the other hand will easily be handled by simply eating two grapefruits daily. Eating the fruit will not only prevent gum-related ailments but also tackle the already existing ones. The presence of Vitamin C in the fruit plays a big role in the prevention and treatment of gum problems.
For you to enjoy a healthy body, you need to give it all the right nutrients. Whether it is metabolism, immune system, prevention and treatment of diseases or just having some fun eating a great fruit, grapefruit is the fruit to bite into. There are so many benefits that you can’t ignore the positive aspects of the grapefruit diet.
Sources:
https://www.medicinenet.com/the_grapefruit_diet/views.htm
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