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The Benefits of Grapefruit Powder Supplement

Grapefruit supplements are available in three different types of supplements each claiming a different health benefit. Each type of supplement is an extract from parts of the grapefruit: rind extract, seed extract and whole fruit extract. While grapefruit extracts offer different health benefits, there are no known side effects pertaining to any of the forms. Grapefruit extract supplements are available in powder and capsule form, while grapefruit seed extract is also sold in a liquid form.

  1. Grapefruit Rind Extract

    • Grapefruit rind extract is taken from the grapefruit rinds. Also commonly referred to as grapefruit pectin supplements, it assists beneficially in reducing cholesterol levels. The extraction process produces a soluble fiber known as pectin believed to aid in cholesterol absorption within the human body. Moreover, all sources of fruit pectin are good sources of dietary fiber.

    Grapefruit Seed Extract

    • Grapefruit seed extract is a supplement derived from the seeds of grapefruit. Its particular properties are believed to contain prebiotic benefits, assisting the gastrointestinal tract with symptoms of diarrhea, bloating and constipation. Grapefruit seed extract may help beneficially with immune function as well.

      Prior to investigation grapefruit seed extract supporters made claims of the extracts antimicrobial abilities. Investigation into the antimicrobial properties discovered in grapefruit seed extract further determined that the activity was casual to laboratory-induced synthetic antimicrobial activity, rather than any known inherent property of the grapefruit itself. These findings further placed grapefruit extracts under scrutiny regarding the safety of synthetic supplements.

    Whole Grapefruit Extract

    • Whole grapefruit supplements comprise of essential extractions from the grapefruit rinds, seeds and juice combined. This newest grapefruit supplement of the three is believed to benefit those seeking weight-loss. It is believed whole grapefruit aids in managing the bodies insulin levels regulating metabolism. Speculations about the positive correlation between grapefruit and weight loss circulated literature were held for many years. More recently, it has been confirmed that whole grapefruit supplements consisting of the entire grapefruit indeed have some part in weight loss.

    Cautions

    • Grapefruit extracts and misleading statements of its respective health benefits have fallen under scrutiny. Investigations of fraud, and concerns about the safety of synthetic antimicrobial's have previously put grapefruit supplements under the radar for further investigation and research. Unless a supplement has been evaluated by the FDA, it is not intended to treat, cure, prevent or diagnose disease.

    Contraindications

    • According to studies, there is a significant drug interaction with eating whole grapefruits. Research has indicated grapefruit to inhibit the activities of certain pharmaceutical drugs. Studies about grapefruit supplements and possible drug interactions are not available, as of early 2010. Consult with a medical practitioner before taking grapefruit supplements when taking prescribed medications.

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