Does Eating Grapefruit Make You Lose Weight?

Grapefruit has long been thought to increase weight loss, and has been used in a wide variety of weight loss pills and diet programs. Although there has been some evidence that citrus fruits, including grapefruit, do have some effect on body functions such as metabolism, many claim that grapefruit has no known effect on either an increase or decrease in weight. Recent studies may indicate that grapefruit is a useful tool in the weight loss arsenal.

Metabolic Benefits

• A flavenoid in citrus fruits, including grapefruit, may increase the ability of the liver to burn excess fat, according to sciencedaily.com. A study performed on mice investigated the flavenoid (naringenin) and found that it helped the liver to process and burn fat more efficiently. Naringenin works to prevent obesity, and the metabolism of glucose. This leads to a decreased level of triglycerides (fat in the blood), and decrease weight gain. Add grapefruit to your diet daily to normalize metabolism and encourage weight loss.

Insulin Suppression

• In a study performed by Nutrition and Metabolic Research Center at the Scripps Clinic on 100 men and women, there does appear to be some correlation between eating grapefruit and weight loss. There is some evidence that grapefruit reduces insulin spikes that occur after eating and may lead to fat storage. In addition, there is some speculation that grapefruit may act as an appetite suppressant, however, definitive studies have not proven this to date.

Fiber

• Because grapefruit is low in calories and fat, but high in fiber it is a good part of a balanced diet for weight loss. Grapefruit contains approximately 4 g of fiber for every 100 g of edible fruit and only 75 calories. Fat content for 2 cups of grapefruit is less than 1 g. Fiber contributes to a feeling of fullness and will depress feelings of hunger. Drink a glass of pure grapefruit juice, or eat a grapefruit as part of your breakfast routine to raise metabolism and decrease appetite.