3 Reasons To Eat Grapefruit

1 min

Pink or white, with seeds or seedless, grapefruit is delicious, tart and refreshing. Eating it regularly is a great way to get your vitamin C in just a few calories: an average-size grapefruit has about 70 calories total. Plus, this citrus fruit offers other benefits. Research suggests it may:

1. Protect against cancers of the prostate, lung and colon
2. Support immune function
3. Lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.

When choosing, look for a thick skin and heavy weight – both help to ensure a juicier fruit. Enjoy grapefruit peeled, sectioned and tossed in a salad, or on its own. Skip the traditional sprinkle of sugar, and learn to appreciate its natural, subtle sweetness. Do not associate the wonderful benefits of grapefruit with drinking grapefruit juice. Instead, focus on eating the fruit to consume all of the benefits, including fiber without a large sugar load.

You should also be aware that grapefruit juice contains substances that can influence the absorption and the way the liver metabolizes a number of drugs. If you drink grapefruit juice and take prescribed medications like the cholesterol-lowering statin medications, the effects of the drugs can be multiplied. It is best to separate the two by a few hours. Be sure to read the package insert included with your medication or ask your pharmacist or physician. It is best to keep a consistent schedule and routine along with monitoring blood levels that pertain to the effect of the medication, cholesterol in the statin example above.

Today’s Health Topics

Editor's Pick

• Can The Flu Cause A Heart Attack?

Health Focus

• Pick Plants For Better Heart Health

Ask Dr. Weil's Q&A

• Should I Worry About 5G Towers In My Neighborhood?