Grapefruit juice may affect diabetes
Grapefruit juice would have health benefits, especially on diabetes. A study published in the journal PLoS ONE describes an interesting action and shows grapefruit juice as a natural antidiabetic .
Grapefruit juice may lower blood sugar
Researchers at the University of California, carried out this study on mice, wishing to show the effects of grapefruit juice, in particular on diet and blood sugar .
This study consists of the administration over 10 weeks of a high-fat diet, up to 60% of the caloric intake, to a group of mice. A second group of mice ingested a low-fat diet over the same period, comprising only 10% of the caloric intake. All the mice had grapefruit juice combined with water as an available drink and sugared water as a second drink, allowing the same number of calories.
The reported conclusions are interesting, and confirm that grapefruit juice has an action on weight balance in mice with a high fat diet. However, it shows no weight benefit in mice on a low-fat diet.
The researchers also note that grapefruit juice has an action on the regulation of blood sugar, in both groups, as well as an influence on insulin levels , with an improvement in insulin sensitivity.
Grapefruit juice has the same actions as certain antidiabetics such as metformin, widely used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
The only downside is that this study was carried out on healthy, non-diabetic mice. It is therefore difficult to envisage replacing the current treatment of diabetes with grapefruit juice.
The benefits of grapefruit
Grapefruit is a source of many important nutritional contributions for our well-being and that of our body. Composed mainly of water, it contains essential vitamins, such as vitamin C, A, B6, B3, E and K. Half a grapefruit is enough to cover almost all of our daily vitamin C needs. In addition, it contains essential minerals like calcium and potassium.
The particularity of this fruit lies in a low glycemic index. It is non-greasy, and contributes to good digestion by promoting the stimulation of digestive secretions. It is very low in calories. This fruit is ideal for maintaining the balance of body mass, and can be eaten raw or cooked and can even be eaten candied . It also has a positive influence on cholesterol levels.
This also echoes a diet commonly found under the name Hollywood Diet , click here to find out more .
Antioxidant, grapefruit helps strengthen the immune defenses, thanks in particular to its provitamin A content. This antioxidant action is also interesting for the heart and arteries, participating in association with a healthy lifestyle, reducing the risks associated with diseases cardiovascular.
However , grapefruit is not recommended if you follow certain specific treatments. Ask your doctor for advice.
Stephen Paul is the lead author and founder of My Health Sponsor. Holder of a diploma in health and well-being coaching with more than 200 articles in the field of health, he makes it a point of honor to offer advice based on reliable information, based on scientific research, and verified by health professionals.