News has been mounting about the health benefits of grapefruit for reducing gum disease and treating stomach ulcers. Eating a grapefruit every day can also lower your cholesterol significantly, according to a new study.
Researchers divided some 60 patients who had coronary bypass surgery and suffered from hyperlipidemia (high blood cholesterol) into three treatment groups. To test the efficacy of grapefruit, patients were given a serving of red grapefruit, white grapefruit or neither with balanced meals for 30 straight days.
Not surprisingly, the blood lipid levels of patients who ate grapefruit dropped terrifically, particularly those who consumed red grapefruit, as it did a better job in lowering lipids and blood triglycerides, in particular. It's also the kind of cholesterol, when elevated, that's often associated with heart disease, according to researchers.
More evidence eating whole foods can do so much more good for your health than taking a supplement or a toxic, useless drug for conditions like depression.
Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry February 3, 2006
EurekAlert February 15, 2006