Grapefruit against obesity and diabetes
You will probably remember that episode of The Simpsons in which Marge gave Homer a grapefruit for breakfast during his weight loss plan, and he only thought of stuffing it with sugar and only eating the powerful white poison ... Marge's use of grapefruit for breakfast is not random. In fact it becomes a traditional breakfast food in many countries, where it is common to cut it in half and eat it with the help of a spoon.
The properties of grapefruit have been known for many years. It is without a doubt an ideal fruit to purify our body and eliminate accumulated toxins.
From a nutritional point of view, it is a fruit especially rich in vitamin C, folic acid, antioxidant carotenoids, potassium, magnesium, and citric, malic, oxalic and tartaric acids. In addition, it is a very low calorie fruit: for every one hundred grams of edible portion, grapefruit contributes only 39 calories.
Recently we have known the results of a research published at work Anti-obesity and anti-diabetic properties of two natural extracts rich in flavonoids (Helichrysum and Grapefruit): physiological and molecular mechanisms, directed by Professor Alfredo Martínez and co-directed by Professor Fermín Milagro (University of Navarra), and whose conclusions were included in the thesis of Ana Laura de la Garza, PhD in the Department of Food Sciences and Physiology at the Faculty of Pharmacy from the University of Navarra.
Hypoglycaemic properties
The results of this research were published in scientific journals Food & Function Y Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. It was observed that by supplementing rats and mice with natural extracts of grapefruit, the activity of two enzymes specific to the digestion of carbohydrates is inhibited, decreasing the absorption of glucose in the intestine.
According to this study, grapefruit improved hyperglycemia of diabetic mice, regulating the metabolism of glucose in the liver.
Properties against obesity
On the other hand, the reduction of inflammation associated with obesity in the liver and adipose tissue, acting both inflammatory and antioxidant.
According to the University of Navarra explained in a statement, in rats with overweight and insulin resistance, it was found that grapefruit increased the beneficial metabolic effects associated with a caloric restriction.
Via | Press release
Image | Jorge Elías This article is published only for informative purposes. You can not and should not replace the consultation with a Nutritionist. We advise you to consult your trusted Nutritionist. ThemesSlimming Fruits Obesity
