Grapefruit Diets May Work 29715

Grapefruit Diets May Work

SAN DIEGO--The grapefruit diet, a popular fad in the 1980s, mayactually work, according to a recent study conducted by the Nutrition andMetabolic Research Center at the Scripps Clinic (www.scrippshealth.org).The study was sponsored by the Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC), as well asScripps Clinic.

For 12 weeks, 100 men and women either ate half a grapefruit with each mealor drank a serving of grapefruit juice three times a day, while slightlyincreasing their exercise routine. Weight and metabolic factors, such as insulinsecretion, were monitored throughout the course of the study. Subjects whoconsumed half a grapefruit with each meal lost an average of 3.6 pounds,compared to subjects who drank grapefruit juice three times a day, who lost anaverage of 3.3 pounds. Many subjects lost more than 10 pounds; however, it wasnot noted which grapefruit option these subjects followed.

Researchers indicated there was a physiological link between grapefruit andinsulin, as the citrus fruit may reduce insulin levels and encourage weightloss. (Insulin assists in regulating fat metabolism, and the smaller the insulinspike after a meal, the more efficiently the body processes food into energy,rather than storing it as fat). For years people have talked about thegrapefruit diet, and some even swear by it, but now, we have data thatgrapefruit helps weight loss, said Ken Fujioka, M.D., the studys leadresearcher. Whether its the properties of grapefruit or its ability tosatiate appetites, grapefruit appears to help with weight loss and decreaseinsulin levels, leading to better health.