Can Grapefruit Lower Your Cholesterol?
A recent study found that one grapefruit a day can significantly lower your blood cholesterol levels, which are a major risk factor for heart disease.
Red, White, or None
The new study showing this adds to the mounting evidence of the heart benefits of citrus fruits. Nearly 60 patients who recently had coronary bypass surgery were divided into three treatment groups. They were either given red grapefruit, white grapefruit, or no grapefruit along with their meals for a month.
Lower Triglyceride Levels
Patients who ate both red and white grapefruit showed a decrease in blood lipid levels compared to those who ate no grapefruit. Red grapefruit was the most effective in lowering triglycerides, the cholesterol often associated with heart problems.
Red grapefruit has higher levels of antioxidants than white, but it may also contain as yet unknown chemicals responsible for lowering triglycerides.
Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry February 3, 2006
EurekAlert February 15, 2006