Health News

March 2, 2006

Grapefruit, especially the red variety, can help keep heart disease at bay according to a recent study by Israeli researchers. The research team discovered that patients who ate one grapefruit a day had lower cholesterol levels than those who did not. This reduction in cholesterol is due to the antioxidants in the fruit.

High blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease. Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States. The grapefruit study helps confirm the many heart-healthy benefits that a citrus fruits can offer. Dr. Shela Gorinstein led the study and has also led several other diet related health studies.

The study included 57 patients that were divided into three groups. Each group was given either a serving of red grapefruit, white grapefruit or no grapefruit, along with regular, balanced meals for 30 consecutive days. The patients who received either red or white grapefruit showed significant decreases in blood lipid levels, whereas the patients that did not eat grapefruit showed no changes in lipid levels, according to the researchers. Red grapefruit was more effective than white in lowering lipids, particularly blood triglycerides, a type of cholesterol whose elevated levels are often associated with heart problems, Gorinstein reported.