The Skinny on Grapefruit

Adding grapefruit to the menu may be a good way to boost your weight loss efforts. Participants in a recent study who added grapefruit to their daily menu lost approximately 3.5 pounds over the course of a 12-week period. More research is needed to confirm the connection, but scientists posit that the effect may be due to the fruit's ability to lower insulin levels and thus help the body to process energy more efficiently.

An ingredient in grapefruit interferes with some blood pressure and heart medications. Be sure to consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice if you take prescription medications.

Exercising regularly and eating a diet that is high in nutrients and low in calories are necessary cornerstones of any weight reduction plan. In a study, grapefruit appeared to boost weight loss efforts by helping the body process energy more efficiently and thus store fewer excess calories as fat. If you are not on any contraindicated medications, try half a grapefruit at breakfast time for a low-calorie treat that will boost your vitamin C intake, too.