Introduction
Grapefruit is a delicious and nutritious citrus fruit that is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. While grapefruit is a healthy addition to any diet, there are some surprising side effects that you should be aware of. Dietitians have identified several potential side effects of eating grapefruit, including interactions with certain medications, increased risk of kidney stones, and potential allergic reactions. In this article, we will discuss the surprising side effects of eating grapefruit, according to dietitians. We will also provide tips on how to safely enjoy grapefruit and other citrus fruits.
Surprising Side Effects of Eating Grapefruit, According to Dietitians
Grapefruit is a delicious and nutritious citrus fruit that is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s also low in calories and high in fiber, making it a great addition to any healthy diet. But while grapefruit is a great choice for a healthy snack, it can also have some unexpected side effects. Here’s what dietitians want you to know about the potential side effects of eating grapefruit.
1. Interactions with Medications
Grapefruit can interact with certain medications, including statins, blood pressure medications, and some anti-anxiety medications. Eating grapefruit can increase the amount of the medication that is absorbed into your bloodstream, which can lead to an overdose. If you are taking any medications, it’s important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before adding grapefruit to your diet.
2. Digestive Issues
Grapefruit is high in fiber, which can be beneficial for digestive health. However, it can also cause digestive issues in some people. Eating too much grapefruit can lead to bloating, gas, and diarrhea. If you experience any of these symptoms after eating grapefruit, it’s best to reduce your intake or avoid it altogether.
3. Allergic Reactions
Grapefruit can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include itching, hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms after eating grapefruit, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.
4. Acid Reflux
Grapefruit is high in acid, which can cause acid reflux in some people. If you experience acid reflux after eating grapefruit, it’s best to reduce your intake or avoid it altogether. Eating smaller portions and avoiding eating grapefruit on an empty stomach can also help reduce the risk of acid reflux.
5. Weight Gain
Grapefruit is low in calories and high in fiber, which can help with weight loss. However, eating too much grapefruit can lead to weight gain. Eating grapefruit in moderation and pairing it with other healthy foods can help you maintain a healthy weight.
Bottom Line
Grapefruit is a nutritious and delicious fruit that can be a great addition to any healthy diet. However, it can also have some unexpected side effects. It’s important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before adding grapefruit to your diet, and to be aware of the potential side effects. Eating grapefruit in moderation and pairing it with other healthy foods can help you enjoy the benefits without the risks.
The grapefruit is a sweet and sour fruit that is a cross between an orange and pomelo. This fruit had its 15-minute of fame when the Grapefruit Diet claimed that this superfood burned fat more quickly than other foods. However, with few studies to back this up, the end result was people just eating lots of grapefruit and figuring out ways to incorporate it into their diets. We asked registered dietitians and other experts about the benefits, drawbacks, and side effects of including grapefruit in a healthy diet. Keep reading to find out some great things about this superfood and a couple of reasons to think twice about picking it up next time you hit up the grocery store.
Gabriela Barreto, RD, registered dietitian at kencko, points to research that indicates how consuming grapefruit might help with insulin resistance. A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food had shown that when participants consumed ½ a grapefruit prior to a meal, compared to grapefruit juice and a placebo, they saw a reduction of 2-hour postprandial (post-meal) glucose levels and well as an overall reduction in insulin resistance.
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A standard cup of grapefruit has roughly 300 milligrams of potassium per serving compared to a banana which has around 400 milligrams. “Potassium’s role in the body includes serving as a major electrolyte to help maintain fluid balance and hydration, maintaining heartbeat, muscle contraction, and nerve function, and moving fluids in and out of cells such as waste products,” says Barreto.
Additionally, potassium can help to reduce blood pressure in those with hypertension making it an even better choice.
If you take prescribed medication for other health conditions, you may want to steer clear of grapefruit. “Grapefruit interacts with many drugs, which can cause too much or too little of the drug in our body,” says Nicole Lindel, RD, registered dietitian and Everlywell advisor. “For example, grapefruit can block the action of enzymes needed to break down certain cholesterol-lowering medications such as Lipitor.”
Other medications that might interact with grapefruits include statins (medications to lower cholesterol), anti-anxiety drugs, corticosteroids, and antihistamines
Grapefruit has a large amount of vitamin C per serving and as a result, can help increase collagen production. As you age, collagen production tends to decrease so adding grapefruit to your diet may be able to help your body generate more.
“Collagen makes up about 30% of bone structure, a large amount of tendon and ligament tissue, and is important for skin and blood vessel structure,” says Barreto.
If there’s one more thing you can add to your diet to keep your heart healthy, you may want to consider grapefruit. “Grapefruit supports heart health thanks to its high fiber, potassium, and antioxidant content,” says Breanna Woods, MS RD, registered dietitian for Blogilates.
Barreto adds that studies like this one from the National Library of Medicine have found an association between grapefruit intake and decreased risk of coronary heart disease, acute coronary events, and ischemic stroke.
Now, there’s nothing inherent in grapefruit that causes weight loss aside from the fact that it’s a low-calorie food that might help create a caloric deficit. Woods notes that it’s high in fiber which can help keep you feeling satisfied for longer which may be good for weight loss.
A single grapefruit has nearly 64% of the daily recommended value of vitamin C for adults according to Barreto. With that said, Vitamin C can help with iron absorption due to its high Vitamin C concentration.
“Iron is important for moving oxygen through the bloodstream via red blood cells to bring oxygen to cells,” says Barreto.
Casey Clark