11 October 2009
Food for health: grapefruit
Posted by Cecilia under: Health .
To some of us, grapefruit is a flavorful reminder of a tropical paradise. Perhaps that was the reason for its Latin name: citrus paradisi. Scientists recently strengthened the connection between paradise and grapefruit after finding a remarkable compound with a powerful rejuvenating effect.
Frank Madeo from the University of Graz, Austria proved that a simple polyamine called spermidine causes human cells to live three to four times longer than normal. Scientists are still cautious to call it the elusive elixir for eternal youth but early research results are promising.
Human cells lose spermidine over time, which in turn causes aging of the cells. This polyamine is found in high concentrations in grapefruits.
It’s already known that grapefruit juice ranks among those highest in antioxidant, along with grape juice, apple juice and cranberry juice. Another benefit of grapefruit juice is that it stimulates liver detoxification enzymes - clearing the body of carcinogens.
Grapefruits have numerous other health benefits such as lowering cholesterol and helping to prevent prostate cancer by repairing damaged DNA in prostate cells.
By eating just a half grapefruit we satisfy more than 70% of our daily requirement of vitamin C. Do we need any more reasons to enjoy this “paradise” fruit?
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Today in Sikantis – October 11, 2009 « Sikantis Says:
11 October 2009 at 2:07 am.
[...] Special News – Food for health: grapefruit [...]
