Grapefruit & Lipids

Lipids, or fats, are a group organic compounds that help store energy, maintain cell structure and signal important biochemical reactions in the body. Two lipids – cholesterol and triglycerides -- are of particular importance in human disease, as high amounts of them can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Your doctor may prescribe medications to lower the levels of these lipids in the blood. Certain supplements and foods such as grapefruit may also help control serum lipid levels but should be used only under the guidance of a physician.

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GRAPEFRUIT

Grapefruit is a large, round citrus fruit that grows in clusters similar to grapes. The fruit has been used traditionally to treat a variety of conditions ranging from urinary tract infections to weight loss and cholesterol reduction. Along with fresh fruit and juice, grapefruit is available as capsules and liquid extracts. Drugs.com suggests that consuming 1 grapefruit per day for 30 days may improve your lipid profile, while 8 ounces of fresh grapefruit juice or half a fresh grapefruit, 3 times a day before each meal may help treat metabolic syndrome, which includes diabetes, obesity and hypertension. However, you must consult a doctor before using grapefruit to correct an abnormal blood lipid profile.

LIPIDS

Eating 1 red grapefruit per day may help lower blood triglyceride and cholesterol levels in patients with atherosclerosis, according to a clinical trial published in the February 3, 2017, issue of the “Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.” An animal study in the April 2018 issue of the journal “Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biochemistry” reveals that the polyphenols and flavonoids found in grapefruit also possess significant antioxidant activity and helped improve lipid metabolism in laboratory rats. Registered dietitian Katherine Zeratsky of the Mayo Clinic, however, states that grapefruit juices and supplements may inhibit the breakdown of cholesterol-lowering medications such as statins. This can lead to increased levels of the drug in the body for prolonged periods of time and cause serious side effects. Individuals taking these medications should avoid consuming grapefruit and grapefruit products or use them only under the supervision of a doctor, says Zeratsky.

SIDE EFFECTS

Grapefruit is, otherwise, considered safe to use, even during pregnancy and lactation. Apart from statins, grapefruit may also interfere with the metabolism of other medications such as anti-anxiety, antidepressant and anti-seizure medications.

PRECAUTIONS

Although grapefruit is readily available, you should not use it without consulting a doctor, especially if you are taking any prescription medications. Also, remember that the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate grapefruit supplements sold in the United States. Make sure that the product you intend to use has been tested for safety and efficacy. You may look for USP logo awarded by the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, a scientific nonprofit organization that sets standards for the quality of medicines, food ingredients and dietary supplements or look for a certification of safety issued by any reliable independent laboratory.