Grapefruit Helps Treat Diabetes

Thursday 26th August 2010

Doctors have long advised patients of the health benefits of eating a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, however, a new study has found that eating grapefruit could be used to treat type 2 diabetes – as effectively as two prescription drug therapies currently available. Scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem claim that naringenin, an antioxidant in the fruit, helps to increase insulin sensitivity and could be used to help diabetics to regulate their blood sugar levels.

Furthermore, researchers suggest that naringening stimulates the liver into burning, instead of storing fat – indicating that the oxidant could be used to help diabetics maintain a healthy body weight that reduces their risk of developing health complications.

However, Dr Ian Frame of Diabetes UK has warned that diabetics shouldn't start eating high volumes of grapefruit, until further research and clinical trials fully establish the health risks and benefits of eating a grapefruit rich diet.

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