Could Grapefruit Be Used To Help Control Diabetes and Your Cholesterol Levels?

People with diabetes are always looking for the newest treatment options for their type 2 diabetes. Often, this is related to a specific food. Believe it or not, grapefruit is emerging as one of those foods that could be used to manage this disease, to help you dramatically improve your life.

So, why does grapefruit have such a magical influence on diabetes? The secret ingredient is naringenin. This is the antioxidant that gives different citrus fruits their pungent flavour, not just grapefruit. Researchers believe this ingredient may help cause the liver to help break down fat more effectively. At the same time, it seems to hold the ability to increase the sensitivity of insulin.

According to research, it appears that naringenin works by activating specific proteins which are used to break down fatty acids in the liver. These proteins are called nuclear receptors. The exciting aspect of this is that it attacks fat instead of carbs, in much the same way as what occurs when you fast for long periods.

It is also believed the same antioxidant could not only lower LDL or "bad" cholesterol, but it could also prove beneficial in treating such conditions as glucose intolerance and metabolic syndrome.

Scientists have been interested in this antioxidant for quite some time but were unable to duplicate its effects in the lab. Now, this breakthrough offers the same health benefits, but without concern of safety from developing a synthetic version of the product.

However, scientists are currently working to develop the version of the substance that will not only hold the same positive effects of the natural form but is expected to be as much as 11 times more bioavailable than the kind found in grapefruit. This will also address the concern of absorption since the natural form of naringenin is not easily absorbed into the body.

For those currently on medications such as rosiglitazone (Avandia) and fenofibrate (Lipidil, Tricor, Triglide), this discovery could prove to be very beneficial. The nuclear receptors found in grapefruit appear to have many of the same health benefits as these drugs. It is recommended people with type 2 diabetes talk with their doctor about the possibility of using grapefruit to replace some of these drugs.

Since it is possible this new drug in the research and development phase could contain some side effects to an individual's overall health, it is advised People with type 2 diabetes look to the natural source for the time being until sufficient studies have been conducted.