12/08/2021 GRAPEFRUIT
Genesis 1:11Then GOD, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. [New International translation]
Grapefruit
In Texas, the “Ruby Red,” and the “Rio Red” are two of the major varieties of grapefruit because they were discovered in Texas. Today, these red grapefruits are eaten all over the world. One of the reasons why they are a favorite is because they tend to be less bitter and are less acidic than white grapefruit.
According to “10 Science-Based Benefits of Grapefruit,” there are a number of health reasons for eating grapefruit:
- Grapefruit is high in nutrients and low in calories. For example, the major nutrients found in a medium-sized grapefruit include the following:
• Calories: 52
• Carbs: 13 grams
• Protein: 1 gram
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Vitamin C: 64% of the RDI
• Vitamin A: 28% of the RDI
• Potassium: 5% of the RDI
• Thiamine: 4% of the RDI
• Folate: 4% of the RDI
• Magnesium: 3% of the RDI - Eating grapefruit regularly may be beneficial to the immune system. Grapefruit is high in Vitamin C, which has antioxidant properties that protect cells from harmful bacteria and viruses. A number of studies have shown that vitamin C is beneficial in helping people recover more quickly from the common cold. Grapefruit also contains Vitamin A, which has been shown to protect against inflammation; B vitamins, zinc, copper, and iron help the immune system also and protect the skin, which acts as a barrier to infection.
- Grapefruit contains fiber, about 2 grams in a medium-sized grapefruit, which induces a feeling of fullness, thus reducing appetite. Fiber also slows the rate the stomach empties, which increases digestion time. Eating fiber helps you eat fewer calories throughout the day, again reducing your appetite or feeling the need to eat.
- Grapefruit is a weight-loss-friendly food. In addition to fiber, grapefruit contains a lot of water. According to one study of 91 obese subjects, those who consumed half of a fresh grapefruit before meals lost significantly more weight than those subjects who did not. The group that ate fresh grapefruit lost an average of 3.5 lbs. over 12 weeks, while those who did not eat fresh grapefruit lost less than 1 lb. per on average.
- According to the aforementioned article, grapefruit may also have the potential to prevent insulin resistance, which can lead to diabetes. In one study, subjects who ate half a fresh grapefruit before meals experienced a significant reduction in both insulin levels and insulin resistance, compared to the group that didn’t eat grapefruit.
- Eating grapefruit may also improve heart health, by reducing the risk of heart disease caused by high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
- Eating grapefruit may improve the risk of developing kidney stones
- Grapefruit is high in nutrients and low in calories. For example, the major nutrients found in a medium-sized grapefruit include the following:
HOWEVER, grapefruit is not for everyone. There are ALSO REASONS to AVOID grapefruit:
- For some people, grapefruit and its juice can interact negatively with medications. Grapefruit contains substances that inhibit cytochrome P450, an enzyme our body uses to metabolize certain medications. Not being able to metabolize the medications may cause an overdose or other adverse effects. Medications that are likely to interact with grapefruit include:
• Immunosuppressants
• Benzodiazepines
• Most calcium channel blockers
• Indinavir
• Carbamazepine
• Some statins
If you are taking any of these medications, speak to your doctor before adding grapefruit to your diet.
2. In some cases, eating grapefruit can cause tooth enamel erosion. Consumed in excess, citric acid, found in grapefruit. So, if you have sensitive teeth, you may want to avoid grapefruit. If you do eat grapefruit, to preserve your tooth enamel:
a. Never suck on grapefruit and avoid putting it directly against your teeth;
b. Rinse your mouth out with water after eating the fruit and wait 30 minutes to brush your teeth;
c. Eat cheese with the fruit to help reduce the acidity and increase saliva production.
In other words, be aware of the risks.
See, “10 Science-Based Benefits of Grapefruit,” Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-benefits-of-grapefruit#TOC_TITLE_HDR_13 See also, “Drugs that Interact with Grapefruit on the Rise,” by Louise Chang, MD, November 17, 2012, https://www.webmd.com/drug-medication/news/20121127/grapefruit-some-medications-risky
See also, “Grapefruit Juice, Is It Affecting Your Medication?” Medically reviewed by Carol DerSarkissian, MD on November 06, 2021, https://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/guide/grapefruit-juice-and-medication
ADVENT and LIGHT
Some people view Advent, (from Latin adventus, “coming”), in the Christian church calendar, as the period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of JESUS CHRIST at Christmas and also of preparation for the Second Coming of CHRIST.
During the season of Advent, Sunday, November 28, 2021, to Friday, December 24, 2021, one candle is lit each Sunday as part of the Advent services. Each candle represents an aspect of the spiritual preparation for the coming of THE LORD, JESUS CHRIST. Each week on Sunday, an additional candle is lit.
Some may fast during advent. Some may have special music. Some may have an advent wreath. Some may erect a Christmas tree or put out Christmas decorations.
However, you may prepare “for Christmas,” it is important to remember that not everything involves the “outward” preparation for Christmas, the celebration of the birth of JESUS CHRIST and the celebration of the Second Coming of CHRIST. Lighting candles, the decorations of churches, homes, stores, and other spaces may be part of a family, religious, or area traditions, but, inner preparation is also important. We not only should sing about “Joy,” we should pray for a joyful “spirit” toward others and within. We should not only light candles but we are instructed to “be a candle” or light in what is often viewed as a “dark world.” JESUS said:
You are the light of the world.
[Matthew 5:14, Revised Standard translation.]
As we approach the day we celebrate the birth of OUR SAVIOR, let us strive to be strong lights. Let us strive to have “clean hearts” and “right spirits.” (Psalms 51:10).
Let us prepare inwardly and not just outwardly to celebrate
THE TRUE LIGHT OF THE WORLD, JESUS. (See, John 8:12).
Prepare, rejoice and BE BLESSED!