Is the Grapefruit Diet Safe?

The grapefruit diet has been around since the 1930s. There have been several versions over the years, but each requires that you eat half a grapefruit before every meal, based on the theory that eating grapefruit speeds up metabolism. Essentially, the diet is very low calorie and low carb, which will help you lose weight fast, although not in a way that many health experts find safe or healthy.

Too few calories

Followers of the grapefruit diet are restricted to only 800 calories a day, well under the 1100 calories considered the minimum for healthy weight loss in women. When dieters consume too few calories, the results can include dizziness and intestinal problems, not to mention weight loss that is ultimately due to a loss of fluids and not fat.

Too little nutrition

According to the medical expert at keepthedoctoraway.com.uk, the limited caloric allowance of the grapefruit diet means that followers have a difficult time obtaining all the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and fiber necessary to maintain good health. Additionally, although you can eat a lot of vegetables on this diet, the other foods that are allowed are high in saturated fat, which can lead to health problems, including elevated cholesterol.

Beware of the Grapefruit

Grapefruits are high in acids, which, when eaten in excess, can eat away at your teeth's protective coating. In addition, extensive studies show that grapefruit can negatively interact with certain medications, particularly those used to control cholesterol.