We’ve all heard of the many health benefits of oranges and of other citrus fruits. But there’s a lot more to citrus than just Vitamin C…
In a new study conducted by Texas A&M University recently published in the journal Nutrition shows that the antioxidant effects of red grapefruit may increase bone density and slow down bone loss (Source: Grapefruit pulp increases antioxidant status and improves bone quality in orchidectomized rats. Nutrition, Volume 24, Issue 10, Pages 1039 – 1044 Farzad Deyhim et al).
The very promising conclusion was based on a sixty day study involving a total of fifty-six male rats. Forty-two rats were castrated to induce oxidative stress and lower testosterone levels so as to increase their risk of osteoporosis. One-third of the rats were then fed a regular diet, one-third were fed the same food plus five percent red grapefruit pulp, and the other third were fed the same diet plus ten percent red grapefruit pulp.
When compared to the unaltered rats, the castrated rats on a normal diet showed a substantial decrease in bone density, overall bone quality and antioxidant levels. They also lost more calcium and showed signs of bone breakdown markers in the urine. And while all the castrated rats showed a decrease in the magnesium and calcium levels in their bones, the decrease was not as severe among the rats fed the grapefruit pulp.
The altered rats not fed grapefruit pulp showed a 16%-24% percent reduction of the calcium and magnesium content in the lumbar spine. While the rats fed the grapefruit pulp had a decrease of only 10%-16%. Similar results were obtained for the hipbone density results of both groups.
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January 22, 2009
I think it is so great having this website with Vivian and friends!!!
Yes, I agree we need to find every possible hope to deter from taking drugs to correct this issue of osteoporosis!! I do not personally take any as of date… I am anxiously awaiting some supplement to help our issues…I am of Italian desent and we do eat alot of cheese..Are there .. if any ..more favored cheeses to eat if caught in a party situation..what are the foods that are definite no-no’s in a wedding day situation or party in general with a mixed crowd..Please give a list..Thanx Anna..Thank you Vivian for your knowledge and sharing of how to fight our osteoporosis dilemmas…
January 20, 2009
Hello Vivian
osteoporosis always exits for billions of years on animals, plants and human biengs.
The Earth planet are getting older as like the vegetation and fruits that we eat.
One important reason is eat 85% raw food and water.
My regards Margarita /rodriguez ////good luck
January 19, 2009
hello Vivian
Well, thank you for all your emails and information.
I did not agree with you about the red’s grapefruit, it produce another problems in the body, lost the calcium, cancer, etc,
The best way is to eat 85% raw food salads, fruits, natural juices and avoid smoke, alcohol, coffee, chocolates tea etc. God bless your mind.My regards Margarita Rodriguez .
January 18, 2009
As an RN for over 30 years, I too have become so disallusioned with the influenc the pharmaceutical companies have over physicians. I am 59 and have been very active my entire life…riding horses since age 6, playing tennis, swimming, mountain bike riding…and have been religious with taking my Calcium and Vit D and Magnesium supplements. All of this with a spinal fusion for scoliosis from T-4 to T-10 at the age of 10!!!!
I had a freak fall, where I fell backward with a canvas camp chair slung over my back. I landed on the metal legs of the chair between my lower back ( probably around T-12) and the ground. I felt a “pop”, but refused to dmit anything was broken. I did suffer a compression fx of T-12. The ortho immediately dx’d me with severe osteo as my spinal films were very indicative of osteo…dud! the little vertebrae had all been worked on years before…what did he expext!!! I got referred to a DO who specializes in rheumatoid arthritis and osteo.
That was such an interesting appointment. He did order a multitud of labs. Nothing was too high or too low ( have copies ). He immediately wrote an Rx for Forteo (I had no idea what this was), I knew I was not going to put any of the bisphosonates in my body. He told my my first Rx was free, I need to take a class to learn how to “inject” the drug (I am a Hospice clinical case manager!)and then come back to see him. During our time together he informed me he gives seminars to other physicians on the use of Forteo for Eli Lilly. Huge red falg. When I asked him about lab studies and resulting side effect, this was his reply: They have studied 2 MILLION pts (wow! I thought, pretty impressive numers!) the most common side-effect was occasional muscular aches and pain.
I took my Rx home, got online and learned about Forteo…..hmmmm…he never mentioned the osteosarcoma in the lab animals…he did say if one has had radiation or cancer, they should not take it….and he did say one only takes it for 2 years. I was not quick enough to ask why that was…..I learned way more than I needed…oh yes! the RX alsways comes with a Black Box warning….
I went to 2 different phamacies I work with as a Hospice nurse and chatted with the pharmacists about forteo. They gave me their printed info that they give with the RX. One was kind of going on and on about, susan…all medications are really toxic….then he suddenly stopped talking as he read the Black box warning and the info about the osteosarcoma in the lab animals..he was shocked…his face told a different story…His pharmacy, Walgreens, charges $940 for each 30-day Rx; Long’s Pharmacy charges $970.41 for a 30-d supply.
I never intended to put that garbage into my body. I then went back to work on the Inrnet and happoly found your web site and immediately ordered your book….and since when DID osteoporosis become a “disease”?.it was one when I was in nursing school in the late 1060′s!
Thank you, Vivian for your expertise & willingnessto share. My chiropractor and I are both on the same page with all of this osteo stuff. Even my PA adds, it’s like Viagra…what a pharmaceutical money maker.
No one in my family EVER had osteoporosis…..but we were in agriculture, specifically in citrus….so guess I’ll be addin a Ruby grapefruit to my diet…just need to make sure they are grown in the USA!!!
Susan, RN,FACCE,Certified Legal Nurse Consultant
California
January 14, 2009
Hi Vivian,
Your book the Bone Health Revolution is excellent. In addition to dietary and lifestyle measures mentioned in your book, do you have any additional suggestions for women who have had a hysterectomy or in menopause to save their bones? Are natural estrogen or progesterone helpful or advised at any time to save our bones?
Very interested,
Sharon
January 13, 2009
Just joined the club and am very excited about it. All the information is great. Ordered your book to find out more and can’t wait to receive it. I have taken several drugs for the bone loss but they haven’t helped with the numbers and only gave me other problems. Thank you again.
January 9, 2009
I take Lovastatin for cholesterol and the prescription bottle states that I should not eat or drink grapefruit while taking this drug.
August 13, 2010
If you are taking a statin drug for high cholesterol, I would research that. I have read that studies show that taking statins do not reduce your chances of a heart attack (especially in women). Just another scam by the drug companies!!
January 5, 2009
That’s all well and good if you’re not taking certain prescription drugs that I’ve heard grapefruit can interfere with and that’s sad.
September 5, 2010
I’m on Lipitor too, and my pharmacist told me the reason for not eating grapefruit or drinking the juice is that it interferes with the absorption of Lipitor. I wonder why only with grapefruit and not with the other citrus fruits.
January 3, 2009
Happy new year to all of you!. I am very glad to find Vivian’s web site …I have been hours looking at the internet to find out more about osteoporosis. I alredy signed for the newsletter club and order the book. Great to know about the grapefruit. I was taking nexium for 5 years because of reflux, but I stopped taking these drugs two years ago. For 6 years I did not have any acid fruits or vegetables…but now I am eating them again ocasionally…my reflux is controled. I started drinking fresh papaya juice for six months and it helped me with my reflux… Do you think if I eat half grapefruit daily will be ok?. Thanks for all support.
Until soon,
Dora
December 30, 2008
Thanks for the grapefruit tip. Will get some immediately!!I need all the help I can get
December 30, 2008
Thanks for this information. I will now switch my morning orange for a grapefruit. Keep up the good work.
December 28, 2008
Thank you Vivian for your articles, I always learn something. I have never cared for grapefruit but will consider trying them again.I take some food supplements and vitamins are these safe with eating grapefruit? Thanks again for all your work. Wishing you a great New Year!! Connie
December 25, 2008
I have a red navel orange tree in my backyard. I have read that these trees also contain lycopene. I can’t eat grapefruit because 3 of my medications say not to eat it. Would eating red navel oranges be beneficial?
December 23, 2008
I have been eating some ruby grapefruit (though they are very expensive in England!) and I shall continue. I think you mentioned this in your book – and aren’t tomatoes good, too? They also contain lycopene.
December 22, 2008
Is eating one grapefruit per day sufficient or is Is more better?
December 21, 2008
If eating grapefuit helps our bones, I wish I had a grapefruit tree in the back yard or a friend who would ship some from Florida. I can’t believe how they have increased in price in our area, Charlotte, NC.
I am concerned however about the correlation of grapefruit and breast cancer.
Hate to sound negative, but my guess is we can last longer with osteoporosis than with breast cancer.
December 21, 2008
Hi Vivian,
As always, your article about grapefruit was interesting and helpful. I thank you so much for doing the “leg work” and passing such vital information along. Have a wonderful holiday season!
Eva
P.S. Just diagnosed with arthritis of my left hip. Any chance the benefits from the bone-rev diet could help fight arthritis?
December 21, 2008
Thank you Vivian, for the info on red grapefruit which I love, but don’t eat often. I’m going to start eating more now. I find all your articles very informative, thank you very much and have a very Happy and healthy holiday season. Dee
December 21, 2008
Good morning Vivian,
Thanks for the grapefruit news. I really love them… anything to help my bones is worthy of consuming… Wishing you a Happy, Holy Christmas… blessings…sharon
December 21, 2008
Hi Vvian
Thank you for the goods news …… I found it very interesting …..
You have give me hope about my osteoporosis.
I am afraid to take drugs.
I do enjoing your articles.
I always appreciate ,please keep doing the good work you are doing.
Thank you so much,
CLARA
December 21, 2008
I enjoy red grapefruit; lots of friends are sending us crates from Florida now. However, I’ve heard on good authority that grapefruit interferes with the absorbing certain meds and vitamins. Please clarify. Many thanx.
December 20, 2008
I’m wondering how much grapefruit one would need to consume in order to
receive this benefit? Is there a supplement one could take instead
and again, how much would have to be ingested?
October 14, 2009
I have been advised against taking grapefruit while using medication for hypertension
December 20, 2008
I take Tegretol and Dilantin for symptoms of MS (which contribute to my bone loss). However, I have heard that any grapefruit products reduce the effectiveness of the medication, so I have been avoiding them.
December 20, 2008
Texas Red Grapefruits are really and truly sweet. I never add sugar or any other sweetner to mine and I just cut one in half and section out the pieces. I was also told that grapefruit is a diurectic – I do loose a pound or two when I eat one.
December 19, 2008
I love grapefruit, especially the reds. Don’t buy them much because my daughter is in remission from breast cancer, and there has been various comments; and grapefruit was not allowed during chemotherapy.
I do not have osteoporosis, I HAD an M.D. who tried to prescribe bunches of meds I knew I didn’t need (I earned my BSN Summa Cum Laude, and have 30 years of hospital experience) and have been told by 2 other M.D.s that I have great bones. I do appreciate all the info, and I want Vivian’s book!
June
December 19, 2008
Hi Vivan thankyou for yr imformation and yr support this yr havn’t eaten grape fruit for a while.Stephen.
December 19, 2008
Thank you Vivian , good news. I love grapefruits i knew that this fruit has almost no sugar, which is great for us. I used to eat them waiting on he bus going home from work, and didn’t have sticky fingers .
Eva
December 19, 2008
Vivian,
There are many good questions in these posts. Can you do an email with the answers? Thank you. Bonnie
December 19, 2008
I eat grapefruit but not every day.I avoid cheeses and milk… enjoy soy milk. I have osteopena…. i eat healthy… and i do very well.
December 19, 2008
I love grapefruit especially now because they are in season. Thank you
December 19, 2008
I was under the impression that if you are taking any cholesterol lowering medications, that you shouldn’t eat grapefruit at all as it increases the effect of these drugs. I see from some of the comments that some people are taking their medication at night while eating grapefruit in the morning. I would like to hear more about this as I love the ruby reds and just hated to eliminate them from my diet.
December 19, 2008
I try to eat a grapefruit every day because I heard that grapefruit will help alkalize our body which will also help slow down osteoporosis. It is great that grapefruit also slows down bone loss. Thank you!
December 19, 2008
Never cared for grapefruit at all, but I will try to start eating it now.
December 19, 2008
Thank you so much for this information. I love grapefruit,I will start eating more.
December 19, 2008
Interesting – I am passing around this info amongst all my friends. Grapefruit sales are soon going to increase!
December 19, 2008
I eat grapefruit regularly. I love them. I peel them like oranges.
In regard to Francine Brooks pain, I thought that there was no pain with osteoporosis. I assumed that mine was from osteoarthritis. Vivian, please comment on this. Thanks!
June 11, 2009
Hi Vivian
I also thought there was no pain with osteoporosis. Just recently since diagnosed I have been taking Calcium d Forte. As I already have long standing back and shoulder damage (lost 2 discs and now have spondylolysthesis, and rotator cuff to shoulder) I am well used to pain. However recently the pain has felt much worse, like the pain valve has been opened up. Any ideas on this one.
thanks v much, Sandra ps find you a great help
December 19, 2008
Grapefruits are my least favorite fruit but Ill try to include them in my diet regularly. Would consuming Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice be a substitute for eating a grapefruit?
December 19, 2008
Very interesting. I dont eat grapefruit much. Maybe a good reason to do so. I do not know if I have osteoporosis but I am intolerant to dairy so have soy milk and take Magnesium. As I am more or less a vegan I have VB12 injections every two months. Also make sure I have enough natural foods with a good source of Calcuim and magnesium.
December 18, 2008
I have been eating red grapefruit for years and love it. I still take min. 1200 mg daily of calcium with D (1000 in pills, plus milk, yogurt, cheese), but osteoporosis still lingers. Have not noticed any improvement. Pain more severe when going up/down many steps or carrying heavy packages.
June 14, 2009
How about your magnesium – are you gettng 500 mg a day?
Vitamin K as well – but don’t overdue it.
December 18, 2008
I shall try this eating red grapefruit as I have osteoporosis and hope it will help me feel stronger. Here’s hoping. Never cared for regular grapefruit and hope I like these. Ruth
December 18, 2008
I eat red grapefruit all the time and just love it. Our Texas Ruby Red Grapefruits are never bitter. They are very sweet. I also take a statin but I eat the grapefruit in the morning and take the statin at night.
June 14, 2009
I meant to say that Grapefruit is not good for everyone- not anyone. Just be careful when you eat it and what meds you are on. Look it up on the internet too , to see which meds it interferes with…. just as calcium interferes with some meds – you need to know that.
December 18, 2008
Love to eat grapefruits, hope it doesn’t interfere with my taking the cholesterol lowering drug “statin” pravachol?! I take the grapefruit in the morning and statin at night, should be OK?!
June 14, 2009
Grapefruit interferes with a number of medications and is not good for anyone. Ask your Dr.
July 2, 2009
It is important to not take medication with grapefruit juice. Separate them by a few hours and it should not be a problem. Grapefruit is one of the most important citrus we have. As advised, always ask your physician if you have concerns. Most medications are not good for anybody either.
July 7, 2009
If you take no medications…then it’s good for you.
December 18, 2008
I will start eating grapefruit and hopefully it will help my osteoporosis.
Thanks.
December 18, 2008
Wasn’t there a study released recently which correlated grapefruit and breast cancer?
December 18, 2008
Although I love grapefruit, unfortunately citrus fruit gives me loose bowels.
December 18, 2008
Very interesting! I had not heard of this before. I do not care for the taste of fresh grapefruit. Too bitter fo me! Is there a capsule that you would recommend?
Carolyn
July 8, 2009
It is much healthier to eat the fruit. We need to stop using manufactured subsitutes for the real thing.
December 18, 2008
I also love grapefruit, but I have a question regarding what exactly is meant by the “pulp”. If I eat the fruit in the fashion where you spoon out the sections, am I still receiving the benefit? Thanks, Marlene
October 5, 2009
Hi Vivien, many thanks for all your informative ‘e’ mails, they really help. I have since come off Fosamax and am starting with adjustable weights as you suggested. I am having another bone density scan so that I can see the difference in 5 years time without the Fosamax. This artical is great for me because I love grapefruit. Are apples and Kiwi any good, as I have them every day?
Good on the rats !!!
December 18, 2008
I love grapefruit! I’ll be eating it more now.Thanks for letting us know.
December 18, 2008
I can’t have grapefruit since it enhances the effect of taking Coumadin.
Helen Lane
December 18, 2008
Wonderful! I’ll start eating red grapefruit regularly! That’s a terrific tip. Thank you. Cary Davis
December 19, 2008
The pain I had from my osteo was the worst pain I’d ever had from anything. I am a year post diagnosis and more important; a year into Vivian’s nutrition plan and am very well. NO Pain, running in races again and praising God for my improved strength. I even won a race in my age division 2 weeks ago.
December 21, 2008
Hi Corinne,
Compression fractures of the spine can be quite painful, and that might explain why Francine experiences more pain when carrying heavy objects. Osteoporosis itself does not hurt.
Regards,
Vivian
December 19, 2008
This was the first thing that came to mind…I actually heard about this study as well!
Is this true?
December 20, 2008
Hi Sylvia,
There is only one study, but the findings are preliminary and not at all definitive. It was conducted in the UK where 40,000 postmenopausal women were followed over several years and it was found that those who ate grapefruit had a 30 percent higher CHANCE of developing breast cancer than those who didn’t eat grapefruit. The study did not include women who were premenopausal or those who were breast cancer survivors. However, it is only one study and it is what’s called an observational study, which has many limitations.
It’s known that grapefruit inhibits the activity of an enzyme that is needed to “digest” the estrogen (the enzyme is called CYP3A4, and it is found in the liver and in the intestine).This could be a concern for those who are on estrogen therapy because it could potentially cause side effects from the excess estrogen.
Best regards,
Vivian
December 19, 2008
Try giving up milk and cheese…. not good
December 20, 2008
You say you take red grapefruit + milk, yogurt and cheese but Vivienne recommends ‘no dairy’ to help with osteoporosis!
December 20, 2008
i have a tree in the back yard and I never knew, have osteoporosis , so I will eat more.
December 20, 2008
Hi Marlene,
Yes, the pulp is the part that you spoon out.
Best,
Vivian
December 20, 2008
Hi Carolyn,
There are no capsules of red grapefruit, but there are supplements of lycopene, the antioxidant that gives red color to fruits and vegetables. Studies show that it stimulates osteoblasts, the bone-building cells.
Regards,
Vivian
January 5, 2009
Just add either a teaspoon of delicious honey or brown sugar, wait ten to fifteen minutes, or overnight for a really sweet tasting grapefruit. Clancette
December 20, 2008
Hi Susanne,
Grapefruit does interact with some statin drugs, but according to an article by A. Karch, published in the American Journal of Nursing (December 2004) titled “Statins for High Cholesterol”, it was not shown to interact with Pravachol.
Here are some drugs that interact with grapefruit juice. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re concerned about any of your medications.
* Anxiety: Xanax, Buspar, Versed, Halcion
* Depression: Luvox, Zoloft
* Allergies: Allegra
* Abnormal heart rhythm: Cordarone, quinidine
* Heart disease/stroke/blood clots: Coumadin
* Epilepsy: Tegretol
* Cancer: Cyclophosphamide, etoposide, ifosfamide,
tamoxifen, vinblastine, vincristine
* Cough: Dextromethorphan (found in many over-the-counter cold
medicines)
* HIV: Agenerase, Crixivan, Viracept, Norvir, Fortovase
* Prostate enlargement: Proscar
* Heart disease/High blood pressure: Coreg, Cardizem, Plendil, Cardene, Adalat, Procardia, Nimotop, Sular, Covera, Calan, Verelan
* Erectile dysfunction: Viagra, Cialis
* Asthma/Emphysema: Theophylline
* High cholesterol: Lipitor, Lescol, Mevacor, Zocor
* Pain: Alfenta, Duragesic, Actiq, Sufenta
* Infection: Biaxin, Sporanox, erythromycin, troleandomycin
Best,
Vivian
December 20, 2008
Hi Francine,
You’ll get a much more “diluted” benefit if you just drink the juice.
Regards,
Vivian
December 21, 2008
Hi Bonnie,
Please refer to the answer I wrote to Susanne Obermeier.
Regards,
Vivian
December 21, 2008
Hi Sharon,
I’m so glad that your pain is gone and that you’re running races…and winning. The Bone Health Action Plan explained in my book is not only a detailed road map to having strong and healthy bones without taking drugs; it can also help reduce inflammation of the joints.
Way to go!
Vivian
December 21, 2008
Hi Karen,
The study quoted in my article showed that the benefit was dose-related. One half grapefruit should do it, though. And there are no red grapefruit supplements.
Best regards,
Vivian
December 21, 2008
Hi Elizabeth,
The answer to your question is under Susanne Obermeier’s question.
Best,
Vivian
December 22, 2008
I believe I read in earlier comments that one half grapefruit a
day was the amount in the study.
December 26, 2008
Hi Eva,
In some cases, arthritis is caused by excess accumulation of acid waste residue in the connective tissue. In The Bone Health Revolution I explain how to maintain the desirable pH to prevent this from happening.
Best,
Vivian
December 26, 2008
Hi June,
Yes, tomatoes are also excellent for bone health. In fact, they are listed in my book as one of the Power Foods because they are a good source of the antioxidant lycopene. (Source: Balachandran, Rao, Murray, “Polyphenols in the extract of greens+ (TM) herbal preparation have effects on cell proliferation and differentiation of human osteoblast cell line SaOS-2″, Medicine/Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism, St.Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada,2006).
Regards,
Vivian
December 26, 2008
Hi Ellen,
Yes, it would be beneficial. You can refer to my answer to June for more info on this.
Regards,
Vivian
January 24, 2009
Dear Vivian:
Where can I obtain(buy) your book on “Bone Health Action Plan”
I have osteoporosis, but I will not take any drugs, so if you can help me, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You
Bea
February 16, 2009
I am a fruit lover/eater. I haven’t eaten much grapefruit because it is not always on the market here. I will scour around to find grapefruit to add to my diet. Thank you. Every bit of information helps.
February 16, 2009
I agree with Clancett. Also, the frequency of eating grapefruit is helpful for adjusting to the taste. You have to develop a taste for it…LOL
August 7, 2009
Okay? Please inform me of the weight vest you are referring to and also inform me please of your proof of your bones getting stronger. Did you have a scan or do you just “feel” they must be getting stronger?Thanks for your help
August 9, 2009
Yeah, I am interested in the weight vest? I do not now anything about it?
August 10, 2009
I too am interested in learning more about the weight vest could you give me some info?
September 1, 2009
And add Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker
April 12, 2010
so what do i do … eat grapefruit (improving bones) … or continue to take tegretol (to hopefully keep trigeminal neuralgia at bay) and lipitor to lower high cholesterol ?????
December 30, 2009
Where can I buy lycopene from?
July 21, 2010
Hi! concerning grapefruit, I am not supposed to eat it because I am taking blood pressure pills. Once I asked an PHD and Nutritionist at the same time, why I should not eat grapefuit? His answer was: because it lawer the blood pressure. I asked: so in this case I should not take the pills and have grapefruit, he did not answer. of course this is the secret of the medicine.