Grapefruit diet
Encyclopedia
The grapefruit diet, also known as the Hollywood Diet and erroneously as the Mayo Clinic Diet, is a short-term fad diet that has existed in the United States
since at least the 1930s. . The diet is based on the claim that grapefruit has a fat-burning enzyme
or similar property. The variations of the grapefruit diet that are too low in calories (below 1200 calories a day), carbs or essential micronutrients are considered unhealthy and potentially dangerous. While eating half a grapefruit with every meal may be a good way to incorporate more fruit in the diet of a healthy person, grapefruit and grapefruit juice is harmful if the dieter is taking medications that can interact with grapefruit juice or is allergic to citruses.
The grapefruit diet is a low-carb diet. It suggests that grapefruit helps burn body fat when eaten with foods high in dietary fat, which is why the grapefruit diet encourages consumption of meat, eggs and other foods that are rich in fat and protein. A typical breakfast menu usually includes bacon and eggs. The grapefruit diet restricts consumption of carbohydrates by eliminating sugar, sweet fruits and vegetables, grains and cereals. The grapefruit diet lasts for 10 to 12 days followed by 2 days off.
Diet", though the Clinic has no connection to the diet and how the connection started is unclear. The diet significantly limits the amount of fruits and vegetables one eats while encouraging meat intake; the combination of these high-fat, high-cholesterol
foods with grapefruit is claimed to burn fat. Although the number of days in the diet varies, it generally involves a set number of days on the diet followed by two "break" days. It was re-popularized in the 1980s and nicknamed the "10-day, 10-pounds-off diet".
A 2004 study funded by The Florida Citrus Department found that participants lost an average of 3–4 pounds over 12 weeks by eating half a grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice with each meal and exercising regularly; many participants lost more than 10 pounds. It was hypothesized that the grapefruit reduced insulin levels, encouraging fat loss. However, the study involved a healthy diet with the addition of grapefruit, in contrast to a normal "grapefruit diet". That study prompted additional research that led to the development of Emulin
.
on Yankovic's 1999 album Running with Scissors
parodies both the grapefruit diet and the Cherry Poppin' Daddies
' song "Zoot Suit Riot
" in his song "Grapefruit Diet".
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
since at least the 1930s. . The diet is based on the claim that grapefruit has a fat-burning enzyme
Enzyme
Enzymes are proteins that catalyze chemical reactions. In enzymatic reactions, the molecules at the beginning of the process, called substrates, are converted into different molecules, called products. Almost all chemical reactions in a biological cell need enzymes in order to occur at rates...
or similar property. The variations of the grapefruit diet that are too low in calories (below 1200 calories a day), carbs or essential micronutrients are considered unhealthy and potentially dangerous. While eating half a grapefruit with every meal may be a good way to incorporate more fruit in the diet of a healthy person, grapefruit and grapefruit juice is harmful if the dieter is taking medications that can interact with grapefruit juice or is allergic to citruses.
The grapefruit diet is a low-carb diet. It suggests that grapefruit helps burn body fat when eaten with foods high in dietary fat, which is why the grapefruit diet encourages consumption of meat, eggs and other foods that are rich in fat and protein. A typical breakfast menu usually includes bacon and eggs. The grapefruit diet restricts consumption of carbohydrates by eliminating sugar, sweet fruits and vegetables, grains and cereals. The grapefruit diet lasts for 10 to 12 days followed by 2 days off.
History
Though the grapefruit diet originated in the 1930s, it came to popularity in the 1970s, when it was erroneously propagated through Xeroxlore as "the Mayo ClinicMayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical practice and medical research group specializing in treating difficult patients . Patients are referred to Mayo Clinic from across the U.S. and the world, and it is known for innovative and effective treatments. Mayo Clinic is known for being at the top of...
Diet", though the Clinic has no connection to the diet and how the connection started is unclear. The diet significantly limits the amount of fruits and vegetables one eats while encouraging meat intake; the combination of these high-fat, high-cholesterol
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a complex isoprenoid. Specifically, it is a waxy steroid of fat that is produced in the liver or intestines. It is used to produce hormones and cell membranes and is transported in the blood plasma of all mammals. It is an essential structural component of mammalian cell membranes...
foods with grapefruit is claimed to burn fat. Although the number of days in the diet varies, it generally involves a set number of days on the diet followed by two "break" days. It was re-popularized in the 1980s and nicknamed the "10-day, 10-pounds-off diet".
A 2004 study funded by The Florida Citrus Department found that participants lost an average of 3–4 pounds over 12 weeks by eating half a grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice with each meal and exercising regularly; many participants lost more than 10 pounds. It was hypothesized that the grapefruit reduced insulin levels, encouraging fat loss. However, the study involved a healthy diet with the addition of grapefruit, in contrast to a normal "grapefruit diet". That study prompted additional research that led to the development of Emulin
Emulin
Emulin is a proprietary, over-the-counter combination of three specific flavonoids in a specific ratio which manages carbohydrate metabolism in mammals...
.
Parody
Weird Al Yankovic and Steve PerrySteve Perry (Oregon musician)
Stephen Henry Perry is an American musician, best known for being the lead singer, songwriter and rhythm guitarist for the ska-swing band the Cherry Poppin' Daddies, of which he is the founding member.-Early life:...
on Yankovic's 1999 album Running with Scissors
Running with Scissors (album)
Running with Scissors is the 10th studio album by "Weird Al" Yankovic, released on June 29, 1999. The album contains the hit single "The Saga Begins", a parody of Don McLean's song "American Pie".-Details:...
parodies both the grapefruit diet and the Cherry Poppin' Daddies
Cherry Poppin' Daddies
The Cherry Poppin' Daddies are an American band established in Eugene, Oregon, in 1989. Formed by Steve Perry and Dan Schmid , the band has experienced many membership changes over the years, with only Perry, Schmid and Dana Heitman currently remaining from the original line-up.The Daddies' music...
' song "Zoot Suit Riot
Zoot Suit Riot (song)
"Zoot Suit Riot" is a song by American ska-swing band the Cherry Poppin' Daddies. It was written and composed by Steve Perry as a bonus track for the band's all-swing compilation album of the same name, and thus follows a musical style similar to 1940s jump swing."Zoot Suit Riot" is often cited as...
" in his song "Grapefruit Diet".