Grapefruit serves as a super food for bodybuilders. The citrus fruit offers athletes a low-calorie snack packed with nutrients. Choose the whole fruit over juice, pills and extracts since the fruit’s pulp provides important benefits, such as boosting bone health. Eat a balanced diet, rich in fruit and vegetables, and avoid fad nutrition plans--like the Grapefruit Diet--to improve your bodybuilding workouts.
High in Vitamin C
Grapefruit is high in vitamin C, which boosts your immune system. Vitamin C also serves as a diuretic which facilitates the elimination of harmful toxins from your body. Bodybuilders require higher levels of vitamin C to combat bodily stress that is experienced when engaged in heavy resistance training.
Low Calorie
Grapefruit is a low calorie, high volume fruit. According to MayoClinic.com, the fruit is about 90 percent water and has just 38 calories in a half-fruit serving. The high water content helps to replace fluids lost through sweating and aids muscle recovery after engaging in vigorous exercise.
High Fiber
Grapefruit is a high-fiber food. Fiber helps you feel satiated while enhancing nutrient absorption, which creates an anabolic environment. Fibrous foods aid digestion, prevent constipation and may reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Reduces Insulin Resistance
According to Bodybuilding.com, grapefruit reduces insulin resistance, which inhibits weight gain. Insulin resistance can lead to fatigue, high blood pressure and high blood sugar. Bodybuilders aim to maintain a steady insulin level to increase fat loss and maintain lean muscle mass.
Reduces Cholesterol
Grapefruit consumption reduces cholesterol, which improves circulation. Increased circulation optimizes your bodybuilding workouts by promoting adequate blood flow to your muscles and vital organs.
