Grapefruit May Sweeten Way to Lower Cholesterol
(HealthDay News, 2/21/06)

Israeli scientists divided 57 coronary bypass patients whose  high blood cholesterol was not responsive to statin drugs, into three groups. The researchers had all subjects eat balanced meals and assigned one group to eat one serving of fresh red grapefruit daily for 30 days; they assigned the second group white grapefruit; and the third, they gave no grapefruit. The investigators found that the blood lipid levels of subjects eating grapefruit—especially the red variety, which typically has higher antioxidant levels than the white—decreased significantly, but lipid levels did not change for those not eating grapefruit. Scientists speculate that the antioxidants in grapefruit are responsible for the beneficial effect. But consumers must note that the fruit can interact with some medications and, therefore, it is advisable to consult with a pharmacist before boosting grapefruit intake.

(American Chemical Society, news release, February 2006)