The Citrus Diet: Is It an Effective Weight Loss Method?
Curious about whether the citrus diet will help you lose weight fast? Here is why you should not try this restrictive diet, and what you should do instead.
30/12/2021
There are many benefits to eating citrus fruits and it has been shown that they can help with weight loss as part of a healthy diet. This might be the basis for the citrus diet - a supposed weight loss program that involves eating high quantities of these fruits, and a limited amount of proteins and carbs. However, there are risks associated with the citrus diet and some people may experience negative side effects. In this article, we'll look at the way this diet works, and why it may not be the best weight loss option.
What Is The Citrus Diet?
This diet is based on an increased intake of
citrus fruits including lemon, orange,
grapefruit. It's a highly restrictive diet that
involves drinking a cup of warm lemon water in
the morning, eating 5 servings of fruits each
day, and one meal with lean fish or meat. Like
most restrictive diets, its results are
temporary.
The citrus diet includes
foods that are extremely low in sugar, fat and
calories which makes it difficult for your body
to get enough energy. As a result, it will go
into "saving" mode which can lead to loss of
muscle mass, slower metabolism and fatigue.
On the other hand, a well-balanced diet that
includes lots of fresh fruit will help to keep
your body in top shape by optimizing the way it
functions on a cellular level.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Citrus Fruits?
Citrus fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibre which can have many metabolic advantages when eaten regularly in the proper quantities.
Rich In Vitamin C
A single orange can provide as much as 100%
of your daily vitamin C intake.
Vitamin
C is an antioxidant that helps to fight against
free radicals which can cause cancer cells to
multiply or damage blood vessels. This process
is known as oxidative stress and it also damages
healthy cells in the body.
Vitamin C
boosts the immune system and improves skin
health by reducing wrinkles and age spots. It
has been shown to reduce the risk of heart
disease and cancer.
High In Fiber
Dietary fiber is an important part of a balanced diet and plays a role in weight maintenance. A high fiber diet has shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and colorectal cancer.
Source of Vital Nutrients
Potassium is an essential mineral that helps
maintain healthy blood pressure and heart
function. Potassium also helps control fluid
balance and nerve transmission in the body.
Calcium is necessary for strong bones, it
aids in muscle contractions by helping to
transport ions across membranes which makes
calcium very important for our muscles,
including the ones used for digestion.
It’s also known to help maintain healthy teeth
enamel by preventing acid attacks from bacteria
in plaque formation. Calcium deficiency can
result in osteoporosis over time which could
lead to bone fractures.
Low In Calories
It’s good to eat fruit when you are having
cravings for something sweet so that you don’t
completely deprive yourself from your favourite
foods while on this diet. The citrus fruits
above are also low in calories which makes them
a good diet food choice.
Citrus fruits
can be a great addition to your regular routine
if you are looking for alternative breakfast
ideas, healthier snack choices or even better
lunch alternatives.
What Are The Risks Of Consuming Too Many Citrus Fruits?
Over consumption of fruit can cause cavities,
especially when you are eating acidic foods
several times per day. It’s recommended to drink
water after eating fruit so that the sugar
doesn’t stay on your teeth for too long and
acidify your mouth. If you have an existing
cavity, it is advised not to eat enough oranges
or lemons daily as they can worsen the severity
of caries.
People who suffer from
stomach ulcers may also experience negative side
effects by consuming high amounts of citrus
fruits regularly due to their highly acidic
properties.
The Bottom Line
If you want to lose weight in a safe and sustainable way, the citrus diet is not the answer. Your best bet is to make dietary changes gradually by eating lots of fresh fruit, vegetables and lean protein.
DISCLAIMER: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!
Source: https://cleanplates.com/wellness/betterme-review/