The grapefruit may not be the prettiest fruit, nor is it the most appealing to many, but the results of regular consumption of grapefruits can't be denied.

In addition to being a weight-loss aid, grapefruit is an important ally in the battle against cancer, stroke, high blood pressure and heart ailments, according to Medical News Today.

Grapefruit might not be the weight loss wonder that it has been purported to be, but it is low in calories and is a powerful antioxidant. The "Grapefruit Diet" study, which was led by Dr. Ken Fujioka at The Scripps Clinic, monitored the metabolism and weight of 91 overweight women and men for 12 weeks.

The participants were put in groups that, before each meal, would get either grapefruit capsules with 7 ounces of apple juice, placebo capsules with 7 ounces of apple juice, 8 ounces of grapefruit juice with a placebo capsule or half a fresh grapefruit with a placebo capsule -- all administered three times a day.

The fresh grapefruit group lost the most weight (3.5 pounds), the grapefruit juice group came in second having lost 3.3 lbs, the grapefruit capsule people lost 2.42 lbs, and the placebo group had lost a little more than half a pound.

There was also a lowering in the post-glucose insulin level in the grapefruit group compared with that of those who took placebo. The finding indicated that eating half a grapefruit before a meal was helpful to those with diabetes-related insulin levels.

Another study indicated that the potassium, lycopene, fiber and vitamin C combined in the grapefruit made for lower blood pressure and better heart health.

Scientists discovered that when people added red grapefruit to their diets, it helped lower triglyceride levels.

Triglycerides make up natural fats and oils but, when found in high amounts in the blood, it's an indicator for risk of stroke.

As a cancer-fighter, fresh red and pink-colored grapefruits are packed with lycopene, a noted cancer fighter.

Grapefruits are a great source of vitamin C and antioxidants that combat free radicals that can cause cancer.

The grapefruit originates from South East Asia, as reported on the blog Seasonal Recipes.

Did you know?:

• The fruit grows in clusters like grapes, in Texas, California, Arizona and Florida, therefore getting the name grapefruit.-- Grapefruits come with seeds and without seeds. 
• Grapefruits come in two colors, white and pink, but its skin is always yellow.
• Seasons vary depending on where the grapefruit is grown. It peaks from October through June in Florida and Texas; peak season is January to June in California and Arizona.
• The heavier the grapefruit, the more juice inside, so take your time selecting the fruit.

And, by the way, what happens after June, when the domestic grapefruit harvest dries up? The U.S. imports grapefruits from a variety of other countries, so hang on until the end of the fall.