Grapefruit Nutrition

What Is A Grapefruit?

It is a juicy, citrus fruit that has a taste that can range from acidic and bitter to tangy and sweet. It has a distinctive citrus odor which comes from the compound, mercaptan, which is a terpene ( a type of phytochemical) in the fruit. It is low in calories and is used in some diet programs.

Why is it called the grapefruit? It grows in clusters, like grapes. Hence, the fruit is so named.

There are several varieties of the fruit depending on the color of the pigmentation of the pulp. The most common ones are the white, red and pink grapefruit.

Nutritional and Health Benefits of Grapefruit

First and foremost, it is low in calories so there is no concern about weight gain here. For this very reason, it is included in many diet programs.

Vitamin C: It is an excellent source of vitamin C which is a powerful antioxidant and an immune system booster. How much vitamin C does it have? Half a grapefruit provides a day's requirement for this vitamin. That's how good it is.

Vitamin A: It is also a good source of vitamin A which is good for the eyes. It improves night vision.

Other Vitamins: It also contains the following vitamins: thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxamine (B6) and folate (B9).

Potassium: It is a good source of potassium. This mineral is essential for the body to function properly. It helps in muscle growth and contractions. It is also needed for efficient nerve cell function and protein synthesis. Potassium, together with sodium, helps to regulate the water balance in and outside our body cells. Other fruits which are good sources of potassium are the banana, kiwi and avocado.

Other Minerals: The grapefruit also contains some amount of the following minerals: calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and manganese.

Fiber: It is high in fiber which is good for the colon. Fiber is also good for those who have high sugar level and cholesterol problems.

Lycopene: It contains lycopene, a carotenoid, (phytochemical) which is also found in tomatoes, watermelon and other brightly colored fruits and vegetables.

Liminoids: It also contains another phytochemical called liminoids which inhibits tumor formation. It does this by promoting the formation of glutathione=S-transferase, a detoxifying enzyme, that helps the liver to flush out toxins.

How To Enjoy Grapefruit

The best way to enjoy grapefruit is to have it fresh and uncooked.You can cut it up and enjoy it just like that.

Or you may want to section it, removing the skin and the pith (the white part of the inner skin) as it is bitter. Then have it with some of your favorite fruits in a fruit salad. The orange grapefruit salad is one of the juiciest fruit salads you can enjoy. When chilled, it is divine! Or extract the juice for a refreshing drink.

Concerns

Those who are on lipitor, a cholesterol medication, should avoid the consumption of grapefruit in any form (be it fruit, juice, or supplements). Grapefruit increases the level of the medication, creating complications such as serious muscle problem or even kidney failure. Not all cholesterol medications have such a reaction with grapefruit. Consult your physician for advice.

Other than this, anyone can get the most out of grapefruit nutrition.

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Go to Orange Grapefruit Salad page from Grapefruit Nutrition page.