Grapefruit is a somewhat “new” addition to the citrus family, originated from the natural cross-breeding between orange and pomelo. The grapefruit is enormous in size like the pomelo, however it looks like an orange from the outer side. The name of the fruit, grapefruit comes from grapes because similar to grapes, it grows in clumps. Majorly, it can be found in three colors, namely red, white and pink. Depending on its variety, the diameter of a grapefruit can range between four and six inches. The white matter under the skin (albedo) is about a quarter to half an inch thick.
Red grapefruit contains a large amount of vitamin C as it comes under the category of citrus fruits. Aside from this, the red grapefruit is a good source of other essential nutrients and minerals which help to prevent as well as treat a host of diseases, and thus it is necessary for leading a healthy life. The taste of a red grapefruit can be bitter and sour but the health rewards of the fruit are sweet. This small fruit delivers big health benefits from warding off the common cold to helping to prevent cancer. Let us look at nutritional value and some health benefits of red grapefruit.
Nutritional Value of Grapefruit:
- Monounsaturated fat
- Polyunsaturated fat
- Saturated fat
- Dietary fiber
- Vitamin C
- Pantothenic acid
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin B 12
- Amino acids
Health benefits of Red Grapefruit:
Red grapefruit is rich in pectin, a soluble form of fiber that reduces cholesterol level in the body. Studies have suggested that red grapefruit lowers LDL, or bad cholesterol, as well as triglycerides. The study titled as “Changes in Plasma Lipid and Antioxidant Activity in Rats as a Result of Naringin and Red Grapefruit Supplementation,” published in 2005, found that participants who consumed grapefruit showed a 15% reduce in their cholesterol in a period of 30 days.
Good Source of Vitamin C:
As red grapefruit comes under citrus fruit, it is an excellent source of vitamin C. One half of a medium grapefruit supplies 40 milligrams of vitamin C per serving. The immune system of the body is greatly supported by vitamin C. So, consuming foods rich in vitamin C has proved helpful in decreasing symptoms related with the common cold.
In Certain Cancers:
Researches have shown that red grapefruit provides protection against both colon and lung cancer. The fruit proved successful in laboratory test to reduce enzymes that trigger chemicals that responsible for the cancers.
Though grapefruit has a sour taste, its juice really has an alkaline reaction after digestion. In the treatment of acidity in the digestive system, this has a profound effect.
Pectin content of the fruit has been found to be effective in decreasing the accumulation of arterial deposits. Also, the vitamin C of the fruit helps to strengthen and maintain the elasticity of arteries.
A diabetic patient can safely eat a grapefruit. Actually, more eating of this fruit will help to decrease the starches and sweets in the body system. If you have a propensity towards diabetes, drink more red grapefruit juice to prevent it.
Before going to bed, a drink of grapefruit juice helps to promote sleep and alleviates insomnia.
The fruit contains fat-burning enzyme and can help to absorb and decrease the starch and sugar in the body. People who are trying to lose weight widely consume this fruit.
To dispel all fatigue and tiredness, drink a glass of red grapefruit juice with lemon juice in equal parts with a little honey at the end of a long and tiring day.
Red grapefruit increases the flow of gastric juices and thus helps to promote digestion. For their extra fiber that aids bowel movements, consume the fruit together with its albedo and pith.
Red grapefruit is a good source of potassium. Due to the presence of potassium, regular consumption of grapefruit is good for controlling high blood pressure.