Just like the flavor and quality of grapefruits, the health benefits of grapefruits are truly unparalleled!
At first glance and taste, you may notice that the grapefruit is like a combination of pomelo and oranges. It’s called a grapefruit because of its branches that form into clusters.
What makes the grapefruit one of the best tropical fruits in the world? It has a rich sweet, and tarty flavor that can have a mildly bitter taste. The grapefruit is also juicy and pulpy like other citrus fruits.
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Did you know that Griffith Hughes first discovered grapefruit in 1750? Now, it is a world-class fruit and one of the most produced in the United States.
There’s a lot to know about this fruit. And today, let’s talk about the health benefits of grapefruits!
Nutrition Facts
Aside from being rich in flavor, grapefruit does not lack essential nutrients. According to Food Data Central, here are the nutrients you can get from one whole grapefruit:
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Water | 271 grams |
| Energy | 129 kcal |
| Protein | 2.37 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 33 grams |
| Fiber | 4.93 grams |
| Sugars | 21.2 grams |
| Calcium | 67.8 milligrams |
| Magnesium | 27.7 milligrams |
| Phosphorus | 55.4 milligrams |
| Potassium | 416 milligrams |
| Vitamin C | 96.1 milligrams |
| Folate | 40 micrograms |
| Choline | 23.7 micrograms |
| Vitamin A | 179 micrograms |
| Lycopene | 4370 micrograms |
| Lutein and zeaxanthin | 15.4 micrograms |
| Carotene | 2110 micrograms |
Calories
John Hopkins Medicine shared that one whole grapefruit has 104 calories. It’s one of the best fruits to eat that can make you feel full and give you energy for the day.
Carbohydrates
There are about 33 grams of carbs in a grapefruit. It may not be the best for a keto diet, but you can try adding it to your low-carb diet. Surprisingly, the grapefruit juice has more calories than the fruit itself!
Fiber
The grapefruit is a good source of fiber because one fruit has about five grams of fiber. With this amount of fiber, I’m sure it will be good for your digestion and overall health.
How amazing would it be to have all these important nutrients in your diet from one grapefruit?
Vitamins and Minerals
The healthy goodness of grapefruit is incomplete without its vitamins and minerals. These also add many health benefits that can truly be good for your diet.
Here are the top vitamins and minerals you can find in a grapefruit:
- Protein
- Fiber
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Potassium
- Folate
- Carotene
- Magnesium
- Lycopene
- Flavanones
- Calcium
- Iron
- Zinc
- Phosphorus
- Choline
- Lutein
- Zeaxanthin
- Pectin
Imagine what these can do for your health! Feel and live better with the nutritious components of grapefruits.
Plant Compounds
You can find several plant compounds in grapefruits. They contain flavonoids, isoflavones, furanocoumarins, and anthocyanidin – all great compounds for your health.
Among the flavonoids, grapefruits are rich in flavones and flavanols. These also have antioxidant properties to protect you from different health problems.
On the other hand, isoflavones have anti-inflammatory potential to repair and restore damaged cells in the body. They are good for fighting diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, indigestion, and high blood pressure.
Meanwhile, furanocoumarins, commonly found in citrus fruits like grapefruits, are good for maintaining bone strength and managing weight properly.
Grapefruits also contain anthocyanins, which are proven to have positive effects on heart health, weight, and immunity. Healthline also mentioned that these can promote memory and brain function.
Once you add grapefruits to your diet, you will surely have more nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and compounds in your system. You’ll definitely feel happier and healthier every day!
Health Benefits of Grapefruits
Come and learn about the health benefits of grapefruits with me!
Boosts immunity
With the many antioxidants and vitamins in grapefruits, it’s no wonder that they help boost your immunity. You will be protected from different health problems, and recovery time will also be quicker.
According to Health, vitamin C from grapefruits can protect your cells from damage and restore your immunity. Whenever you get the flu or a cold, it’ll last for a few days only!
Aids weight loss
If you’re looking for sweet yet weight-loss-friendly fruits, grapefruits are great choices. The fiber and water content from these fruits will surely get you one step closer to your fitness goals.
A study in Nutrition and Metabolism shared that people who regularly eat grapefruits have significantly reduced their waist size. You will feel full and nourished at the same time.
Prevents insulin resistance
How can grapefruits protect you from diabetes? They have nutrients that can help your cells respond better to insulin. Grapefruits can certainly protect you from the effects of diabetes, too.
The Journal of Diabetes Investigation found that with grapefruits in your diet, you can get better blood sugar control and lower risks of getting diabetes and other related health conditions.
Improves heart health
Since grapefruits regulate your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, they are guaranteed to improve your heart health. These fruits also have potassium and antioxidants to protect you from heart diseases.
According to Nutrients, an increased intake of grapefruits can prevent heart attacks and strokes. Eat some grapefruits to keep your beating heart healthier than ever!
Protects the kidney
You can never avoid waste in your body, but the good thing is that grapefruits can help you protect your kidneys from kidney stones. You are taking care of your urinary health by breaking down kidney stones.
A study in the Korean Journal of Urology found that the citric acid in grapefruits can certainly reduce one’s chances of getting kidney stones. Invest in grapefruits to detoxify and cleanse your body.
Promotes hydration
Take advantage of the juicy quality of grapefruits for hydration. More than 88% of the weight of grapefruit is made of water. You can juice or eat it with a glass of water for daily water needs.
Michigan State University mentioned that hydrating with grapefruits is good for your blood, organs, digestion, and skin. From now on, relish the sweet juices of the grapefruit every chance you get!
Brightens your mood
One of the most interesting things about grapefruit is that it can be a good source of aromatherapy. Its sweet and fragrant scent can relax your body and mind.
MDPI shared that grapefruits like essential oils can reduce stress and lower cortisol levels. The effects of these fruits are not just for physical health, but mental health too!
Moisturizes the skin
There are many health benefits your skin can get from grapefruits. Vitamin C is great for protecting your skin from damage and aging. Wounds will surely heal faster, and your dark spots will lighten.
The International Journal of Dermatology found that the vitamins from these grapefruits can give you more collagen to keep your skin hydrated and wrinkle-free!
Don’t miss out on these health benefits of grapefruits. Live your life with these fruits; every day will be exciting and fun!
Ripening Process
An unripe grapefruit may taste too sour, so make sure that you get ripe grapefruits for the sweet and tarty flavor you will enjoy.
I suggest harvesting grapefruits only when they are ripe. It can take several weeks for the grapefruit to ripen while attached to the tree. Remember that once you harvest them, they won’t ripen anymore.
Here are tips on how to buy ripe grapefruits, as suggested by The Grove:
- The peel should have a shiny and glossy texture.
- Ripe grapefruits also have yellow or orange skin.
- Check if they feel plump and heavy for their size.
- Inspect them for any soft spots or discoloration.
When you store grapefruits at room temperature, make sure to eat them within a few days. You can keep them in the fridge to last up to several weeks instead.
Side Effects
Grapefruits certainly have an incredibly delicious flavor, but eating too much of these can still pose side effects. Here are some of the signs you should look out for:
- Tissue damage – injury in soft tissues, muscles, and tendons
- Tooth decay – damage on the surface of the tooth
- Acute kidney failure – kidneys become unable to filter waste
- Respiratory problems – include asthma and pneumonia
- Internal bleeding – a burst of blood in the vessels
You also need to be careful when eating grapefruits with your medications. According to Everyday Health, grapefruit can block the absorption of medications in the body.
The FDA suggests caution when eating grapefruits while you’re medicating with blood thinners, anxiety medicine, antihistamines, organ transplant drugs, and hypertension medications.
Nao Medical Urgent Care suggests eating one to two grapefruits per day. In fact, half of this fruit can already be your five-a-day portion in your daily diet!
Conclusion
How great would it be to have grapefruits in your diet?
Now, you know that eating grapefruits is not just about satisfying your sweet cravings but also taking care of your overall health. These fruits can greatly help with physical and even mental wellness, even in the long term.
Let’s do a recap of the health benefits of grapefruits!
- Boosts immunity
- Aids weight loss
- Prevents insulin resistance
- Improves heart health
- Protects the kidney
- Promotes hydration
- Brightens your mood
- Moisturizes the skin
As long as you enjoy these grapefruits in moderation, I’m sure you’re going to reap the health benefits they have for you. Give these grapefruits a try, and you will never regret it!
Suggested Recipes
There are many recipes you can make with grapefruits. I suggest eating them fresh for a refreshing and revitalized feeling. Learn how to eat grapefruit without the bitter taste. You can also turn them into juices or smoothies with your favorite healthy recipes.
One of the best options for these fruits is adding them to your salad bowls. They also add a tarty and sweet taste that bursts in your mouth for a delicious flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does grapefruit do for the body?
A grapefruit has lots of health benefits for your body. With this fruit in your diet, you can protect yourself from different health problems like stroke, heart attack, kidney stones, indigestion, and diabetes.
It also has many good effects on your heart for better blood circulation and organ function. The grapefruit also promotes hydration to benefit you in many ways.
Moreover, grapefruit can work wonders for your skin and mood. It keeps your skin nourished and moisturized. It even brightens your mood with its amazing scent.
What happens if I eat a grapefruit every day?
Eating a grapefruit every day can protect you from many diseases. Your body will have many essential nutrients for energy, immunity, blood sugar, and overall body function.
Is grapefruit okay for kidneys?
Yes, they are! The antioxidants from grapefruits are great for protecting you from kidney stones. These fruits are good for detoxifying and cleansing your body from harmful waste.
Is grapefruit better for you than oranges?
Whichever works best for you depends on your dietary needs. According to Pressed Juices, go for grapefruits if you need more antioxidants. But if you want to increase your vitamin C intake, go for oranges.
