Benefits of Grapefruit

Health & Wellness
Written By shabnam ashtiani

Next on our series of cold and flu talk...the beloved grapefruit! This is probably one of my top three favorite fruits. 

Here are some ways to include it in your diet:

  • Eat it as a whole for breakfast, cut in hlaf and scoop out the goodness!

  • Juice the fruit and drink 4-6 oz with your breakfast

  • Have it as a mid day snack with some nuts

  • cut up the fruit and add it to your salad

  • Add it to your smoothie with other fruits and veggies

  • Add it to a yogurt parfait or acai bowl 


Here are some of the major nutrients found in half of a medium-sized grapefruit:

  • Calories: 52

  • Carbs: 13 grams

  • Protein: 1 gram

  • Fiber: 2 grams

  • Vitamin C: 64% of the RDI

  • Vitamin A: 28% of the RDI

  • Potassium: 5% of the RDI

  • Thiamine: 4% of the RDI

  • Folate: 4% of the RDI

  • Magnesium: 3% of the RDIT

This fruit  is a rich source of some powerful antioxidant plant compounds, which are likely responsible for many of its health benefits. Antioxidants protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that may cause harmful reactions in your body. 

Most important antioxidants in grapefruit: 

  • Vitamin C: A powerful, water-soluble antioxidant that is present in high amounts in grapefruit. It may protect cells from damage that often leads to heart disease and cancer.

  • Beta-carotene: It's converted into vitamin A in the body and thought to help reduce the risk of some chronic conditions, including heart disease, cancer and eye-related disorders like macular degeneration.

  • Lycopene: Known for its potential ability to prevent the development of certain types of cancer, especially prostate cancer. May also help slow the growth of tumors and decrease the side effects of common cancer treatments.

  • Flavanones: Their anti-inflammatory properties have been shown to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.


Medication Interaction:
The medications most likely to interact with grapefruit include-

  • Immunosuppressants

  • Benzodiazepines

  • Most calcium channel blockers

  • Indinavir

  • Carbamazepine

  • Some statins

If you are taking any of these medications, talk with your doctor before adding grapefruit to your diet.


Sources: 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12569111
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3942711/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20394143
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22574825
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23254473%20
 

shabnam ashtiani
Previous

Elderberry Syrup
Next

Do You Spend Majority of Your Day at a Desk?