Nutritional Value: Even though grapefruits come in white and pink/red, we are just considering the pink/red varieties. Nutritional values include 42 Calories; io.66g Carbohydrates; 0.14 Fat; 1150 I.U Vitamin A; less than img each Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B6, Betaine and Vitamin E; 31.2mg Vitamin C; I3mcg Folate; and 7.7mg Choline. Minerals include 22mg Calcium; less than lmg Iron, Zinc, Copper and Manganese; 9mg Magnesium; 18mg Phosphorus; 135mg Potassium; and o.imcg Selenium. Others are 77g Protein and 0.36g Ash. Grapefruits have high water content at 89%.
Health Benefits: Grapefruits have been shown to help lower cholesterol. Grape seed extract has demonstrated strong anti-microbial properties when put up against fungi. A 2008 study found increased grapefruit consumption helped decrease risk of breast cancer in women who had never taken any type of hormone therapy. Grapefruits have large quantities of Spermidine. This is a polyamine that has demonstrated longer life spans in studies of fruit flies, worms, yeast and even human immune cells. Adding grapefruits and other fruits to your diet can help with health and even weight loss because of high water content. They and other high water content fruits are great for weight loss because they are filling, their high fiber helps keep blood sugar levels where they should be, and they help deter sugar binges on donuts and other sweets.
Essential Grapefruit Oil: This oil is cold pressed from the grapefruit rind and is antiseptic and disinfecting as well as acting as a diuretic. It can help with a number of health problems including drug withdrawal, liver disorders and migraines. Most citrus oils have an uplifting effect on individuals when sprayed or diffused into the air. Grapefruit oil may also have a cleansing effect on the kidneys, vascular and lymphatic systems. If under a doctor’s care or pregnant, please consult your physician before using.
Including Grapefruits in Your Diet: When selecting grapefruits, get the heavy ones. These have more juice than lighter weight grapefruits. The juice can make a good energy snack in the middle of the day when you need a ‘pick-me-up.’ When preparing grapefruits, be sure to wash the skin before cutting. Although eaten when cut in half, grapefruits can also be sectioned and added to salads or juiced with other fruits. The peel is also candied like orange peels. Grapefruits can be used in jams, jellies and desserts as well.