The red grapefruit was discovered in the 18th century in Barbados. However, it became an agricultural success in 1929, with the patent of Texas's Ruby Red Grapefruit, says the TexaSweet website. Consuming only one medium red grapefruit a day counts toward approximately 50 percent of your daily recommendation for fruit intake and can promote immune support to lessen cold symptoms, according to MyPyramid.gov.
Benefits
Nutrients in the red grapefruit known as limonoids have been shown to prevent tumors by supporting the development of glutathione-S-transferase, an enzyme known for detoxification. Glutathione-S-transferase aides in making toxic compounds more water soluble so they can be eliminated from the body. The red grapefruit holds pectin, a form of fiber that has been shown to reduce the progression of plaque buildup in the arteries. This fruit also has shown significant results in protecting against colon cancer and kidney stones and in eliminating carcinogens from the body, says the George Mateljan Foundation's website The World's Healthiest Foods.
Calories, Protein, Carbohydrates and Fat
The calories in a grapefruit vary depending on the size of the fruit. However, according to SELFNutritionData.com, the average calories per grapefruit are around 97. Of these calories, eight come from protein, 89 come from carbohydrates, and there are 0 calories from fat.
Vitamins
Red grapefruits contain vitamins C, A and B. In only half a grapefruit you can consume about 78.1 percent of your daily vitamin C intake, which is needed to support your immune system and to promote proper healing of your skin tissue; 6.4 percent of your daily vitamin A intake, which helps promote healthy skin, nails, hair, eyesight, bone growth and reproduction; and 3.5 percent of your daily vitamin B intake, which is needed for growth, hormone production, energy production and the lowering of cholesterol, according to The World's Healthiest Foods.
Minerals
These fruits are also a decent source of minerals. One grapefruit can harbor 4.5 percent of your daily potassium intake, which is needed for the maintenance of water balance and to prevent cramping in the body; and 3.8 percent of your daily folate intake, which is needed for the production of red blood cells and DNA synthesis, says The World's Healthiest Foods.
Warning
Caution is suggested before consuming a red grapefruit. These fruits can interact with certain medications, sometimes causing adverse side effects. Because of this, consult your doctor if you're using prescription medications, in order to determine the grapefruit's effects with your prescription. It's also suggested by The World's Healthiest Foods that regular exercise, a healthy diet and avoiding tobacco products are other factors in reducing your risk for heart disease.
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