Ruby red is a category of grapefruit, a large citrus fruit. These fruits are categorized as white or blond, ruby or pink, according to the World's Healthiest Foods website --- terminology reflecting the color of the fruit's flesh. Ruby red grapefruit contains more lycopene, a phytochemical, or compound, found in plant foods, which offers health benefits. The tart, tangy, juicy fruit is also an excellent food source of vitamin C.
Vitamin C-Rich
Citrus fruits are known for being particularly rich in vitamin C, an essential nutrient for human health; grapefruits are no exception. Half a ruby red grapefruit packs only 36 calories but nearly 47 milligrams of vitamin C --- 78 percent of the recommended daily value for this important antioxidant nutrient. Vitamin C serves many functions in the body. In addition to supporting proper function of the immune system, vitamin C is needed for healthy gums, protecting the body's cells from damage, building collagen, wound healing and enhancing absorption of the trace mineral iron.
Lowers Cholesterol
Results of a study published in March 2006 in the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry" suggest that diets that include fresh red grapefruit help lower cholesterol levels, particularly levels of triglycerides, or blood fat, in individuals with atherosclerosis. Researchers concluded that, for individuals with coronary artery disease and elevated lipid levels who were not responsive to traditional cholesterol-lowering therapies, adding one cup of grapefruit or a half-cup of grapefruit juice daily to their diets offered positive benefits.
The study tested both white/blond and red grapefruits. Both varieties helped decrease total blood cholesterol levels similarly; however, red grapefruit had the stronger effect on lowering blood triglyceride levels. Elevated triglycerides are an important factor in the risk of developing atherosclerosis. The extra benefits offered by fresh red grapefruit might be due to the fact that it contains more bioactive compounds and antioxidants than white/blond grapefruit.
Fights Prostate Cancer
Ruby red grapefruit is rich in lycopene, a carotenoid with anti-cancer benefits. Lycopene, responsible for the red pigment of fruits and vegetables, is found in abundance in tomatoes, watermelon, papaya, guava and pink grapefruit. According to an article published in the journal "Cancer Letters" in October 2008, oral lycopene is highly bioavailable, meaning it is well absorbed and utilized by the body's tissues.
Lycopene accumulates in prostate tissue, particularly in the prostate's epithelial cells. Lycopene has been shown to decrease prostate cancer-cell growth and even induce apoptosis, or cancer-cell death. In addition to attacking prostate cancer cells and inhibiting their growth, an elevated concentration of lycopene in prostate cells leads to the synthesis of enzymes that help protect prostate cells against further damage. Though evidence as of 2010 is very suggestive, carefully designed clinical studies are still needed to confirm its effectiveness as a anti-cancer agent.
References
- World's Healthiest Foods: Grapefruit
- "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry"; Red grapefruit positively influences serum triglyceride level in patients suffering from coronary atherosclerosis: studies in vitro and in humans; S. Gorinstein et al.; March 2006
- "Cancer Letters"; Multitargeted therapy of cancer by lycopene; R.B. Van Breemen; October 2008
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