A pink grapefruit is a smart nutritional choice. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Guide Pyramid recommends most adults consume between 1 1/2 and 2 cups of fruit daily. A medium grapefruit measuring 4 inches in diameter or 1 cup of pink grapefruit sections counts as a 1-cup serving of fruit.
Calories and Major Nutrients
A medium fruit yielding one cup of sections with juice contains 97 calories. It provides only .32g of fat and 1.77g of protein. A pink grapefruit provides 24.52g of carbohydrates, with 3.7g of fiber.
Vitamin C
A pink grapefruit contains 71mg of vitamin C. The daily recommended allowance for males and females 19 years old and over is 90mg and 75mg, respectively. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from free radicals. It also is an important component of many tissues of the body and is critical to brain function and the production of carnitine, which helps create energy, explains the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.
Other Nutrient Potential
A pink grapefruit provides 51mg of calcium. In addition, it also provides small amounts of several other nutrients, including iron, magnesium and folate. Pink grapefruit also provides 310mg of potassium, which helps regulate fluid and mineral balance, making it a high-potassium food, according to Drugs.com.
Antioxidant Benefits
Along with vitamin C, a pink grapefruit contains high amounts of the antioxidants beta-carotene and lycopene. Beta-carotene can help with the symptoms of exercise-induced asthma; reduce the risk of heart disease, some cancers and age-related vision problems; and treat AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, depression, high blood pressure and many other disorders. MayoClinic.com points out that the consumption of foods high in lycopene correlates with lower occurrences of cancer, heart disease and macular degeneration.
Considerations
While pink grapefruit offers many benefits, it does have some drawbacks. The juice in particular can negatively interact with some prescription drugs---mainly calcium channel blockers and cholesterol-lowering drugs. Check with your doctor if you take these medications for specific dietary recommendations.
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