The grapefruit got its name because of the way the individual fruit grow in clusters on the tree, similar to grapes. The edible flesh of the grapefruit can be white, pink or red and they are most abundantly available from winter through spring. Along with being refreshing and tasty, the grapefruit offers dietary benefits. There are a few notable nutrients and compounds found in grapefruit that are responsible for its all-star status in the nutrition world.
Vitamin C
One whole grapefruit provides more than 100 percent of the body's daily need for vitamin C. This vitamin provides multiple important functions in the body. Not only is it a powerful antioxidant, it is also necessary for tissue growth and wound healing. Adequate vitamin C intake is important for optimal immune function.
Pectin
Grapefruit is a good source of soluble fiber, the kind of fiber that promotes heart health. Pectin is a type of soluble fiber found in grapefruit that has been shown to lower blood cholesterol levels. Pectin has also been shown to decrease blood glucose response, which may offer a protective effect against Type 2 diabetes.
Lycopene
Lycopene is another antioxidant compound and is responsible for the red color in certain fruits and vegetables. Lycopene may lower the risk of heart disease, macular-degenerative disease and many types of cancer. Pink and red grapefruit are sources of lycopene.
Limonin
Limonin is a phytonutrient found in citrus and is responsible for the bitter flavor of grapefruit. This compound has been shown to fight many types of cancer including mouth, skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon cancer. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service is studying limonin for its cholesterol-lowering properties.
References
- The World's Healthiest Foods: Grapefruit
- Medline Plus: Vitamin C
- USDA: Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids (Macronutrients) (2005)
- American Cancer Society: Lycopene
- Agricultural Research Service: Citrus Compound, Ready to Help Your Body!
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