Are Grapefruits Good For You?

Grapefruit is a medium to large citrus fruit that can be found in several colors and varieties. This fruit was given its name for the way it grows on trees; in clusters resembling grapes. Grapefruit has an extended growing season when compared to other citrus fruits, usually growing from September through June. Grapefruit contains a variety of nutrients and is indeed a healthy food, but for some it can be hazardous.

Nutritional Information

Whether it is pink, red or white, grapefruit is a low-calorie, fat-free food that contains important vitamins and minerals such as calcium, potassium, folate, thiamin, vitamin A, niacin, magnesium and 100 percent or more of the daily value for vitamin C.

Health Benefits

Besides providing various vitamins and minerals, grapefruit also contains phytochemicals, which are natural compounds found in fruits, vegetables and other plants that provide a broad range of protective benefits. One particular class of phytochemicals found in grapefruit is limonoids. In an article published in 2010 in the "International Journal of Food Microbiology," the authors state that research suggests citrus limonoids may act as anti-cancer, cholesterol-lowering, antimicrobial and anti-HIV compounds. Another important phytochemical found in grapefruit is lycopene, a compound with strong antioxidant properties. The consumption of lycopene-rich foods is associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Preparation

The University of Florida gives several suggestions on how to incorporate grapefruit into the diet, such as including a half grapefruit with any meal or snack, blending the fruit into a smoothie, or using it as a topper for cereal, waffles or pancakes.

Interactions

Grapefruit contains certain chemical compounds that may increase the absorption of some drugs and cause toxicity in the body. According to the Clinical Central, National Institutes of Health Drug-Nutrient Interaction Task Force, even trying to offset the timing between consumption of grapefruit and an interactive drug may still prove dangerous as the effects of grapefruit may last for many hours. Other citrus fruits may also interact with some medications.

Warning

Drugs that may interact with, but are not limited to, grapefruit include certain cholesterol-lowering, blood pressure and antihistamine medications. Speak with a pharmacist if you are unsure of drug interactions. Drugs known to have interactions with grapefruit include the following: amiodarone, sold as Cordarone and Pacerone; buspirone, or Buspar; carbamazepine, or Tegretol; lovastatin, or Mevacor; nifedipine, or Procardia; and simvastatin, or Zocor.