Grapefruit was first cultivated in Barbados in the 1700s. Named for the clusters they form on trees, grapefruits are rich in many nutrients. According to the USDA, a half grapefruit has about 37 calories. The same amount of grapefruit provides about 9.2 g of carbohydrates and 1.4 g of dietary fiber.
Vitamin C
A half grapefruit provides about 45.5 mg of vitamin C. Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is important for synthesis of proteins in your body. One of these is collagen, a protein used to hold cells and tissues together. It is also important for the production of a neurotransmitter called norepinephrine. Healthy adults are advised to get between 75 and 90 mg vitamin C daily.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is essential for healthy vision, immune system function, blood cell production and regulating genetic information. A half grapefruit provides about 16 mcg. The recommended daily allowance of vitamin A is 700 mcg for women and 900 mcg for men.
Potassium
Potassium is a positively charged ion found primarily inside of cells where it helps to regulate cellular activity. It plays an important part in diverse functions such as maintaining fluid balance and regulating muscular contractions and heart rate. A half of a medium sized grapefruit has about 156 mg of potassium, or about 5 percent of the daily adequate intake.
B Vitamins
The B vitamins found in grapefruit include vitamin B6, thiamin, folate and niacin. The B vitamins play essential roles in energy metabolism and cellular division. About 4 percent of the recommended daily allowance of B6, thiamin and folate is gained from eating half of a grapefruit. The same amount of grapefruit provides about 2 percent of the recommended daily allowance of niacin.
Magnesium
Magnesium is important for bone health, energy metabolism and the function of several enzymes and proteins in your body. A half of a medium grapefruit provides about 10 mg of magnesium. This is equivalent to about 4 percent of the recommended daily allowance.
Calcium
Calcium is used by your body to regulate metabolic functions and contributes to the health and strength of your bones. Adults are advised to get between 1000 and 1200 mg of calcium daily. Half of a medium sized grapefruit provides about 18 mg of calcium.
References
- USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory
- "Understanding Nutrition, 11th Edition"; Ellie Whitney and Shoron Rody Rolfes; 2007
- Go Florida Grapefruit
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