Eating more fruits and vegetables comes with serious health benefits, and grapefruit is one of the most beautiful of the bunch. Suitable to eat by itself as a fresh, cool breakfast in the summertime or as a snack whenever it's in season, the fruit also has a stellar nutritional profile that brings the potential to reduce chronic health risks.
Low in Calories
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a medium grapefruit has only about 80 calories. That low calorie count, coupled with the fruit's high water and fiber content, make it an ideal food for weight loss and healthy weight maintenance.
Vitamin C
Each grapefruit has close to 90 mg of vitamin C, an essential nutrient that helps the body absorb iron and create healthy collagen in muscle, cartilage, bones and blood vessels. Vitamin C may also play a role in preventing colds and other common illnesses.
Cancer Prevention
MyPyramid.gov reports that eating more fruits such as grapefruit can reduce the risks of serious diseases such as cancer, especially cancer of the stomach, mouth or colon.
Low in Fat
A large grapefruit contains less than 0.5 g fat, and no saturated fat or cholesterol. That makes it a far healthier choice than fast foods or convenience foods, which are more likely to lead to obesity and diseases such as diabetes.
Heart Disease Prevention
According to FruitsandVeggiesMoreMatters.org, grapefruit and other citrus fruits have the potential to reduce risks of coronary heart disease and related health issues, such as stroke and cardiovascular disease.
Antioxidants
Pink and red grapefruits are especially rich in antioxidants known as phytochemicals, which have numerous disease-fighting properties and the potential to boost your immune system's daily operations.
Convenience
Fresh grapefruits are a true convenience food and come in their own package. All you need to do in the morning is slice one in half and dig in with a spoon.
High in Fiber
Each medium grapefruit contains close to 3 g of dietary fiber, which can reduce the risk of constipation and digestive problems and lower blood cholesterol levels.
Easy to Store
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you can store fresh grapefruit for up to a week at room temperature or for up to two months in the refrigerator before eating it.
High in Potassium
One medium grapefruit boasts more than 350 mg of potassium. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations notes that in addition to maintaining the body's balance of acid and water, potassium acts as an electrolyte, helps to successfully transmit nerve impulses and enables the body to maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
References
- NAL.USDA.gov: Nutrient Data Laboratory
- MayoClinic.com; Vitamin C: Ascorbic Acid; April 2011
- FruitsandVeggiesMoreMatters.org: Grapefruit
- MyPyramid.gov: Why Is It Important to Eat Fruit?
- FruitsandVeggiesMatter.gov: Fruit of the Month: Grapefruit
- FAO.org; Nutritional and Health Benefits of Citrus Fruits; C. Economos and W.D. Clay
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