5 Reasons Why You Should Eat Grapefruit

Grapefruit is part of the citrus genus. The evergreen trees can grow up to 20 feet tall, and sometime even larger. This semi-sweet fruit was first documented in 1750 by Rev. Griffith Hughes, who called it “the forbidden fruit”. In 1823 it was brought to Florida. The name grapefruit was given because of the clusters of fruit on the tree resembled that of grapes. Hence the name grapefruit.

High Vitamin C.

Grapefruit has substantial amounts of Vitamin C. Half of a grapefruit has about 78 % of the recommended daily value (WHOA!). Vitamin C helps boost the immune system, reduces the risk of cancer, and has anti-aging properties.

Weight Loss

Grapefruit is high in fiber which helps you feel full longer. This fiber also helps clean the system by acting as a gentle laxative. This means that the colon won’t come into contact with toxic substances as often when you eat grapefruit. (Happy colon = happy you!)

Grapefruit also helps stabilize the blood sugar. Instead of the spikes in insulin this fruit helps stabilize your insulin which will than help your body burn food for energy instead of storing the food as fat.

Excellent Source of Antioxidants

Lycopene, a flavonoid antioxidant, is found in grapefruit, especially the red varieties. Lycopene helps protect the skin from damaging UV rays by protecting the skin cells. Lycopene may also help prevent many forms of cancer. It also helps prevent toxins from entering the cell membranes, this is why it helps so well with fighting off disease.

Grapefruit also has a flavanone (a type of flavonoid) called Naringenin. Naringenin is a free radical hunter, anti-inflammatory, carbohydrate metabolism supporter, and helps boost the immune system.

Naringin, a flavanone glycoside found in grapefruit, gives the grapefruit juice that more bitter taste.

*(Naringin can inhibit absorption of medications. If you are taking any medications please consult your doctor)

Great Source Vitamins and Minerals

• Grapefruit contains the following vitamins and minerals:
• Vitamin A
• Folate
• Niacin
• Choline
• Calcium
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Zinc

It’s Delicious!

And finally, reason #5 on why you should eat grapefruit is because it tastes good too! You can peel it like an orange (my favorite way of consuming it, and it’s less messy), cut it in half, put it in fruit salads, juice it, and several other creative ways to consume grapefruit.

Do you enjoy grapefruit? Leave a comment below telling me what your favorite way to eat grapefruit is!