Things We Should Know About Grapefruit

Grapefruit is a citrus fruit that is known for its combination of extreme bitterness and slight sweetness. It is commonly added to salads, fruit medleys, and other recipes. Whether we eat it for breakfast or for a refreshing snack, this fruit can provide the body with many benefits.

This popular fruit is packed with natural plant compounds called phytochemicals, specifically flavonoids. Pink and red grapefruit are good sources of beta carotene (a source of vitamin A) and lycopene, an antioxidant “cousin” to beta carotene (1).

Here are some of the few things that we need to know about grapefruit:

May Reduce The Risk Of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones result from a buildup of waste materials in the kidneys. When they crystallize in the kidneys, they become stones that may cause a blockage in the urinary system.

Calcium oxalate stones are the most common type of kidney stones. Grapefruit contains citric acid that may help reduce the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones (2).

May Help Keep The Heart Functioning Properly

Grapefruit is rich in potassium which is responsible for many aspects of heart health.

Results of a study showed that eating grapefruits three times a day for six weeks may help reduce blood pressure and improve total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels (3).

Great For The Immune System

Being a good source of vitamin A, C, and E, grapefruit is extremely good for our immune system. One whole grapefruit contains 77mg of vitamin C. That’s why, when most people in your workplace seems to be sick, it may be the perfect time to eat some grapefruit (4).

Its Pith Is So Nutritious

Pith is the white flesh that we pick up after peeling away the outer layer of the fruit. The pith is packed with nutrients, antioxidants, and soluble fiber which can help us feel fuller, impact our glucose reactions, and may help lower our cholesterol levels and possibly even colon cancer risk (5).

Contains More Water

Grapefruit is good for our overall health as it contains 92% water which we need for our body system and process. With proper hydration, our body becomes more efficient in everything it does. It is one of the fruits with the highest water content (6).