Grapefruit Nutrition Facts

Grapefruit belongs to the genus citrus and family Rutaceae. It is comparatively a new member of the family, as it is a natural hybrid of pomelo and orange. The scientific name of the fruit is Citrus Paradisi. The fruit is known for its slightly bitter, sweet taste and delicious flavor. It confers numerous health benefits because it is packed with essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals.

Grapefruit

Nutrition Data
230 gm of grapefruit (1 cup sections with juice) contain:

• Calories - 97
• Total Fat - 0.0 gm
• Saturated Fat - 0
• Cholesterol - 0
• Sodium - 0 mg
• Total Carbohydrates - 25 gm (8%)
• Protein - 2 gm (4%)
• Sugars - 16 gm
• Vitamin A - 53%
• Vitamin C - 120%
• Thiamin - 7%
• Riboflavin - 4%
• Niacin - 2%
• Vitamin B6 - 6%
• Folate - 29.9 mcg (7%)
• Pantothenic Acid - 6%
• Choline - 17.7 mg
• Iron - 1%
• Calcium - 5%
• Potassium - 9%
• Magnesium - 5%
• Phosphorus - 4%
• Copper - 4%
• Manganese - 3%
• Zinc - 1%
• Dietary Fiber - 15%

The above grapefruit nutrition data is enough to clarify why the fruit is considered a highly nutritious fruit. Let us now take a look at how the nutritional properties of this fruit help you lead a healthy life.

Health Benefits

• Grapefruits, being rich in pectin, help lower blood cholesterol.
• The bioflavonoids and other plant chemicals present in this fruit, protect against cancer and heart disease.
• Its high fiber content keeps you satiated for a longer period of time. The calories obtained from this fruit are suitable for weight loss diets.
• Vitamin C, the antioxidant offers you glowing skin. Besides, the fruit can be used to treat skin allergies and infections appearing in the form of acne and pimple.
• It helps in slowing down the process of aging. High percentage of polyamine in this fruit plays an important role in slowing down the process.
• Nutrients from this fruit help prevent kidney stones. They prevent the oxidative damage of the cells and tissues.
• The familiar 'grapefruit diet' is designed on the basis of fat burning enzyme present in this bitter fruit. The juice of this fruit helps reduce accumulation of fats and starches in the body. So, you should include this fruit in weight loss diets.
• Whole grapefruit nutrition facts inform us that it is high in vitamin C, potassium and fiber. It is packed with a number of vitamins and minerals. Moreover, pink and red varieties of grapefruit are rich in beta carotene, a precursor of vitamin A.
• Reducing the joint stiffness and inflammation associated with arthritis is another important advantage of this wonderful fruit. Calories and nutrients in grapefruit can increase the rate of metabolism and can detoxify your body by removing the toxic compounds including, potential carcinogens.

Side Effects
Studies show that many drugs seem to be affected by grapefruit juice. It is therefore necessary to check whether you can safely consume grapefruit juice while taking a particular medicine. The juice can impair drug metabolism, potentially causing serious side effects. The juice contains flavonoids and/or furanocoumarin compounds which can block the enzyme in the intestines. Therefore, natural breakdown and absorption of many medications is not possible. As a result of this, percentage of these medications in blood increase and this in turn leads to potentially toxic side effects. The fruit is very acidic and can create problems if people with stomach ailments eat it.

Grapefruit, the great fat burner, can help control your diabetes. Face masks prepared from this fruit work great for all skin types. Many people are actually not aware of the nutrition facts and health benefits of grapefruit. You can now suggest your friends to include the fruit in daily diet.