Benefits of Grapefruit and Risks

It’s easy to understand why flavorful and nutritious grapefruits are no longer just a breakfast food. Half a grapefruit provides more than 45 percent of the adult Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of vitamin C; it also has 175 mg potassium and 2 g fiber. The pink and red varieties are high in beta-carotene, which the body then converts to vitamin A. A cup of unsweetened grapefruit juice has 95 mg of vitamin C, more than 100 percent of the RDA, and most of the other nutrients found in the fresh fruit.

WARNING! FOOD-DRUG INTERACTION

Grapefruit juice should not be consumed if you are taking certain medications. Compounds in the juice enhance the effects of the drug, possibly resulting in adverse effects. Drugs to watch out for include those for blood pressure, such as felodipine, anxiety, depression, and elevated lipids, among others. As a precaution, it is best to avoid taking any drug with grapefruit juice until you have asked your doctor or pharmacist if it is safe to do so.

Health Benefits

Protects against high cholesterol.
Grapefruits are especially high in pectin, a soluble fiber that helps lower blood cholesterol.

Reduces the risk of cancer.
Grapefruit contains other substances that may prevent disease. Pink and red grapefruits, for example, are high in lycopene, an antioxidant that appears to lower the risk of prostate cancer. A 6-year Harvard study involving 48,000 doctors and other health professionals has linked 10 servings of lycopene-rich foods a week with a 50% reduction in prostate cancer. Other protective plant chemicals found in grapefruits include phenolic acid, which inhibits the formation of cancer-causing nitrosamines; limonoids, terpenes, and monoterpenes, which induce the production of enzymes that help prevent cancer; and bioflavonoids, which inhibit the action of hormones that promote tumor growth.

Helps weight loss.
Grapefruits are a good food to include in a sensible weight-loss diet. A serving contains less than 100 calories, and its high-fiber content satisfies hunger.

Eases pain associated with inflammatory disorders.
Some people with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other inflammatory disorders find that eating grapefruit daily seems to alleviate their symptoms. This may occur because plant chemicals block prostaglandins, some of which can cause inflammation.

Old School
Grapefruit will help you burn fat.
New Wisdom
No food can help you burn fat, but grapefruit can be a part of a healthy weight loss plan.

Health Risks

Allergic reaction.
Those people who are allergic to other citrus fruits are likely to react to grapefruits. The sensitivity may be to the fruit itself or to an oil in the peel.

Canker sores.
If you’re prone to these painful mouth sores, steer clear of grapefruits and other citrus fruits.

Eating Tips
• Serve honey-coated red grapefruit sections with grilled salmon.
• Make a layered salad of thinly sliced grapefruit, red onion, and avocado.
• Cut into wedges and eat out-of-hand like an orange.

Buying Tips
• Look for grapefruit that are firm and heavy for their size.
• The skin should be bright and colorful, without bruises or wrinkles.

Storing Tips
 • Grapefruit can be stored at room temperature for several days. To keep them longer, store them in the crisper drawer in the refrigerator.