5 Reasons to Grab a Grapefruit Today
Posted on 9 September 2008
Grapefruits are something I have come to greatly enjoy in the last few years, once you get over the bitter flavor it actually becomes pleasant and there is a weird satisfaction of eating one. When I started eating grapefruits regularly I noticed a host of health benefits; I digested my food better, had fewer hunger pangs and stay fuller for longer…..
Its no Coincidence
That when you hear the word Grapefruit all kinds of diets and health benefits come to mind, There have been numerous books published about grapefruits and weight loss. This is definitely not a coincidence several studies have shown that Grapefruits help to control insulin sensitivity therefore allowing your body to handle carbohydrates more effectively.
“For years people have talked about the grapefruit diet, and some even swear by it, but now, we have data that grapefruit helps weight loss,” says Dr. Ken Fujioka
I personally find they are bar none the best fruit to have when trying to get ripped up; they will control your hunger and allow your body to use the carbohydrates you eat more efficiently… What more could we ask for??
Key Benefits
1- Half a grapefruit has over 100mg of fresh Vitamin C in a form your body will appreciate unlike the pill forms, this makes them an ideal breakfast fruit and they are available year round unlike oranges so they can be a staple of your diet.
2- Grapefruits also help dissolve in-organic calcium that may have developed around your joints this is thanks to their organic salicylic acid. So they are great if you have any joint pain or arthritis…
3- Powerful Liver Tonic, Awesome for the mornings after you partied too hard…
4- They Aid in the Digestion of food, this is thanks to the acidic properties they have. As mentioned earlier I usually will have half a grapefruit after a big meal I find its one of the best digestives going….
5- Grapefruits are rich in lycopene (the red color/pigment) and Limonoids, it helps to prevent to occurrence of tumors and cancer. These two compounds are hard to find in other fruits and vegtables but appear in abundance in grapefruits….
Red or White?
I am a fan of white grapefruits as I find them to be slightly sweeter and juicier than the red variety, but each have shown their own benefits. Red one’s have been shown to have the highest amounts of Anti-Oxidants which is probably why they are slightly more bitter, studies have also shown them to be the best for lowering triglycerides the supposedly “bad” cholesterol.
White and Pink grapefruits on the other hand are higher in minerals like potassium, as well as things like Vitamin A and the anti-oxidant Lycopene….
Go for whichever grapefruit you find to be the freshest, I know that those of you who live in the USA are spoilt for choice as the Florida Grapefruits are renowned as the best and imported worldwide.
Ideas for Eating
- If you cannot palate the bitterness of a grapefruit to start I would suggest mixing small segments into a fruit salad so the taste won’t be overpowering.
- Grapefruits are also surprisingly good when added to salads: For a salad with a tropical flair, combine chopped grapefruit pieces, cooked shrimp and avocados and serve on a bed of romaine lettuce, its delicious.
- I guarantee though after a few weeks of eating them regularly your pallet will come accustomed to eating them and they will become a joy. I regularly site down with a cup of coffee and a grapefruit for breakfast, its a great start to the day.
So if you have been hesitant about grapefruits, start making them a staple of your shopping list you definitely won’t regret it they are a a delicious and versatile fruit!
Comment by Brandi Magill
9 September 2008
Excellent info on grapefruits. Makes me want one right now, thanks for the tips on eating them too.
Comment by Lance
9 September 2008
I haven’t had grapefruit in a long time – and I really like them! Thanks for the reminder about a fruit I just tend to forget about.
Comment by Blake
9 September 2008
I love grapefruits. All the healthy benefits are great, but I just love the taste of them. Thanks for the info.
Comment by Evelyn Lim
10 September 2008
I’ve not tried white grapefruits. Your post is a great introduction. I’m not sure if I can get it here from where I come from, though. It’ll be interesting to look out for it.
Comment by Chris
10 September 2008
Thanks for the comments guys, I am glad this article got some people trying out grapefruits. They really are a superb fruit. A fruit salad of Grapefruit and Orange Segments with some raspberries is delicious….give it a try while they are in season.
Comment by Coffee and Vanilla
23 October 2008
Just discovered your blog today and will be visiting more often… love your posts, very informative. Thank you for reminding me about grapefruits, totally forgot about them…
Margot
Comment by pnw fitness
4 April 2009
Great post! Now I have to make a trip to the store tomorrow. I love grapefruit but had forgotten all about them.
Last time I had one, was a visit to my grandpas house in early Feb. He eats them all the time. Not a skinny guy, but he’s 92 and gets around still. Must be doing something right?
Awesome. I had my first grapefruit in ages yesterday afternoon and it was amazing. Its funny you talk about your grandpas eating grapefruits regularly as my grandmother who is in the 80′s has been eating them every morning throughout her life….Shame most people these days are put off by the bitter taste….
Comment by Natalia
23 August 2010
Grapefruits are amazing with (real) honey. The combination of sweet and sour is fantastic.