Grapefruit Juice

What is a Grapefruit?

A Grapefruit is a large citrus fruit belonging to the same family as oranges, lime and pomelo. Grapefruits are classified as white or blond, pink, or ruby. This doesn’t depend on their skin color but rather on the color of their flesh. They are usually four to six inches in diameter, with some types having seeds while others are seedless. Scientifically called Citrus paradisi, grapefruit has a juicy, tart, tangy taste and an underlying sweetness that as a whole produce a paradise-like flavor.

The good thing is, grapefruits are available throughout the year but they are in season from winter through early spring.

History of Grapefruit

Grapefruits history brings us back to the 18^th century when grapefruit was first discovered in Barbados. Several botanists have thought at that time that grapefruit was the result of a natural cross breeding between other two citrus fruits – orange and pomelo. It was named “grapefruit” because of the arrangement of the fruits that grow hanging in clusters like grapes.

In the early 19^th century, grapefruits were cultivated in Florida but didn’t  immediately become a viable commercial fruit until later that century. Today, the major producers of grapefruits in USA include Florida, California, Arizona and Texas. Grapefruits are also sold in the markets of Israel, South Africa and Brazil.

Grapefruits Versus Oranges

Grapefruit is a popular rival of the ultimate citrus fruit – orange when it comes to juiciness. Both have a very juicy flesh as well as health promoting benefits.

In terms of nutrition, both oranges and grapefruits are low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Grapefruits are good sources of Vitamin A, Vitamin C and dietary fiber while oranges are rich in thiamine, folate, potassium as well as vitamin C and dietary fiber.

In terms of physical attributes, oranges have purely orange flesh while grapefruits have a variety of colors in their flesh. Some varieties of grapefruits are white in flesh while others are pink or ruby. Orange skins are usually darker orange compared to grapefruit skins.

Grapefruit Juice

Grapefruit juice is the juice extracted from grapefruits. It is a juice rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and has a taste that ranges from sweet-tart to very sour. All types of grapefruits are juicy, thereby all types can be extracted into grapefruit juice.

Grapefruit and Grapefruit Juice Nutritional Profile

These are the nutrients you can get from one-half piece of grapefruit that weighs 123 g and contains 36.90 calories.

Vitamin C: 46.86 mg

Dietary Fiber: 1.69 g

Vitamin A: 318.57 IU

Folate: 15.01 mcg

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid): 0.35 mg

 Minerals:

Calcium: 13.53 mg

Magnesium: 9.84 mg

Phosphorus: 11.07 mg

Potassium: 158. 67

 Protein: 0.68 g

Carbohydrates: 9.45 g

Total sugar: 7.76 g

Dietary fiber: 1.69 g

Grapefruit Juice Health Benefits

Fight Colds and Inflammation.

Vitamin C is the vitamin that helps support immune system and is abundant in grapefruits. Consequently, drinking grapefruit juice helps us fight cold symptoms as well as inflammatory conditions, such as asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

A Heart-Friendly Juice

Grapefruit juice helps reduce our risks in developing heart diseases. Its vitamin C content acts as a powerful antioxidant which inhibits the oxidation of cholesterol by free radicals in the body, thus preventing rupture of blood vessels, strokes and heart attacks.

Antitumor Properties

It has antitumor properties as well as heart healthy phytonutrients. The pink and red shades of grapefruit flesh are due to its lycopene. Lycopene has been known as a potent phytonutrient which has the highest capacity in fighting against free radicals, the compounds that can damage cells. Lycopene is also good for the heart.

Prevents Kidney Stones

According to a study published in British Journal of Nutrition, drinking grapefruit juice prevents the formation of kidney stones by increasing urine ph and citric acid excretion levels, significantly reducing the risks of forming calcium oxalate stones.

Reduces our risks to Lung and Colon Cancer

Grapefruit protect us from lung and colon cancer. A recent American research has proven that drinking 18 ounces of grapefruit juice a day will reduce the activity of a certain enzyme that activates cancer-causing chemicals found in tobacco smoke. It has also been shown to promote normal production of colon cells as well as the suicide of colon cancer cells.

How to Make Fresh Grapefruit Juice!

If you want a drink that’s rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A, grab some pink grapefruits and blend it solely or with other fruits to make a yummy, refreshing and nutritious drink. Pink grapefruits are at least 5 times richer in Vitamin A compared to white ones.

Ingredients:

• 1 pink grapefruit

Instructions:

1. Wash and half the grapefruit.
2. Use a citrus juicer or any other juicer or a simple blender
3. Peel the fruit leaving on as much as of the nutrient-dense white pith as possible. Slice or divide the grapefruit into segments that fit your juicer.
4. Blend or juice until smooth and perfect consistency is achieved