Grapefruit is fruit of a subtropical citrus tree that belongs to the family rutaceae. The scientific name is citrus paradisi.

This green plant that is grown because of its fruit, was first discovered on the Caribbean island of Barbados but today this plant is grown in many places in the world. In fact, this fruit is a hybrid of pomelo and orange. The tree grows to 15 feet in height, and give us many yellow-orange fruits every year.

Each fruit has a spheroid shape, reaching a diameter of 2.5 to 4 inches and weighs 0.3 pounds (150 grams). The meat is segmented, like the orange, is very juicy, sour and varies according to the color, (can be white, pink and red) and according to the taste can be bitter or sweet.

Refreshing and tasty grapefruit is rich in phytonutrients, such as vitamin A, beta-carotene and lycopene. This unique heavenly fruit is very popular among people who care about their health and fitness because it contains many nutrients and plant chemicals that contribute to optimal health and general wellbeing.

Health Benefits Of Grapefruit

• Delicious grapefruit is with low caloric value but rich in insoluble fiber, pectin, which act as natural laxative, and protect the lining of the colon by shortening the time of exposure to toxic substances in the colon, and at the same time they are connecting to carcinogenic chemicals in the colon.

• Pectin can also reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by reducing the reabsorption of bile acid (which binds to cholesterol) in the colon.

•  Grapefruit contain great amount of vitamin A and flavonoid antioxidants, such as naringenin, beta-carotene, lutein and xanthine. Scientific studies have shown that these compounds have antioxidant properties and are essential for good vision.

• Vitamin A is also required to maintain the health of the skin and mucous membrane. Eating grapefruit (which is rich in vitamin A and flavonoids) helps to protect from lung cancer and oral cavity cancer.

• Grapefruit is a good source of antioxidant vitamin C. Grapefruit provides even 52 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful natural antioxidant that boosts your immune system. Also, vitamin C is essential for healing wounds, and it enables the absorption of iron from food into the digestive tract.

• Fresh grapefruit is very rich in potassium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids and helps in the regulation of the heart rate and blood pressure.

• Red varieties of grapefruit are particularly rich in most powerful flavonoid antioxidant, lycopene. Scientific studies have shown that lycopene protects the skin from UV rays and provides protection against prostate cancer. Also, grapefruit is a good source of iron, folate, calcium and other minerals.

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