Grapefruit juice: Nutritional value and health benefits

Grapefruits are large, rounded citrus fruit. The grapefruit, thought to be a cross between an orange and a shaddock, was developed in the West Indies in the early 1700s and first introduced to Florida in the 1820s.

Grapefruits are low in calories but full of nutrients. It provides calories, niacin, ascorbic acid, vitamin A, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, carbohydrate, protein, fat, iron, sodium, riboflavin and thiamine. Grapefruit juice help to lower risk from many diseases and also help to reduce weight.

Grapefruit is a well-recognized remedy for weight loss, and helps with water retention and lymphatic congestion. It increases fat metabolism, treats cellulite and can dissolve gallstones.

Grapefruit juice is consumed widely in today's health-conscious world as a protector against cardiovascular diseases and cancers.

Grapefruit juice has recently been reported to decrease serum cholesterol by 16% and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol by 21% compared with mineral water in patients with hyperlipidaemia.

The three major types of grapefruit that exist today are white, pink/red and ruby/rio red varieties. Grapefruit juice combines the sweet and tangy flavor of the orange and shaddock and also provides up to 69% of the RDA for vitamin C along with as many as 250 mg of potassium.

Studies indicated that two bioactive compounds were isolated from grapefruit juice and grapefruit peel oil. The chemical structures of these compounds were identified as bergaptol and geranyl coumarin which was reported to have effective antioxidant properties.

Traditionally grapefruit juice has been found to contain antioxidant, antinitrosaminic, antiseptic, aperitif, cardiotonic, detoxicant, hypocholesterolemic, sedative and stomachic activities.
Grapefruit juice: Nutritional value and health benefits

Minerals, vitamins and other compounds in grapefruit juice

Grapefruit Juice
Grapefruit juice differs slightly from orange juice in its nutrient profile. An 8 oz serving of grapefruit juice contains fewer than 100 cal and has the same amount of vitamin C as orange juice (72 mg, 120% of Daily Value).

One serving also provides approx 300 mg of potassium.Grapefruit juice contains lower concentration of the B vitamin folate, thiamin and niacin than does orange juice.

Many compounds have been proposed as active components in grapefruit juice, including both flavonoids (naringenin and naringin) and nonflavonoids (6’, 7’-dihydroxybergamottin). The principal flavonoid in grapefruit juice is the flavanone glycoside naringin.

Red grapefruit juice also contains trace elements of the carotenoid lycopene. Lycopene has the greatest single oxygen quenching capacity (in vitro) of the dietary carotenoids.
Minerals, vitamins and other compounds in grapefruit juice

Nutrients in grapefruit juice

Juice of the grapefruit has a harsher flavor that is more resistant to changes brought about through processing and storage.

Half of a large grapefruit has 50 calories, 2 grams of fiber and 11 grams of sugar while 8 fluid ounces of grapefruit juice contains about 100 calories and 22 grams of sugar.

One serving also provides approx. 300 mg of potassium. Grapefruit also is a good source of pectin, vitamin C, inositol and bioflavonoids and a fair source of folic acid.

Grapefruit juice contains lower concentration of the B vitamin folate, thiamin and niacin than does orange juice.

Vitamin C in grapefruit juice brings along with it other potentially beneficial antioxidants and bioflavonoids. Many compounds have been proposed as active components in grapefruit juice, including both flavonoids (naringenin and naringin) and nonflavonoids (6’, 7’-dihydroxybergamottin).

The principal flavonoid in grapefruit juice is the flavanone glycoside naringin. Naringin contributes to the bitter taste of the fruit.

It is occurs in low concentrations, in the juice of mature grapefruit but in higher concentrations in segment membranes, core and peel

Red grapefruit juice also contains trace elements of the carotenoid lycopene. Lycopene has the greatest single oxygen quenching capacity (in vitro) of the dietary carotenoids.
Nutrients in grapefruit juice

Grapefruit juice

Grapefruit juice is a beverage often consumed at breakfast for its health benefits and to mask the taste of drugs or foods.

Fresh grapefruit juice will produce a light sweat and relieve a sore throat. The pink and red varieties are more sweet and generally less acidic than white grapefruits.

Grapefruit juice is rich in vitamin C, and in the minerals calcium, phosphorus and potassium.

An 8 oz serving of grapefruit juice contains fewer than 100 cal and has the same amount of vitamin C as orange juice. (72 mg).

One serving also provides approx 300 mg of potassium.

Grapefruit juice give the people needed vitamin C the natural way – in combination with other vitamins and minerals, natural fruit sugars, healthy alkalinity and additional health benefits.

According to Agricultural and Food Chemistry, red grapefruit might help lower levels of LDL cholesterol.

For pregnant women, grapefruit juice have the bioflavonoids and vitamin C that give strength to capillary walls that are taxed by fluid retention and swelling which are common during pregnancy.

Grapefruit juice

Grapefruit Juice

Grapefruit Juice
Although very nutritious and high in vitamin C, grapefruit juice is high in acid. It is best to drink small amounts or to dilute grapefruit with water or other juice. The younger and more active the person are the higher metabolism and body’s ability to breakdown acid. For older, less active people grapefruit juice should be drunk in moderation.

The grape fruit and its juice can aid in weight reduction, the lowering of blood pressure, improving a sluggish liver, rapid healing of bruises, skin cleansing and the easing of arthritis. It can also help battle coughs, break up mucus and eliminate catarrh, and fight colds, fever, and sore throats. Taken first thing in the morning grapefruit juice helps to promote easy bowel movement and prevents constipation. Taken last thing at night it helps to induce sleep.

Grapefruit should be juiced by hand, rather than using an electric juicer, to prevent any of the white pitch or the peel from being squeezed along with the juice. The pitch and peel can give the juice an unpleasant, bitter flavor. While white grapefruit usually make the best flavored juice, pink or red grapefruit may also be used.
Grapefruit Juice