The Health Benefits of Grapefruit

"What is grapefruit? 

Grapefruit is part of the citrus family and grows in clusters on the tree, like grapes – this is said to be where the name originates. Grapefruits come in a variety of colours including yellow, pink and red, and they have a variety of tastes from sweet to sour.

Nutritional benefits of grapefruit 

While low in calories, grapefruit contains a whole host of nutrients. In particular, they're a good source of vitamin A, which is important for supporting the immune system and keeping the eyes and skin healthy, folate, which is key for a baby's development during pregnancy, and vitamin C, helping to maintain healthy skin. Grapefruit also contains some magnesium, potassium and calcium.

How much grapefruit counts towards my five-a-day? 

Half a fresh grapefruit, or 80g of tinned grapefruit, counts as one five-a-day portion and 150ml of unsweetened grapefruit juice also counts, but only once each day due to the high sugar content. If you're looking to reduce your sugar intake, avoid adding sugar to fresh grapefruit and check the label on tinned varieties to find an unsweetened option. 

Can grapefruit help with weight loss and insulin resistance? 

Eating grapefruits can’t deliver the dramatic weight loss touted in some fad diets, however, there is some evidence that shows consuming grapefruit may help with weight loss. A 12-week Japanese study looked at the effects of grapefruit versus a placebo, and there was a significant reduction in weight as well as blood glucose levels, in participants who consumed half a grapefruit before meals. Further research has also looked at the beneficial role grapefruit juice may play in reducing blood glucose levels and improving insulin resistance, although this was conducted in animal studies.

Can grapefruit reduce the risk of a stroke? 

In 2012, the American Heart Association published a report that suggested that a diet high in certain flavonoids, compounds found in citrus fruits including grapefruit, may lower a woman’s risk of stroke. However, more research is necessary to understand exactly why this association occurs.

Can grapefruit promote better brain function? 

There is some promising research into the role of flavonoids in the diet and improvements in memory and cognition as well as the prevention of neurodegenerative conditions, although it is too early to say whether grapefruit in particular has a significant impact on brain health.

Can grapefruit support healthy cholesterol levels? 

There have been some positive human studies into the beneficial role grapefruit, and specifically red grapefruit, can play in helping to improve cholesterol blood levels, particularly in those suffering with atherosclerosis – a build-up of fatty material inside the arteries.

Can grapefruit affect prescription medications? 

The NHS advises that fresh grapefruit or grapefruit juice should not be consumed with certain medications as it has been shown to reduce their breakdown and elimination, which can result in increased blood levels of the drug. These include, but are not limited to, statins, calcium channel blockers, immunosuppressants, certain cancer medications and Entocort, which is used to treat Crohn’s disease. Always check with your GP first if you're taking a prescription medication before consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice. 

Read more from the NHS about how grapefruit can affect medicine. 

Some grapefruit recipes

Prawn, Pomegranate and Grapefruit Salad

10g carbs per serving

details here

Turkey steaks with citrus and ginger sauce

25g carbs per serving

details here

Lettuce rolls

13g carbs per serving

details here

The above is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other healthcare professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local healthcare provider." 

Words and pictures above taken from a BBC Good Food article, which may be seen in full and with all relevant information/research links here

Dear reader, a variety of articles, and recipe ideas, are within this blog, not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter.

All the best Jan