Grapefruit (Citrus × paradisi) is a citrus fruit known for its sweet and tangy flavor with a hint of bitterness. It is a hybrid fruit believed to be a cross between a pomelo and an orange, originating in Barbados in the 18th century. Grapefruits are now cultivated in various regions around the world, including the United States, Mexico and Israel, and are enjoyed for their refreshing taste and nutritional benefits.

Where Grapefruit is Grown

Grapefruit was discovered in the 18th century, in Barbados. In the early 19th century, trees of grapefruit were planted in Florida but it was only later in the century that it became a commercially viable crop.

Currently, Florida is still the major grapefruit producer, as well as Texas, Arizona and California. Brazil, Israel and South Africa are other countries which produce Grapefruit commercially.

Main Active Ingredients of Grapefruit

Grapefruit is a rich source of fiber, Vitamin C, pectin and potassium, and it works as an antioxidant in the body.

The following are the nutrients present in grapefruit:

Vitamin C (73.3%)
Vitamin A (23.7%)
Fiber (5.6%)
Antioxidant Lycopene
Potassium (5%)
Phytonutrients called Limonoids
Pectin
Flavonoid called Naringenin
Vitamin B1 (3.3%)
Vitamin B5 (3.6%)
Calories (40 in 128g)

How Grapefruit is Consumed

Grapefruit is consumed in many formats and various parts of the citrus fruit are used, and they are as follows:

Grapefruit Juice
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit Essential Oil
Grapefruit Vapors

Health Benefits of Grapefruit

Grapefruit is a citrus fruit that has many health benefits, and thorough research to back up these claims.

We will explore these health benefits in more detail below:

Grapefruit for Fighting Colds

Grapefruit is loaded with Vitamin C, which supports the immune system to fight off colds and symptoms related to cold.

Grapefruit for Inflammatory Conditions

Many inflammatory conditions are also prevented by Vitamin C, such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, as Vitamin C is known to prevent free radical damage responsible for triggering inflammatory cascade.

Grapefruit for Cardiovascular Health

Another major benefit of Vitamin C is promoting cardiovascular health and thus, grapefruit can also help prevent strokes and heart attacks.

Grapefruit for Cholesterol

A study was published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (March 2006) which showed that grapefruit can reduce the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides.

Grapefruit for Prostate, Lung and Colon Cancer

Research published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that Lycopene and fruits rich it (such as pink grapefruit) can reduce the chances of prostate cancer in men to a great extent.

The study also linked drinking green tea to have similar benefits. Another recent research study was presented in the 228th National meeting of the ACM (American Chemical Society) which showed that drinking grapefruit juice provided protection against lung and colon cancer.

Grapefruit for Alzheimer’s

Professor Alan Crozier, Plant Biochemistry and Human Nutrition, from the University of Glasgow, evaluated 13 popular and commercially available fruit juices. This evaluation ranked Grapefruit amongst fruits with the highest antioxidant activity. Crozier’s findings indicated that long term consumption of such juices could provide considerable protection against Alzheimer’s disease, as it appears antioxidant activity helps control the progress of Alzheimer’s. Read the abstract from the report here.

Grapefruit to Repairing DNA

The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry (February 2006, Volume 17, pp. 89 – 95) reported a study which linked Naringenin, a grapefruit flavonoid, to repair damaged DNA in the cancer cells found in the human prostate.

Grapefruit to Prevent Kidney Stones

The British Journal of Nutrition contained a study which revealed that drinking almost ½ to a liter of grapefruit, orange and apple juice regularly, reduced the chances of forming kidney stones or calcium oxalate stones by increasing the citric acid and urinary pH value.

Disinfecting Water with Grapefruit

Grapefruit seed extract can be used to disinfect water as it kills bacteria. Safe drinking water is of course vital and can be a major issue in developing countries, as is finding suitably safe water for agriculture. Grapefruit can therefore be a cheap, easy and effective way to achieve this.

Grapefruit Essential Oil

Grapefruit essential oil has applications in the soap and cosmetic industry where it is a fragrance component. It is a refreshing oil which helps to aid digestion, boost the immune system, clear the lymphatic system and reduce water retention, helps with skin problems, as a nervous system tonic, and to ease muscle stiffness.

Always take care when taking herbs and Read Our Disclaimer.

Grapefruit Herb Notes / Side Effects

The drug interactions of grapefruit with other food or medications can be severe, so caution should be taken, and your doctor informed, if you are given any other medication when you are also consuming grapefruit regularly.

References:

JIAN L, LEE AH, BINNS CW. TEA AND LYCOPENE PROTECT AGAINST PROSTATE CANCER. ASIA PAC J CLIN NUTR. 2007;16 SUPPL 1:453-7. 2007. PMID:17392149

DAI Q, BORENSTEIN AR, WU Y, JACKSON JC, LARSON EB. FRUIT AND VEGETABLE JUICES AND ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE: THE KAME PROJECT. AM J MED. 2006 SEP;119(9):751-9. 2006. PMID:16945610