History
Grapefruits have a rather recent history, having been discovered in Barbados in the 18th century. Many botanists think the grapefruit was actually the result of a natural cross breeding which occurred between the orange and the pomelo, a citrus fruit that was brought from Indonesia to Barbados in the 17th century.
The resulting fruit was given the name “grapefruit” in 1814 in Jamaica, a name which reflects the way it’s arranged when it grows—hanging in clusters just like grapes.
Grapefruit trees were planted in Florida in the early 19th century, although they did not become a viable commercial crop until later that century. Florida is still a major producer of grapefruits, as is California, Arizona and Texas. Other countries that produce grapefruits commercially include Israel, South Africa and Brazil.
Health benefits of Grapefruit
- Delicious, grapefruit is very low in calories, consists of just 42 calories per 100 g. Nonetheless; it is rich in dietary insoluble fiber pectin, which by acting as a bulk laxative helps to protect the colon mucous membrane by decreasing exposure time to toxic substances in the colon as well as binding to cancer-causing chemicals in the colon.
- Pectin has also been shown to reduce blood cholesterol levels by decreasing re-absorption of cholesterol binding bile acids in the colon.
- The fruit contains very good levels of vitamin-A (provides about 1150 IU per 100g), and flavonoid antioxidants such as naringenin, and naringin. Besides, it is a moderate source of lycopene, beta-carotene, xanthin and lutein. Studies suggest that these compounds have antioxidant properties and are essential for vision. The total antioxidant strength measured in terms of oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) of grapefruit is 1548 µmol TE/100 g.
- Further, vitamin A is also required maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin. Consumption of natural fruits rich in vitamin-A, and flavonoids helps to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
- It is an excellent source of antioxidant vitamin-C; providing about 52% of DRI. Vitamin-C is a powerful natural anti-oxidant and helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful free radicals. It, furthermore, is required for the maintenance of healthy connective tissue and aids in early wound healing. It also facilitates dietary iron absorption from the intestine.
- 100 g of fresh fruit contains about 135 mg of potassium electrolyte. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids, helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure through countering sodium effects.
- Red varieties of grapefruits are especially rich in the most powerful flavonoid antioxidant, lycopene. Studies have shown that lycopene protects skin damage from UV rays, and offers protection against prostate cancer.
- Additionally, it contains moderate levels of B-complex group of vitamins such as folates, riboflavin, pyridoxine, and thiamin in addition to some resourceful minerals such as iron, calcium, copper, and phosphorus.
A Few Quick Serving Ideas
- Grapefruit sections add a tangy spark to green salads.
- Instead of your morning glass of OJ, have a glass of grapefruit juice.
- Combine diced grapefruit with cilantro and chili peppers to make a unique salsa.
- To enjoy a salad with a tropical flair, combine chopped grapefruit pieces, cooked shrimp and avocadoes and serve on a bed of romaine lettuce.
I like my grapefruit cut into plain yogurt!
Just cut and sectioned out! YUM!
I like my grapefruit with just a bit of sugar substitute on it. It’s really good for you and I’m pretty sure I inherited my love of grapefruit from my grandma.
I like to broil it with a bit of sugar!
I like grapefruit with a little sugar sprinkled on it.
I usually eat it with just a bit of splenda.
Half, broil a minute with real sugar sprinkled on. Yum
I like to peel and segment my grapefruit.
I like it cut and sectioned with a “sprinkle” of sugar.
I love to peel it and then section by section remove the fruit from that bitter film and slurp them in. I only eat grapefruit by itself. I find that adding sugar or anything like that just ruins it, but I do love sour fruits. Every time I get a grapefruit out to eat, my kids somehow always manage to wander around me and they end up eating 3/4 of it. lol
Cut in half with a little sugar on top
Cut, peeled and with a hint of sweetener sprinkled on top.
I peel it like you would peel an orange. Then I sprinkle salt on the sections as I eat them.
Cut in half with a little sugar
Cut and ready to eat.
Cut in half with some sugar
I like it with some sugar and I cut it in half and scoop each segment out with a spoon.
I peel it and eat!
I like my grapefruit with sugar on it.
WITH A SPRINKLE OF SUGAR
cut in half with just a little sugar on it and eat with a spoon like grandma used to!
I’m not a grapefruit fan. My husband and daughter love it though.
with salt
Cut em in half and sprinkle with good ol white sugar 🙂 mouth is watering as I laying in bed writing this
I enjoy my grapefruit with sugar.
I peel and eat them just like an orange!
CUT IN HALF WITH A LITTLE SUGAR ADDED
cut in half with sugar sprinkled on top
I enjoy my grapefruit cut in half and spooned out. It has always been my favorite fruit. Thanks for the Giveaway.
cut it and eat it 🙂
Cut in half and sprinkled with sugar YUM!!!
I like my grapefruit with honey
I eat it with a little sugar!
I peel em and eat them in sections!
I love it with brown sugar
i sprinkle with sugar pockets;-)
we just love to peel them and eat them! they’re great in my mom’s fruit salad too! I grew up hooked on it!
Plain ole grapefruit peeled. Love it!