Grapefruit

The only citrus species native to the Americas, the grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) is a cross between orange (Citrus sinensis) and pommel (Citrus maxima). Slightly less sweet than an orange, it nevertheless has a pleasant, tart flavor depending on the variety, and comes with a long list of health benefits thanks to its high vitamin C content and antioxidant properties.

Health Benefits of Grapefruit

The nutritional value of grapefruit lies mainly in its high content of essential nutrients; however, the phytocompounds found in the pulp, seeds, and peel of this citrus are responsible for most of its medicinal benefits, which are mainly: 

• Boosting immunity. The antioxidant properties of grapefruit strength the immune system, which protects the body from harmful viruses and bacteria.

• Protecting the liver. The bioactive compounds of grapefruit help improve liver function, aiding the body to get rid of toxins.

• Aiding weight-loss. The grapefruit is a staple of many weight-loss diets, since it is thought speed up metabolism.

How It Works

The main phytocompounds found in grapefruit are flavonoids, particularly flavanones, which account for about 98% of this citrus fruit and are thought to be responsible for its anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and antibacterial properties.

The amount of flavanones in grapefruit depends on the variety; however, naringin is present at the highest concentration, followed by narirutin. While further studies are necessary, a combined form of naringin and narirutin, called naringerin, is believed to aid weight-loss by impairing glucose from building up in adipose tissue, increasing insulin resistance.  Other important flavanones in grapefruit are hesperidin, poncirin, neohesperidin, didymin, and quercetin.

Grapefruit's juice, seeds, and peel also carry a type of terpenoids called limonoids, which are responsible not only for the slightly bitter flavor of this citrus, but also for its antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and hepatoprotective properties. The limonoids have the ability to activate an enzyme called glutathione-S-transferase, which aids liver function by making toxic compounds more easily soluble in water, thus facilitating their elimination from the body.

The pink and red grapefruit varieties are also rich in carotenoids, mainly lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant compound that helps prevent degenerative diseases and also gives this citrus fruit its bright colors.

Consuming grapefruit has been shown to help lower cholesterol, and there is even a diet devoted specifically to the health benefits this citrus can provide.

LIMONOIDS CAN INTERRUPT COMMUNICATION BETWEEN INFECTIOUS BACTERIAL CELLS.

Other herbs with strong immune boosting properties are camu camu and goji berries, whereas artichoke and milk thistle also support liver health.

Grapefruit Side Effects & Cautions

It has been found that two related furanocoumarins in grapefruit, 6',7'-dihydroxybergamottin and bergamottin are responsible for increasing the plasma concentration of some prescription drugs, which can amplify their medicinal actions.

Grapefruit should not be consumed by people taking statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs), as well as antihypertensives, immunosuppressants, anxiolytics, antiarrhythmics, and antihistamines.

Consuming grapefruit alongside these medications could increase the risk of side effects, including liver and kidney damage.

Grapefruit is a low-carb fruit, with good amounts of dietary fiber, which makes it a staple of many weight-loss diets, but its most abundant nutrient is vitamin C (ascorbic acid), a water-soluble compound that is crucial for maintaining a healthy immune function, as well as for preventing scurvy.

Other important nutrients, provided in good amounts by grapefruit are B complex vitamins, particularly vitamin B₅ (pantothenic acid), and vitamin A (from carotenes). Vitamin B₅ is necessary for the synthesis of coenzyme A (CoA), a molecule involved in the metabolism of proteins and fats, as well a for speeding up wound healing, whereas vitamin A plays a key role in tissue regeneration, helping neutralize the free radicals that cause cellular decay and preventing age-related diseases.  

Grapefruits also contain essential minerals, mainly copper, for blood cells' production and transportation; potassium, necessary for regulating blood pressure and maintaining healthy blood vessels; and magnesium, which plays a key role in the well-functioning of muscles and nerves.

Half of a medium grapefruit (123 g) provide 52 calories and 7% of the recommended daily value for dietary fiber.

The most common way to consume grapefruit is in its fresh form, either raw or in the form of juice. However, the properties of grapefruit can also be obtained from medicinal preparations and supplements, which are less popular than natural grapefruit but offer high concentrations active compounds, without the characteristic, slightly bitter taste of this citrus. 

GRAPEFRUITS ARE COMMONLY CONSUMED IN JUICES OR  SALADS.

Natural Forms

• Did you know?
  

  When buying grapefruit juice, the brands that offer 100% pure fruit juice are the best option; however, the juice from concentrate still provides good dietary value. In any case, it is important to verify the product comes without added sugars.

  Raw. Grapefruits, freshly picked from the tree, are commonly eaten by the spoon or in salads, and provide all the dietary fiber and the nutrients necessary for a healthy diet.

• Juice. Grapefruit juice is probably the most widely popular way of reaping the nutrients and medicinal properties of this citrus. It can be squeezed form the pulp of the fresh fruits or can be bought ready to consume.

Herbal Remedies & Supplements

• Liquid extract. Since grapefruit's essential oils are more abundant in the seeds, extracts are taken to better reap the antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and hepatoprotective properties of this citrus.

• Capsules. Grapefruit seed extract can also be taken in this supplemental form, in order to obtain a healthy daily dose of essential oils and antioxidants.
  

Natural Forms

It is generally easy to buy all red, pink, and white grapefruits at all supermarkets and grocery stores, as well as through online retailers.

Grapefruit juice is also widely available at food stores and supermarkets, although it tends to be more likely to be the sweeter pink or red grapefruit that is used for juices. It is sometimes mixed with orange to make a popular breakfast drink.

Herbal Remedies & Supplements

The oil extracted from grapefruit seeds is a commonly used as an essential oil in aromatherapy. While not available at general supermarkets, it is reasonably easy to obtain from online retailers or from specific herbal or health stores. Capsules containing grapefruit peel or fruit extract are available online, as well as in most supermarkets and convenience stores where herbal supplements are sold.

The grapefruit tree (Citrus paradisi) is a perennial species, native to tropical and tempered regions of the Americas and the Caribbean, and it requires warm temperatures during day and night. Under proper soil and climate conditions, it can be successfully grown in a garden or back yard.

Growing Guidelines

• The grapefruit plant prefers deep, loamy, well-draining soils and should be planted in spring or autumn depending on individual surroundings.

• Although seedling rootstocks are commonly used to propagate grapefruit trees, most varieties of Citrus paradisi can be grown from seed.

• Ideally, the seeds or seedlings should be planted between 16 and 22 feet (5 - 7 meters) apart.

• After being planted, the grapefruit seedlings should be watered every few days for the first couple of weeks, then gradually increased to every 7 to 10 days over the next couple of months.

• The grapefruit tree requires regular pruning in order to ensure more leaves receive plenty of sunlight.

• It can take up to three years for a grapefruit tree to bear fruit after first being planted, and the fruits should be harvested in autumn or once two-thirds of the fruit has acquired a golden yellow or slightly pinkish hue.

• Grapefruits grown in humid conditions will have a thinner peel, while trees cultivated in arid climates produce fruits with thicker and rougher skin, as a lower juice content. Low winter temperatures also result in a thicker peel the following year and can even affect the fruit shape.

Plant Biology

• Classification

  The grapefruit tree (Citrus paradisi) is a member of the Rutaceae family, more commonly known as the 'citrus family', with over 900 species of mostly trees and shrubs across 150 genera, all distributed across tropical and temperate regions of the world. The most commercially important citrus crops are oranges (Citrus sinensis), lemons (Citrus limon), and limes (Citrus aurantifolia).

• Varieties and Cultivars of Grapefruit

  There are several varieties of grapefruit grown all over the world,with United States producing over 20 types alone. They are generally split into white, pink, and red varieties, which differ in terms of skin thickness, color, and taste. The two most commercially significant ones are the cold-resistant 'Duncan', a Florida-native that produces up to 30 - 50 seeds per slice; and 'Marsh seedless', the most widely cultivated one nowadays because of its high juice content. In addition, many pigmented cultivars exist, such as 'Ruby Red', 'Star Ruby', and 'Thompson'.

Historical Information

Economic Data

The United States is the main producer of grapefruit, followed by China and South Africa. The state of Florida produces the most grapefruits, with 65% of the total national production.

Grapefruit is highly popular in the United States, being the second citrus fruit in demand per person; however, per capita consumption has waned in recent years in part due to the medical findings regarding its interactions with a number of prescribed drugs. Despite this, the global demand for grapefruits still growing.

Other Uses

• Personal care. Grapefruit extract and seed oil are used extensively in cosmetics, as well as in aromatherapy.

• Pharmaceutical industry. The antimicrobial properties of grapefruit seed oil are also used in pharmaceutical products.