Grapefruit benefits

Tasty, juicy, fragrant and versatile, the grapefruit is native to the island of Barbados and is a cross between a sweet orange and a large citrus fruit called pomelo. Here is some information on what makes grapefruit a delicious part of a healthy diet.

Although grapefruit is mostly water, it is a very healthy food with high levels of vitamins, minerals and nutrients.

Fibre

Grapefruit, like other fruits, provides a good supply of fibre, which can help support:

Heart health: Fibre-rich foods can reduce inflammation and alleviate high blood pressure.
Gut health: Fibre helps prevent constipation and encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria.
Healthier cholesterol levels: Eating plenty of fibre can help control low-density cholesterol (LDL).
Weight management: Fibre helps you feel full for longer, so you can do with less food.

Vitamin C

In addition to fibre, grapefruits have much more in store. Grapefruits, like oranges and other citrus fruits, are rich in vitamin C. In fact, an average whole grapefruit provides 100 per cent of the daily requirement of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that is great for the immune system and can help fight viruses and bacteria that can cause illness.

Vitamin A

Grapefruits also have another advantage: high levels of vitamin A, or beta-carotene. One orange provides more than 50 per cent of the requirement. Vitamin A is very important for eye health and, like vitamin C, supports the immune system and helps protect against inflammation.

Other healthy nutrients in grapefruit

One grapefruit provides about 10 per cent of the daily requirement of potassium, as well as 8 per cent of the requirement of thiamine and folate. Additional antioxidant power comes from lycopene, a natural and nutritious compound found in tomatoes and watermelon. Antioxidants help reduce wear and tear on our cells and may even help prevent serious diseases such as cancer.

Grapefruit and Medicines

The so-called ‘grapefruit effect’ does exist and, by consulting the information for any medication you take, you can find out whether grapefruit should be avoided

Grapefruit can block an enzyme that helps the body break down certain drugs. If this enzyme were blocked, too much of the medication could remain and accumulate in the blood.

Some of the drugs that can be affected by grapefruit are:

atorvastatin, lovastatin and simvastatin (cholesterol-lowering drugs);
fexofenadine (an allergy medication);
nifedipine (a blood pressure medication);
cyclosporine (an immunosuppressant).

Even within drug classes there may be differences: a pill may interact with grapefruit, while another similar drug for the same condition may not, so it is always best to consult your doctor or pharmacist if in doubt.