Kristen Cook
Grapefruits are healthy and known to be true vitamin C bombs. However, the sweet-bitter citrus fruit can do even more – for example, provide us with healthy ingredients all year round. Drug interactions can occur, however, so caution is advised.
When is the grapefruit in season?
Grapefruit is considered healthy and refreshing, so it’s no wonder that its fresh note is quickly associated with summer. The citrus fruit is a winter fruit that has its main season from October to May.
Where does the grapefruit come from?
Grapefruits have come a long way throughout their history. They were discovered on the Caribbean island of Barbados in the early 18th century. Today they are grown in many subtropical countries and are also an integral part of the fruit department in German supermarkets.
We owe the enjoyment of grapefruit to two other citrus fruits. It is assumed that the grapefruit was created by crossing orange and grapefruit.
The taste of the grapefruit
The two most well-known main groups of grapefruit include the pink grapefruit with pink flesh and the white grapefruit with yellow flesh.
What all varieties have in common is that they taste fresh, tart, and sweet-sour. They differ in their bitter note, which characterizes the taste, and in their more or less juicy flesh.
Losing weight thanks to grapefruit?
Grapefruit contains several important ingredients that not only make it particularly delicious but also very healthy. The fruit also has only a few calories – there is around 40 kcal in 100 grams of grapefruit – and with 0.1 g of fat per 100 grams of fruit is extremely low in fat.
It is also often used on diet menus. This is mainly due to the fiber pectin it contains, which swells in the gastrointestinal tract and thus promotes digestion. At the same time, the pectin ensures a longer feeling of satiety, so that you automatically eat less. The naringin contained in grapefruits is also of great benefit to people who want to lose weight. The bitter substance in combination with vitamin C stimulates fat burning.
Important nutrients of grapefruit and their effects
In addition to being a natural slimming agent, grapefruit has other valuable qualities that have a positive effect on our bodies and our well-being.
As you would expect from citrus fruit, it is very rich in vitamin C and thus has the potential to strengthen our immune system with an extra portion of power.
This makes it particularly suitable for consumption during the cold season. 100 grams contain around 31 mg of vitamin C. The grapefruit thus covers a considerable part of the daily requirement, which according to the German Society for Nutrition for adults is between 95 mg and 110 mg.
The grapefruit also contains various other vitamins and minerals such as magnesium and potassium, enzymes, and plant pigments.
The antioxidant lycopene is responsible for the pink-red color. When ingested regularly through our diet, it is said to reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer. Powerful antioxidants like lycopene help reduce inflammation of blood vessels or prevent cardiovascular disease.
Also important to mention is the mineral potassium, which contains a considerable proportion of citrus fruit. Potassium has a dehydrating effect and can help carry excess toxins out of our bodies.
Grapefruit: storage and preparation
In addition to its health-promoting and unique flavor properties, grapefruit is fairly easy to care for. It can keep for several weeks in the refrigerator but is usually stored at moderate room temperature. The longer the storage time, the milder and more aromatic the fruit becomes.
Their special taste also makes them so interesting for the kitchen. It can be incorporated into the diet in a variety of ways. The pulp is not only eaten pure but is also a popular ingredient for desserts and salads. Grapefruit gives savory dishes a special and exotic note.
Beware of interactions
Unfortunately, grapefruits are not safe for everyone to eat. Anyone who is generally allergic to citrus fruits or is prone to heartburn, acid reflux, or kidney stones should avoid it or consult an expert beforehand.
In combination with certain medications, grapefruit can even become dangerous and cause serious interactions.
The citrus fruit contains phytochemicals such as naringenin, which slow down both detoxification and metabolism. This in turn can change the bioavailability of drugs or increase the concentration in the blood.
Various substances in citrus fruit also inhibit the breakdown of some medicines. This can lead to serious problems such as stomach bleeding or kidney damage. So if you’re taking medication, it’s important to consult a doctor and find out if eating grapefruit is safe for you.
The bottom line is that grapefruits are very healthy and are considered a real all-around talent. When taking medication, however, it is better to find out beforehand whether the fruit can be eaten without hesitation or whether it is better to avoid it.
