Benefits
As a citrus, grapefruits have immune and cardiovascular boosting Vitamin C. Vitamin C can help reduce the risk or severity of cold and also inflammation (especially asthma, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis). In pink and red grapefruits the antioxidant lycopene helps fight off free radicals that damage the cells of the body.
How to Choose and Keep
Discoloration isn’t an issue with choosing grapefruits. The only thing to look for is soft at the stem end. Make sure they are heavy and slightly firm. If you are going to consume within a week keep grapefruit at room temperature to get the juiciest type. Grapefruits will keep in the fridge for 2-3 weeks.
Preparation
Grapefruits should be rinsed under cold water, even if you don’t eat the peel. It is easy to transfer bacteria on the outside to the inside when you cut open. It is the easiest to cut a grapefruit in half and cut with a knife, but you can also peel and slice. Trying to eat like an orange is quite difficult and messy, so I stay away from that method.
Nutrients (In order of highest percentage to lowest)
Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Fiber, Potassium, Vitamin B5, and Vitamin B1
Action Steps
1. Enjoy a half of grapefruit as a delicious snack
2. Squeeze your own grapefruit juice and sweeten with stevia and diluted a little with water. Better for you than OJ!
3. To enjoy a more tropical flair, enjoy a winter fruit salad with grapefruit, oranges, tangerines, walnuts, lime (juiced), and a small bit of agave nectar or honey.
ATTENTION: Grapefruits can have interactions with certain drugs. Consult your doctor if you’re on medications, but according to WH Foods.com the drugs that interact are “immunosuppressant cyclosporine and calcium channel blocker drugs, such as feldipine, nifedipine and verapamil. Other drugs whose bioavailability is enhanced by grapefruit are the antihistamine terfenadine, the hormone estrodiol and the antiviral agent saquinavir. Research also indicates that individuals taking statin drugs should avoid grapefruit.
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