By Chisom Ibemere
Grapefruit is scientifically called Citrus paradisi. It is a citrus fruit grown mainly in subtropical regions of the world. It has a sour, semi sweet to bitter taste. It has a partitioned interior with yellow to dark pink colour.
Grapefruit is a product of a cross between citrus sinensis and citrus maxima, that is sweet Orange and Pomelo. It’s varieties differs by the colour of the flesh and may have yellow and pink colours. It is highly acidic with sour and tart flavours.
Raw grapefruit contains 90% water, carbohydrates, proteins and are rich source of vitamins. It has more acidic content than Oranges. Grapefruit are cooked or boiled in order to eliminate it’s soreness and can be processed into Jam and Juice.
Grapefruit improves diet quality and has a lot of nutrients. It is rich in vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, fibre, anti-oxidants and so on. Consuming Grapefruit reduces the level of bad cholesterol known as Low density lipoprotein which is great for your heart health. It prevent or reduce the risk of getting heart related problems like high blood pressure or stroke.
Grapefruit are rich sources of Vitamin A and C. These vitamins improve the function of the immune system. Vitamin C gives protection to the cells, thereby preventing damages. Potassium in grapefruit helps to neutralize the effects of sodium in the body.
The red and pink grapefruit have more nutrient content than the other variety. They are rich sources of beta carotene and Lycopene. Lycopene is a carotenoids which is responsible for the red and pink colouration in grapefruits. They are powerful in reducing high blood pressure a d cancers.
Vitamin C produces Collagen, a protein that facilitates wound healing. Vitamin A is most essential for the eyes, hearts and other body organs. It may contain more Vitamin A than Oranges. They also help to keep the skin healthy.
