Grapefruit is the tropical citrus fruit known for it somewhat sour taste, but it is also rich in nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber, making it one of the healthiest citrus fruits you can eat. The grapefruit is full of powerful health benefits, like weight loss and reducing your risk of heart disease. Here’s why you should make grapefruit part of your diet every day.
High Energy Levels– If your diet isn’t healthy, you’ll notice that you feel tired all the time. Include more high-energy and fresh foods in your diet like grapefruit.
Skin Rejuvenation- As you age, your skin will naturally age with you. Grapefruit is well known for its ability to rejuvenate the skin, it can even tighten your skin and take care of your wrinkles.
Improved Immunity- Grapefruit is known for its immunity-boosting capabilities due to its high content of vitamin C, which has antioxidant properties known to protect your cells from harmful bacteria and viruses.
It’s Low in Calories, Yet High in Nutrients- Grapefruit is high in nutrients (15 vitamins and minerals), but low in calories (52) giving you a lot of bang for your buck! Additionally, it is a rich source of some powerful antioxidant plant compounds, which are likely responsible for many of its health benefits.
Promotes Appetite Control- Grapefruit contains a decent amount of fiber. Research shows that a diet high in fiber-rich fruits is beneficial for inducing feelings of fullness. This is because fiber slows the rate at which your stomach empties, increasing digestion time.
Aids in Weight Loss- Grapefruit is a weight loss friendly food, eating grapefruit before meals may be helpful for weight loss. Its fiber and water can promote fullness and reduce calorie intake.
Eating Grapefruit May Improve Heart Health- Grapefruit contains nutrients and antioxidants shown to help protect the heart by regulating blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
May Reduce the Risk of Kidney Stones– The citric acid in grapefruit may help reduce the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones.
Grapefruit is one of the healthiest foods on the planet and it’s easy to incorporate into your diet. Try this Avocado and Grapefruit Salad recipe.
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 cup good olive oil, 4 ripe Hass avocados, 2 large red grapefruits
Directions:
- Place the mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the vinaigrette is emulsified.
- Before serving, cut the avocados in 1/2, remove the seeds, and carefully peel off the skin. Cut each half into 4 thick slices. Toss the avocado slices in the vinaigrette to prevent them from turning brown. Use a large, sharp knife to slice the peel off the grapefruits (be sure to remove all the white pith), then cut between the membranes to release the grapefruit segments.
- Arrange the avocado slices around the edge of a large platter. Arrange the grapefruit segments in the center. Spoon the vinaigrette on top, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and serve.
