Life, as we know it: Some Random Thoughts #5 (Grapefruit a Grape Fruit?)

The Grapefruit ~~ Is it from the grape family, and does it look anything like grapes? Good question. Well, one of my friends she popped out of nowhere claiming that she had mistaken the Grapefruit for grapes, while to her amazement on discovery that it's actually shaped like an orange!

I've called her 'Grapefruit' since then to her bewilderment (~~she threatened that I'll suffer the consequences though~~), but really if one has not laid eyes on one, you would've thought the same now wouldn't you?! Seeing is believing they say. Alright, so the Grapefruit grows on an evergreen tree, in which the plant is a subtropical citrus tree and botanically belongs to the large Rutaceaefamily of citrus fruits of the genus Citrus; Scientific name: Citrus paradisi.

The Grapefruit however, got it's name because it grows in clusters like grapes, and in fact, is a natural hybridization of a pomelo and an orange! Believed to have evolved and originated from Indonesia and Malaysia, fresh Grapefruit from California and Arizona are available all year and come in several colors including pink, red, white and golden! Who knew Grapefruits were this fascinating...

However it is, some people called it 'The fruit of paradise', in which claimed to be one of the healthiest fruits in the world. Tart and tangy with an underlying sweetness, grapefruit has a juiciness that rivals that of the ever popular orange and sparkles with many of the same health promoting benefits. Here are some benefits of a Grapefruit I got from an interesting website:

Health benefits of Grapefruit

1. Delicious, grapefruit is very low in calories, consists of just 42 calories per 100 g. Nonetheless; it is rich in dietary insoluble fiber pectin, which by acting as a bulk laxative helps to protect the colon mucous membrane by decreasing exposure time to toxic substances in the colon as well as binding to cancer-causing chemicals in the colon.

2. Pectin has also been shown to reduce blood cholesterol levels by decreasing re-absorption of cholesterol binding bile acids in the colon.

3. The fruit contains very good levels of vitamin-A (provides about 1150 IU per 100g), and flavonoid antioxidants such as naringenin, and naringin. Besides, it is a moderate source of lycopene, beta-carotene, xanthin and lutein. Studies suggest that these compounds have antioxidant properties and are essential for vision. The total antioxidant strength measured in terms of oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) of grapefruit is 1548 µmol TE/100 g.

4. Further, vitamin A is also required maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin. Consumption of natural fruits rich in vitamin-A, and flavonoids helps to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.

5. It is an excellent source of antioxidant vitamin-C; providing about 52% of DRI. Vitamin-C is a powerful natural anti-oxidant and helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful free radicals. It, furthermore, is required for the maintenance of healthy connective tissue and aids in early wound healing. It also facilitates dietary iron absorption from the intestine.

6. 100 g of fresh fruit contains about 135 mg of potassium electrolyte. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids, helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure through countering sodium effects.

7. Red varieties of grapefruits are especially rich in the most powerful flavonoid antioxidant, lycopene. Studies have shown that lycopene protects skin damage from UV rays, and offers protection against prostate cancer.

8. Additionally, it contains moderate levels of B-complex group of vitamins such as folates, riboflavin, pyridoxine, and thiamin in addition to some resourceful minerals such as iron, calcium, copper, and phosphorus.

You can eat Grapefruit just like an orange by peeling it and dividing it into segments. Each medium Grapefruit has 10 to 12 sections. A Grapefruit is 75% juice. One medium Grapefruit will give you 2/3 of a cup of fresh-squeezed juice. Grapefruit juice freshly squeezed and stored covered in the refrigerator will retain 98% of its vitamin C for up to a week!