Grapefruit: The bitterness of grapefruit is offset by its health benefits

Grapefruit is a citrus drink with a  thick skin and a strong flavor , which is a curious combination between bitter and sweet , although the bitterness is a little more noticeable. It is usually consumed in slices or as a juice , once the fruit has been squeezed . It is not a very popular fruit , despite the fact that it provides many health benefits . In this article, we will explain the most notable ones, in order to encourage you to try grapefruit and include it in your diet, at least more often.

The origin of the grapefruit

The grapefruit, as we have explained in the introduction, is a plant that is classified within the branch of citrus fruits . The plantations of this fruit come from the so-called West Indies, a place where its cultivation and consumption are already a culture. The grapefruit is actually a hybrid of the sweet orange and the pomelo , and was created in the 1750s in Barbados , specifically. A grapefruit tree usually grows to about 5-20 meters.

This origin is curious because, unlike other citrus fruits, the grapefruit does not come from an Asian country, but from an American one . Today it is cultivated in all the countries of the world, in some more and in others less, but the main international producer of this sweet and bitter fruit is the United States . The North American giant produces neither more nor less than 1.5 million tons a year : an overwhelming amount with which no nation can compete, at least for the moment.

Composition and benefits of grapefruit

A grapefruit, in general terms, weighs about 246 grams, of which more than half are edible and provide only 75% of calories (approximate value), since more than 90% of the fruit is basically water . It is also a source of all kinds of vitamins , as it contains: vitamin A, C and several from group B. In addition, it has essential minerals such as calcium, iron, phosphorus or magnesium. Finally, it contains a high level of antioxidants that are much needed to ensure the proper functioning of the body.

Once its composition has been studied, we now present and explain the most notable benefits that this exotic fruit will bring us:

• Prevents the development of cardiovascular diseases : thanks to its antioxidants, grapefruit can also help prevent the development of one of the cancers that cause the most deaths each year: colon cancer.
• Ideal for weight loss – Since most of this fruit is water , it is incredibly light. The best thing is that it is also quite satiating. This means that you are satisfied with fewer calories , which makes this fruit an ideal food at a weight loss party.
• Prevents the appearance of scurvy : it is a disease that occurs when the patient has a serious lack of vitamin C in the diet, and can cause anemia, general weakness, gingivitis (a disease of the gums) and skin hemorrhages. As it is the most present vitamin in grapefruit , consuming it more or less regularly can help prevent you from suffering from this disease.
• Facilitates the digestion process : due to its fiber content , it is a highly recommended fruit for people who suffer from constipation. It also contributes to increasing the feeling of satiety .
• Helps the immune system to be strengthened : its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties make grapefruit a good food for it.