Grapefruit is a citrus fruit with juicy red, pink or white flesh. In its shape and taste, it is similar to an orange, however, unlike the latter, it has a slight bitterness. Due to its low calorie content and special properties, grapefruit is often included in various diets.
Calorie content and chemical composition of grapefruit
Nutritionists do not recommend grapefruit for those who seek to get rid of extra pounds for a reason. So, how many calories are in this fruit? The calorie content of grapefruit fruits is very low and amounts to only 39 kcal per 100 g. At the same time, it contains some fats, carbohydrates and protein. It also contains fiber, beneficial phytoncides, organic acids and natural sugars.
With prolonged heat treatment, grapefruit loses most of its vitamins and nutrients, so it is advisable to use it fresh.
The grapefruit is also rich in vitamins and minerals. They are especially rich in vitamin C, they also contain beta-carotene, B vitamins, vitamins A, E and PP. Of the minerals in these fruits, iodine, iron, calcium and potassium, manganese, sodium, zinc, cobalt, fluorine, magnesium and phosphorus are present.
Essential oils, carbohydrates and pectins enter into a special interaction in grapefruit, increasing the beneficial properties of this fruit.
Useful properties of grapefruit
Thanks to dietary fiber, as well as glycosides, which give the grapefruit pulp a characteristic bitter taste, the fruits of this fruit normalize digestion, improve the condition of the heart and blood vessels, and prevent the development of atherosclerosis. To do this, it is enough to eat 2-3 grapefruits every week.
Grapefruits have a long shelf life, during which they do not lose their taste and useful properties. But keeping them in a cool place is best.
Grapefruit fruits also help lower blood pressure, so they are recommended to eat with hypertension. They help to strengthen the immune system, tone up the body, normalize liver function, and act as an excellent cleanser.
Grapefruit is useful for apathy or depression, physical or mental fatigue, and as a preventive measure for diabetes. It improves memory and sharpens attention.
Moreover, grapefruit normalizes metabolism and promotes better digestion and assimilation of consumed food due to essential oils and organic acids. It also activates the fat burning process and removes excess fluid from the body. And the phenylalanine contained in this fruit helps to quickly dull the feeling of hunger. All this makes grapefruit an indispensable product for those suffering from obesity.
