Red and white grapefruits are a single fruit variety, a hybrid of a pomelo and an orange. Grapefruit has a thick peel, large fruits and juicy pulp with a slight sweetish taste and specific aroma. Fruits with both white and red or pink flesh are very similar, but there are a number of differences between them.
Vitamins and minerals in grapefruit
Both grapefruit are rich in vitamin C, which is important for a healthy immune system. It helps fight the symptoms of colds and flu, and reduces the development of inflammatory processes in the body. Vitamin C is important in the fight against diseases such as asthma, osteo, and rheumatoid arthritis. One cup of grapefruit pulp, both white and red, contains up to 70 mg of vitamin C, or 120% of the RDA. Also, both types of fruit have the same dose of potassium, which is vital for the cardiovascular system. The fundamental difference between white and red grapefruit is the content of vitamin A. In red fruits it is ten times more than in white. A cup of white grapefruit contains about 2% of the recommended daily intake, while red grapefruit contains about 50%. Vitamin A is important for vision, metabolic processes, it acts as an antioxidant, is responsible for the speedy healing of the skin and mucous membranes.
When buying any grapefruit, red or white, choose fruits that are heavier in weight than they appear. As a rule, these fruits are the juiciest. Avoid flattened, soft-skinned fruits - they are old.
In addition to the vitamins listed, both types of fruit contain almost the same dose of B vitamins such as thiamine, pyridoxin and riboflavin, as well as calcium, copper and phosphorus.
Other nutrients and calories
Red grapefruits are much sweeter than white ones. This is not surprising, since the standard dose of peeled fruit pulp with red flesh contains 1 gram of sugar more than white. That is why red grapefruits are also higher in calories. The same serving contains 97 calories if the fruit is red and 76 calories if it is white. But whites contain 1 gram less fiber useful for digestion. The fiber in grapefruit is represented by the beneficial insoluble fiber, pectin. Scientists have shown that it protects the lining of the colon and lowers cholesterol levels.
Grapefruits can be stored at room temperature for up to a week, they can last longer in the refrigerator, but they gradually lose their aroma and flavor.
Red varieties have been shown to contain more antioxidants and lycopene, which have anti-tumor properties and fight free radicals.
Contraindications
Both red and white grapefruits contain enzymes that interact with certain drugs, increasing their absorption and thereby significantly increasing their effect. This is especially true of drugs against to lower blood pressure and for the treatment of certain diseases of the thyroid gland. Therefore, if you are taking medications prescribed by your doctor, you should be consulted whether you can eat grapefruit or drink its juice.
