As you know, I’ve been treated to a lot of delicious, fresh Florida citrus lately, and I know my family and I have been benefiting from the powerful nutritional punch these fruits pack. But beyond what I know about vitamin C, I was curious to find out just how good for us all this Florida grapefruit really is. Luckily I was able to ask Registered Dietitian Lydia Knorr, RD some questions. So here it is: everything you ever wanted to know about Florida citrus.
We hear a lot about vitamin C in citrus foods. How much vitamin C does one serving of grapefruit contain?
One-half of a grapefruit, which is the equivalent of one serving of fruit according to Canada’s Food Guide, contains approximately 45 mg of Vitamin C.
What are some of the key health benefits of vitamin C?
Vitamin C is essential for tissue repair and healing. It is one of the most powerful antioxidants which help to fight tissue and cell damage – conditions that can lead to illness and disease.
Many Canadian families are looking for ways to add more fibre into their diets. How much fibre does one serving of grapefruit contain?
One serving of grapefruit contains approximately 1.5 grams of fibre, which is a simple and convenient way to achieve part of one’s daily recommended intake.
What are the key health benefits of dietary fibre?
Dietary fibre aids in digestion, helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels and may help minimize the risk of certain cancers.
What other important nutrients do grapefruit contain?
Grapefruit contains other healthy nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, folate, vitamin B6, lycopene, carotenoids and phytonutrients.
What kinds of conditions could eating grapefruit help prevent?
High blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, high cholesterol, mental illness and eye ailments.
What nutrients in grapefruit help to fight the conditions above?
Potassium – plays a role in maintaining cardiovascular health and has been associated with lower blood pressure.
Vitamin C – the antioxidant properties of vitamin C neutralize free radicals and repair damaged tissue which can lead to diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Fibre – has been associated with maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and may also reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Folate – besides its key role in reducing the risk of neural tube defects, healthy levels of folate have been shown to minimize depression and memory loss.
Vitamin A – The beta carotene in pink and red grapefruit which serves as a source of Vitamin A in the diet, is an important contributor to maintaining healthy vision.
Is there any difference in the nutritional benefits of yellow and red/pink grapefruit?
Red and pink grapefruit contain carotenoids such as lycopene and beta-carotene. These pigments are responsible for the great pink or red colouration and also have helpful antioxidant properties that help people of all ages.
We’re right in the middle of cold and flu season; what role eating citrus can play in helping ward off illness?
The best way to ward off the onset of cold and flu is to stay healthy and keep your immune system strong at all times. Florida citrus has a role in keeping one’s immune system healthy because of its antioxidant properties.
Antioxidants help repair damaged tissues and cells which in turn helps in the fight against infection. Vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants Florida citrus is full of it !!
Interesting Facts & Tips:
Florida receives on average, more than 3,000 hours of sunshine per year. That, coupled with plenty of rain makes for ideal growing conditions for citrus fruit.
Don’t fear “blemishes” on the skin of Florida grapefruit. This unique characteristic is a result of the warm tropical winds that cause the tree limbs to sway and gently “kiss” the young maturing fruit. These sun kisses have no effect on the quality and taste of the Florida grapefruit.