Health benefits of grapefruit juice

Its time to consider buying grapefruit next time you’re in the supermarket or green grocers! These large citrus fruits are originally from the Caribbean and get their name from the fact they grow in clusters – just like grapes! When it comes to nutrition, you’ll find grapefruits pack a real punch, making them an ideal fruit to eat as a snack, as juice or as part of a healthy breakfast.

Grapefruit juice benefits

Every fruit has some sort of benefit for the body and almost all can be consumed as part of your recommended five fruit and veg a day. In fact, just half of a fresh grapefruit or one 150ml glass of grapefruit juice counts! When it comes to supporting your health, grapefruits are particularly beneficial for a number of reasons. Our top grapefruit juice benefits include the fact they:¹ Are low in calories – Grapefruit has been a fixture of many diets for years and that’s all down to the fact that it’s one of the lowest calorie fruits you can buy. One medium sized grapefruit is thought to contain as little as 52 calories.² Are great sources of vitamin A and C – Grapefruits are high in vitamin A which contributes to maintenance of normal skin and vision; and vitamin C which contributes to normal function of the immune system. Contain flavonoids – Flavonoids are plant compounds found naturally in some fruit and veg, including grapefruit. Some studies show that they may help to improve brain function and memory skills³ Could help control your insulin levels – Recent research has suggested that eating half a grapefruit every day could help keep your insulin levels in check. Grapefruit also contains a decent amount of fibre and has a high water content, making it a popular choice for those looking to watch their weight and stay hydrated. It’s thought to make you feel fuller quicker and for longer if you eat half of one before your meals.

Is there anyone who should avoid eating or drinking grapefruit?

Despite its obvious health benefits, grapefruit isn’t suitable for everyone. For instance, some medications may be less effective if you regularly eat it due to a certain enzyme present in grapefruit.⁴ Also, as grapefruit is high in citric acid, it may start to wear away the enamel which protects your teeth over time. If you have sensitive teeth or persistent dental health issues, you may want to avoid eating grapefruit.

Five ways to enjoy grapefruit

Here's how you can enjoy grapefruit everyday:⁵

1. Halved and eaten with a spoon
2. As a juice or in a smoothie
3. Sliced up and added to yoghurt
4. Tossed into a salad
5. Substituted for lemon in a tart or cake

For more nutrition advice and a selection of tasty recipe ideas ideal for veggies and vegans, head on over to the Holland & Barrett Health Hub. Last updated: 6 May 2020 Sources  1 https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/health-benefits-grapefruit 2 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-benefits-of-grapefruit#section2 3 https://www.healthline.com/health/what-are-flavonoids-everything-you-need-to-know 4 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-benefits-of-grapefruit#section11 5 https://www.myrecipes.com/ingredients/how-to-cook-with-grapefruit