Get In The Loop With Grapefruit!

Growing up, I wasn't a fan of grapefruit as a whole or as a juice. My great grandmother was a fan of grapefruit [and prune] juice, but I didn't care for the sweet, yet tart taste.

It wasn't until my mom introduced me to ruby red grapefruit juice I became a fan.

Though it was a bit sweeter, it allowed me to appreciate the tart taste. Even though blood oranges remain my favorite, grapefruits are just as healthy and packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and health benefits that'll have you adding half of the tropical citrus fruit to your breakfast and lunch!

Great fruit for diabetics.

Getting older and managing my sugar is essential in my diet lifestyle. When I discovered that low-calorie grapefruit prevents insulin resistance which is the leading cause of diabetes.

Grapefruit is a low-glycemic food.

Insulin resistance is the primary risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, insulin resistance can lead to higher insulin blood sugar levels.

Studies with participants who ate half a grapefruit prior to meals had lower insulin levels and resistance compared to participants who didn't consume grapefruit.

Grapefruit is great for the cardiovascular system.

The high water content fruit is a godsend to the cardiovascular system.

Grapefruit contains 5% of the daily value of potassium which is important for heart health.

Alternatively known as Vitamin K, potassium neutralizes sodium.

Grapefruit is also high in dietary fiber which can lower the risk of colorectal cancer.

Studies showed participants who consumed grapefruit three times daily for six weeks had lower blood pressure, improvement in total cholesterol as well as a reduction in bad "LDL" cholesterol levels.

Other studies showed eating grapefruit every day for six weeks had improvements in systolic blood pressure.

The nutritionally dense fruit is packed with lycopene which prevents the development of cancer, especially prostate cancer.

According to the American Institute For Cancer Research, studies observed [overall] lowered risk of cancer when adding grapefruit to diet lifestyle.

The citrus tree of the Rutaceae family is packed with flavonoids. Flavonoids are anti-inflammatory properties that lower blood pressure and cholesterol which helps lower cardiovascular diseases.

Studies showed flavonoid meals lowered the risk of ischemic stroke amongst women.

Vitamin and minerals, please!

Grapefruit contains more than 15 vitamins and minerals, having more Vitamin C than an orange!

The antioxidants, bioflavonoids, and phytonutrients found in the winter fruit possess antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory qualities.

The large, bright yellow fruit's white flesh under the skin is packed with antioxidants and soluble fiber.

Antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals are essential for the immune system to ward off cell damage, and sickness, and lower the risks of cardiovascular diseases.

Vitamin C found in grapefruit can help speed up the healing process of oxidative stress.

The beta-carotene found in the winter fruit is converted to Vitamin A, helping to reduce eye-related disorders and macular degeneration such as cataracts.

Choose your grapefruit!

There are 20 varieties of grapefruit grown in the United States. The fruit is grown in tropical regions making them great for the winter season.

Originating in Barbados as a cross between a sweet orange and a pomelo, the citrus tree is grown in the United States, Israel, Brazil, Cyprus, and South Africa.

The healthy fruit grows upwards of six inches in diameter in various colors like pale yellow, white, pink, and deep red. The rind is pink with a bitter white spongy layer inside.

Grapefruit is known as one of the top 19 best foods for breakfast, so the best grapefruit to choose is one that's heavy, but a little soft when squeezed. Store your superfood at room temperature away from direct sunlight.

Enjoy the citrus fruit juice, halved for breakfast or lunch, or cut up pieces and add to your favorite salad!

What are your thoughts about grapefruit?

How do you incorporate grapefruit into your diet lifestyle?

Tip, comment, and let's converse below!