"Grapefruit contains an array of antioxidant-regenerating flavonoids, and is able to guard against lung cancer."
Grapefruit acquired its name because it grows on a subtropical citrus tree in bunches like grapes. As far as popularity, it’s a late bloomer, and didn’t begin to catch on until the late nineteenth century. Today the USA has become the major producer of grapefruit, with plantations in Arizona, Florida, California and Texas. Just a few years ago, China opened its doors to import fruit from the USA. Grapefruit became so popular that people drove as much as two hours to buy this new tangy fruit. Smart people, considering how healthy this large citric fruit is for you.
The Healing Powers and Health Benefits of Grapefruit Juice
Protection From colon Cancer
Protection From Tobacco Smoke
Protects Against Lung Cancer
Grapefruit Juice Nutrition
One cup of chopped grapefruit (97 calories) contains 120% of your daily need of vitamin C and 53% of your vitamin A requirement. It’s also a good source of potassium, thiamin, folate and magnesium.
Nutrition Facts
Grapefruit Juice is an excellent source of:
- Vitamin A (beta-carotene)
- Vitamin C
- Naringenin
- D-glucaric acid
Grapefruit Juice is a good source of:
- Thiamin
- Folate Acid
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Limonin
- Limonene
- Nomilin
Phytochemicals & Antioxidants in Grapefruit Juice
Grapefruit contains an array of antioxidant-regenerating flavonoids; the primary one is called naringenin. According to Loic Le Marchand of the University of Hawaii, the naringenin in grapefruit is able to guard against lung cancer. But as with all whole plant foods, it’s never just one element but a chorus of phytochemicals harmonizing together that create a sound that cancer and other diseases hate. With naringenin, there are the phytochemicals limonene, limonin and nomilin. And red and pink grapefruit add lycopene to the mix. On top of all those powerful voices, include ferulic acid, proven to inhibit the activation of a deadly carcinogen in tobacco. Robert Teel, professor of physiology and pharmacology at Loma Linda University, states, “Ferulic acid is only moderately inhibitory of cancer, but when you eat fruits and vegetables, you get a mixture of these compounds. It may well be that the interaction is more beneficial than the compounds by themselves.” Remember that advice the next time you take your vitamin pill.
Grapefruit is also one of the best sources for D-glucaric acid. Dr Zbigniew Walaszek of the AMC Cancer Research Center found that rats who were given a D-glucaric acid derivative were 60% less likely to develop colon cancer after they were exposed to a carcinogen.
Warning: those who are taking certain prescription drugs, including hypertension medication and statin drugs used to lower cholesterol, should avoid consuming grapefruit. If in doubt, consult your pharmacist or physician.
Preparing for Juicing
Do not peel, but instead, cut the outside yellow peel off with a sharp knife, leaving as much of the white pith as possible.
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Grapefruit Juice Tips
If you are on a budget, often grapefruit will be cheaper than oranges. I have found them on sale at five for $1.99. Also, as an added bonus, you will get a higher juice yield from grapefruit compared to oranges.
Picking Perfect Produce
The tastiest grapefruits are grown in Texas and Florida. Pink grapefruits are sweeter and less acidic than white. Weight says a lot about what’s inside. As with all fruit, when it sits too long it begins to dehydrate and loses its moisture. Heavy means fresh and juicy.
Storing Your Produce
Grapefruit stores very well on the counter for a week and even longer in the fridge. Older, slightly shriveled ones are still good for juicing, and I find can even be a little sweeter.
Taste Combos
Grapefruit tastes great all by itself. I love to juice orange and grapefruit together, especially if the oranges are sweet and the grapefruit has a bit of a bite.
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