Nutritional Value Of Grapefruits

Grapefruit is a member of the citrus clan and is coined by the botanical name Citrus X paradisi. This evergreen fruit, with its long dark-green leaves and four-petaled flowers, grows up to a height of about 5 to 6 meters and is widely found in the sub-tropical regions of the world. Before the 19^th century, the plant was mostly regarded as an ornamental variety, meant to adorn the gardens and private grounds. It was only after the later part of the century that people became more and more aware of the beneficial effects and the high nutritional value content of grapefruit. Today, the prime cultivators of this species are Arizona, Texas, California and Florida. Historically, the fruit is said to have been discovered in Barbados, during the 17^th century. The main varieties of the fruit that are cultivated around the world are Marsh, Duncan, Foster, Oroblanco, Thompson, Triumph, Sweetie, Redblush and Star Ruby. To give you a better idea of the high nutritional content of grapefruits, a Food Rating Chart has been provided for in the lines below.

Grapefruit Nutrition Facts

Amount of Grapefruit: 1 cup

Total Weight of Grapefruit: 230 grams

Nutrients	Amount
Basic Components
Protein	1.8 g
Carbohydrates	24.5 g
Water	203 g
Ash	0.8 g
Calories
Total Calories	404 KJ
Calories From Fat	11.3 KJ
Calories From Carbohydrate	368 KJ
Calories From Protein	25.1 KJ
Carbohydrates
Dietary Fiber	3.7 g
Sugar	15.8 g
Glucose	3703 mg
Fructose	4071 mg
Sucrose	8072 mg
Fats
Total Fat	0.3 g
Poly Fat	0.1 g
Vitamins
Vitamin A	2645 IU
Thiamin	0.1 mg
Riboflavin	0.1 mg
Niacin	0.5 mg
Vitamin B6	0.1 mg
Betaine	0.2 mg
Vitamin C	71.8 mg
Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol)	0.3 mg
Folate	29.9 mcg
Pantothenic Acid	0.6 mg
Minerals
Calcium	50.6 mg
Copper	0.1 mg
Iron	0.2 mg
Magnesium	20.7 mg
Manganese	0.1 mg
Phosphorus	41.4 mg
Potassium	311 mg
Selenium	0.2 mcg
Zinc	0.2 mg
Saturated Fats
16:0 Palmitic	41.4 mg
18:0 Stearic	4.6 mg
Mono Fats
18:1 Oleic	41.4 mg
Poly Fats
18:2 Linoleic	66.7 mg
18:3 Linolenic	18.4 mg
Other Fats
Omega 3 Fatty Acids	18.4 mg
Omega 6 Fatty Acids	66.7 mg
Amino Acids
Alanine	55.2 mg
Arginine	200 mg
Aspartate	317 mg
Cystine	18.4 mg
Glutamate	453 mg
Glycine	34.5 mg
Histidine	18.4 mg
Isoleucine	18.4 mg
Leucine	34.5 mg
Lysine	43.7 mg
Methionine	16.1 mg
Phenylalanine	106 mg
Proline	145 mg
Serine	64.4 mg
Threonine	29.9 mg
Tryptophan	18.4 mg
Tyrosine	18.4 mg
Valine	34.5 mg

Buying & Storing Tips

While choosing grapefruits, you don’t have to worry about any type of skin discoloration, scratches or scales. Any such defect in physical appearance of the fruit will not have any impact on its taste or texture.
If you want to identify the rotten or the decayed variety of grapefruit, look for overly soft spots or areas that appear water-soaked. Such alterations change the general flavor of the fruit, making it bitter.
In case you are looking for varieties that have a higher concentration of juicy flesh, then go for the ones that are heavy for their size. This usually indicates that they have thin skin and fleshy pulp.
The consistency of a grapefruit should be firm. However, when mild pressure is applied, they should be slightly springy.
The best season for the purchase of grapefruits is from the onset of winter till the spring season.
To get a higher dose of antioxidants in your grapefruits, select the ones that are fully ripened.
If you want your grapefruits to be juicier, place them in a warm environment. This way, they can be stored for about a week. But if you want to keep them for a longer period, say about 2 to 3 weeks, then store them in the refrigerator. This will keep them crisp and fresh.

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