‘Several cells of the immune system, especially T cells and phagocytes, accumulate vitamin C and require it to perform their tasks. Grapefruit supports your immune systemĮating grapefruit could help to protect your cells from harmful bacteria and viruses, thanks to its high vitamin content – especially vitamin A, which is known to benefit immunity by protecting your body against inflammation, and vitamin C, which ‘has been shown to reduce the risk of catching a cold and also the length of infection according to research,’ says Hobson. ‘It’s also required for good eyesight and in particular the normal function of the retina and adaptation of eyesight to darkness.’Ĥ foods to seriously boost your heart healthħ.
1 half grapefruit calories skin#
Vitamin A also contributes to eye health by ‘keeping the skin and mucosal cells of the eye and respiratory, gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts healthy to maintain a barrier against infections,’ says Hobson.
You can make zeaxanthin from lutein, but you need to get lutein from the diet as the body can’t make it.’ ‘These carotenoids help to protect the macular by filtering out harmful blue light and also provide antioxidant protection. ‘Lutein and zeaxanthin are found in the macular of the eye – part of the retina responsible for fine vision,’ he explains. This eye disease is the leading cause of permanent vision loss in people over the age of 60. Lutein has been researched for its anti-inflammatory properties, says Hobson, particularly around the improvement and possible prevention of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In one average-sized grapefruit – around 160 grams – you’ll find 54 calories, and 2.4g of fibre equivalent to 9.3 per cent of your Recommended Daily Amount (RDA).
We asked registered nutritionist Rob Hobson, head of nutrition at Healthspan, to talk us through the evidence-based health benefits of grapefruit: 11 health benefits of grapefruitĪside from making up one of your five-a-day, eating grapefruit is said to have a variety of healthful attributes – most notably when it comes to weight loss. Celebrated as one of the ‘Seven Wonders of Barbados’ – where it originates from – the tangy fruit has found favour as a breakfast staple the world over. From boosting heart health to supporting your immune system, the health benefits of grapefruit can be attributed to its potent antioxidant, vitamin, mineral and fibre content.Ī cross between a sweet orange and a pomelo, grapefruit grows in clusters on the tree like grapes, hence the name. One of the healthiest citrus fruits around – and one of the lowest in calories – grapefruit is a versatile fruit, ranging in flavour from bittersweet to sour.
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