Give the gift of health
Eat it whole, get more fiber
Grapefruit has a whopping 12 grams of dietary fiber in each serving. Two tangerines contain approximately 4 grams of dietary fiber, and one orange packs 3 grams. Fiber works against obesity and can help lower blood cholesterol levels, control your blood sugar levels, improve digestion, fight diabetes and prevent heart disease and colon cancer. That’s partly because fiber slows down digestion, giving the intestines time to absorb more nutrients from food. Most of the fiber is in the white pith of the fruit and the thin membrane that separates each pulpy section of the fruit -- that's why eating your citrus whole gives you much more fiber than drinking it juiced.
Vitamins never tasted so good
Vitamin A does your body a world of wonder. And grapefruit takes the lead on this one, providing 70% of your recommended dietary allowance in just one fruit. Vitamin A supports good vision by maintaining healthy retinas and acts as an antioxidant in your body by protecting from free radicals. It plays an essential part in replacing worn out or old tissue with newer tissue to ensure healthy bones and teeth. Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that protects us from common health problems such as cancer and atherosclerosis
Oh baby!
Folate (also known as folic acid, folacin and vitamin B9) is a vital nutrient for the development of new cells. It’s particularly important for pregnant women as it helps prevent certain birth defects. In addition, studies have shown women who consume more folic acid had a significantly reduced risk of developing high blood pressure.
Men, we didn’t forget about you! A U.S. study suggests that folic acid could cut men’s risk of a stroke by one-fifth. Folic Acid also help cells resist changes in the DNA associated with the development of cancer.
C is for citrus
Just one half of a grapefruit delivers 80% of your recommended dietary allowance of Vitamin C. Tangerines are also loaded with Vitamin C, with just one tangerine providing 50% of the recommended daily intake. Vitamin C is a powerful natural antioxidant that benefits the body by boosting the immune system, healing wounds, reducing the risk of heart disease and preventing some cancers which include lung, breast, colon, esophageal and stomach cancer. Since Vitamin C is water-soluble, it needs to be replaced daily. So get your fix daily!
A Fountain of Youth?
As we grow older, our skin, along with other body parts, suffer from free radical damage. Even though this process is inevitable, the Vitamin C in citrus helps to slow down the process and improves your skin’s texture and color. The same goes with your vision. You see, Vitamin A allows your eyes to absorb light by keeping membranes surrounding your eyes healthy and also lessens your chances of having night blindness.
Want to lower your cholesterol levels?
A grapefruit a day, can keep the cholesterol away. A study in the Journal of Agricultural & Food Chemistry revealed that enjoying one grapefruit a day can help lower "bad" LDL cholesterol levels by 15.5% and triglycerides by 27%. *Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (Feb 2006 issue). Tangerines and oranges can take home the accolades too; they are full of soluble fiber, which over time will help your cholesterol levels go down, decreasing your risk of suffering from heart disease.
Flavonoids to the rescue:
Citrus is loaded with compounds called flavonoids, which boost certain anticancer properties. These flavonoids are hard workers as they prevent growth of cancerous cells and stop the proliferation of tumors. Your heart is fond of flavonoids too because they have the potential to protect against heart disease, promote better blood flow in the coronary arteries, prevent arteries from forming blood clots and stop the oxidation of “bad” cholesterol in the body, a risk factor for many dangerous heart conditions.Move out of the way, potassium coming through
Oranges and Tangerines have lots of potassium and Potassium has a big job – keep your heart functioning. It is an electrolyte mineral that works with other electrolytes, including calcium, magnesium and sodium to carefully maintain fluid levels both in and around cells. Having a steady fluid balance, allows electricity to conduct through your system, making your heart beat (we like a beating heart!). Potassium improves mental alertness and storage of energy, and helps lower anxiety and stress.
The grapefruit diet is not a myth:
Research shows that 1/2 a Grapefruit with each meal can increase weight loss. A 12-week study found that participants who ate half a grapefruit with each meal (without making any other dietary changes) shed up to 10 lbs. Research Centre at Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, CA. (Research data 2006)
Nutrition Facts
| 1/2 grapefruit | 1 orange | 1 tangerine | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 60 | 80 | 50 |
| Potassium | 5% | 7% | 5% |
| Fiber | 8% | 12% | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 35% | 2% | 6% |
| Vitamin B6 | 4% | 4% | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 100% | 130% | 45% |
| Calcium | 4% | 6% | 4% |
| Thiamin | 4% | 10% | 4% |
| Folate | 4% | 10% | 4% |
| Glycemic Index | 25 | 48 | 35 |
% Daily values based on a 2,000 calorie diet.