Grapefruit Nutrition Facts & Grapefruit Calories

Grapefruit is high in vitamin C and potassium. It is a good source of folate, iron, calcium, and other minerals. It is also high in fiber, low in calories. Pink and red varieties are high in beta carotene, a precursor of Vitamin A.

Grapefruits are especially high in pectin, a soluble fiber that helps lower blood cholesterol. Grapefruit also contain bioflavonoids and other plant chemicals that protect against cancer and heart disease. Grapefruits are also a good food to include in a sensible weight-loss diet because it has less than 100 calories, and its high-fiber content satisfies hunger. Always take grapefruit as your first course to help prevent overeating. It's also an ideal snack food.

PRECAUTION: Grapefruit juice can interact with a number of medications, potentially causing serious side effects. Flavonoids and/or furanocoumarin compounds in grapefruit juice will block the enzyme in the intestines from naturally breakdown and absorption of many medications. When this happens, blood levels of these medications increase and will lead to potentially toxic side effects.

Many drugs appear to be affected by grapefruit juice so if you are taking any medication, it’s essential to check whether you can safely consume grapefruit juice.