Grapefruit is harvested from the homonymous plant, the evergreen Citrus paradisi native to the Caribbean and then spread to many countries with a temperate climate.
The main producers are the United States (Florida), California and Israel.
White varieties: Marsh, Oroblanco, Duncan, Golden, Wheeney, Melogold, Sweetie.
Pink varieties: Marsh Pink, Ray Ruby, Redblush, Shambar, Foster, Henderson.
Red varieties: Star Ruby, Flame, Rio Red
It has a good content of citric acid, potassium, magnesium, vitamin C (1).
Grapefruit juice is one of the relatively low-calorie fruit juices, only 39 calories.
Grapefruit has a high content of polyphenols among which the class of flavonoids counts for 80%. Grapefruit seed extract has demonstrated antibacterial efficacy in disinfecting denture surfaces and removing biofilms without causing deterioration on the surface of the resins (2).
Contraindications: If grapefruit is taken in combination with certain drugs (statins, calcium blockers and others) it may cause allergies. Consult your doctor.
