Striving4Zen

Grapefruit, originally uploaded by Mieke Miwian.

Grapefruit is an excellent source of vitamin C, a vitamin that helps to support the immune system. Vitamin C-rich foods like grapefruit may help reduce cold symptoms or severity of cold symptoms; over 20 scientific studies have suggested that vitamin C is a cold-fighter.

The rich pink and red colors of grapefruit are due to lycopene, a carotenoid phytonutrient. Lycopene appears to have anti-tumor activity. Among the common dietary carotenoids, lycopene has the highest capacity to help fight oxygen free radicals, which are compounds that can damage cells.

BOTTOM LINE: Grapefruit is an excellent source of vitamin C. It is also a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, potassium, folate, and vitamin B5. Grapefruit also contains phytochemicals including liminoids and lycopene.

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