 
Typical nutrition values for ½ medium grapefruit (154g) 100% |
 
Typical nutrition values for 8 fl oz (1 cup, 240 mL) grapefruit juice 120% |
- Grapefruit are loaded with vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid). In fact, half of one grapefruit or an 8-ounce glass of grapefruit juice provides at least 100% of the Daily Value for vitamin C! Vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants, acting as a scavenger to help neutralize free radicals (naturally occurring harmful elements that can damage cells, DNA, and proteins within the body). Antioxidants may assist in fighting cell and tissue damage that could eventually lead to diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
- Vitamin C can support a healthy immune system to help the body fight infection. A serving of fresh grapefruit or grapefruit juice can provide vitamin C and a host of other nutrients that your immune system needs to stay strong and healthy.1,2 Fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits, are primary contributors of vitamin C in the diet. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help reduce the risk of various types of cancer, such as esophageal cancer.3
- Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen, a protein that gives structure to bones, cartilage, muscle and blood vessels, and can help support tissue repair, wound and bone healing, and healthy skin.
- Vitamin C can help increase iron absorption. Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies worldwide and has been reported in 9%-16% of the adolescent and adult female population in the United States.4 Vitamin C can help boost the absorption of non-heme iron (the iron found in plants, not meat products).5 So including a glass of grapefruit juice before eating a spinach salad may help your body absorb more iron from the spinach. Vitamin C-rich foods should be included daily to get the most iron out of foods.
- Vitamin C is important for healthy body growth! It helps babies grow and helps build strong bones and teeth. And, it helps the expecting mom's body absorb certain forms of iron. Vitamin C requirements are 13 percent higher when a woman is expecting.6
