Grapefruit, also known as ‘chakotra' (Hindi) is a subtropical citrus fruit which has a sour and slightly bitter taste. It was first cultivated in Barbados in West Indies as a hybrid fruit from a cross between Pomelo and sweet orange. Grapefruit was named after grapes because it grows like clusters similar to grapes.
Grapefruits are widely cultivated in China, United States particularly Florida, California and other semi tropical southern states .The fruit has a slightly thick and tough skin than that of oranges and inside, the flesh is segmented like oranges. The fruit is very juicy and acidic varying in colors ranging from white, pink and red. Some varieties are seedless and in some, there may be as many as 50 seeds of half inch in length.
Grape fruit is rich in Vitamin A, carotene and lycopene. It is often revered as the “fruit of paradise” for its health promoting benefits as well as disease healing properties. Pink and red grapefruits are rich in beta carotene. It is also a storehouse of polychemicals such as flavonoids, terpens and limonoids. Pink grapefruit contains a carotenoid called lycopene Folate. Harvard Medical School states that grapefruit has a glycemic index of 25. This suggests that it does not significantly affect blood sugar and insulin levels.
The antioxidant vitamin C can help to fight skin damage caused by the sun and pollution, reduce wrinkles, and improve overall skin texture when eaten in food or applied to the skin.
Vitamin C plays a vital role in the formation of collagen, the main support system of the skin. Regular hydration and vitamin A are also crucial for healthy-looking skin. Grapefruit provides both of these.
