Grapefruit is one of the most underrated, yet deliciously tart citrus fruits out there. This pink fruit can brighten up any summer day with it’s refreshing, crisp flavor. Plus, it is loaded with tons of health benefits that you may not even know about. While you may only have ever eaten grapefruit with a sprinkling of sugar and a spoon, here are eight creative ways to incorporate this fruit into your diet, and why you should!
Health benefits of grapefruit
Help lose weight
The appetite suppressing powers of grapefruit and its high fiber levels can help aid those seeking to drop a few pounds.
Decrease fatigue
A refreshing glass of grapefruit juice can give you that much-needed afternoon pick-me-up. One Japanese study found that nootkatone, a compound found in grapefruit, is essential to improve energy metabolism and increase endurance.
Remedy indigestion
Grapefruit is helpful in improving the flow of digestive juices in your system and helps keep your bowels running smooth. Plus, it is helpful in reducing pain and inflammation from irritated digestive systems.
Prevent insomnia
If you have trouble sleeping, it may be a good idea to eat a serving to grapefruit right before you tuck in for the night. Because it is a great source of tryptophan, a sleep-inducing chemical, it can help calm you down and make it easier to fall asleep.
Boosts immune system
Vitamin A and C are essential for boosting the immune system. One grapefruit a day can help prevent you from developing various illnesses and colds.
Ways to eat more grapefruit
Salad
Giving your traditional salad a sweet twist can add excitement and a burst of flavor. Where you would add raisins or dried cranberries, try using chunks of fresh grapefruit instead. You can also make a grapefruit-based fruit salad with a drizzle of honey, or bananas to negate the tart flavor.
Sparkling grapefruit juice
Simmer 1 cup pure grapefruit juice and 1 cup honey in a small saucepan until honey dissolves. Transfer to a jar and chill, preferably overnight. Place a splash of grapefruit syrup in a glass and fill with seltzer water. Adjust flavor as needed. Garnish with grapefruit wedges.
Fish flavoring
Adding a drizzle of grapefruit juice on top of baked or broiled fish can add a wonderful tropical flavor to any type of seafood.
Parfait
Layer plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt, granola, fresh grapefruit chunks, and a drizzle of honey in a parfait glass.
Tropical Burst Smoothie
Combine 1 ½ cups frozen mango chunks and 1 ½ cups grapefruit juice along with 2 tbsp honey, ½ tsp vanilla extract, and ⅛ tsp salt in a blender. Blend until smooth and frothy. Add a splash of coconut milk, if desired.
Grapefruit Salsa
In a bowl, mix together 1 cup diced avocado, ¼ cup fresh, finely chopped mint leaves, 1 cup diced grapefruit, ¾ cup pomegranate seeds, 2 tsp lime juice, ¼ tsp minced jalapeno, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper. This salsa tastes even better once refrigerated overnight. Serve with grilled chicken, seafood, or enjoy with tortilla chips.
Make grapefruit ice cubes
Simply fill an ice cube tray with freshly squeezed, 100% pure grapefruit juice, and let freeze. Add these ice cubes to your water to chill it and encourage you to stay hydrated by incorporating the tart, refreshing flavor of grapefruit. You can also freeze bite-sized grapefruit pieces to use as ice cubes instead.
Grapefruit Chia Pudding
Ingredients:
- ½ cup full-fat coconut milk (from a can)
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk
- 7 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp pure maple syrup, or to taste
Grapefruit Topping
- 2 large grapefruits, cut into segments
- ¼ cup toasted, unsweetened, flaked coconut
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together coconut milk, chia seeds, ginger, vanilla, maple syrup, and almond milk.
- Cover and refrigerate for two hours, or more as needed or it to become thick. Whisk occasionally. After two hours, if the pudding isn’t thickened, add 1 tablespoon of chia seeds at a time, letting it sit for half an hour each time until desired consistency is reached.
- Spoon into ½ cup serving dishes and top with coconut and grapefruit. Enjoy!
What creative ways have you found to enjoy grapefruit? Let us know in the comments below!
-Susan Patterson