How many calories are in a Ruby Red Grapefruit?
We are all familiar with the word calorie and that it somehow affects weight gain. But what is it really?
Calorie is a unit to measure energy. It is a way of saying how much energy you are getting from eating food or drinking beverages. Is it bad for you? Of course not! On the contrary, we need calories in order to survive. Our cells would die without calories and vital organs like the heart and lungs would stop functioning.
If it isn’t bad then why do we have to monitor it? The answer is that consuming too many calories without burning them off thru daily activities leads to weight gain.
Fruits are good for the body as they provide vitamins, minerals and other nutrients our body needs. However, some fruits contain fewer calories than other fruits and can even help in losing weight. Good grapefruit is one of those wonder fruits.
Grapefruits are a relatively new addition to the citrus family and were introduced to the United States in 1823 by Count Odet Philippe. Back then only the bitter and acidic white grapefruit, sometimes called yellow grapefruit, variety was available. It was only in 1906 that the sweet Texas ruby red grapefruit was discovered as a mutation on a bitter white grapefruit variety. Since its discovery, people who used to grimace at the bitter flavor of its white counterpart are now buying the Texas grapefruit.
If you are asking which grapefruit is sweeter among the few grapefruit varieties, it is safe to say that the red grapefruit, or the ruby red grapefruit variety to be exact, offers a sweeter and less acidic flavor.
Calories
According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, one whole of medium-sized, raw pink or red grapefruit contains about 104 calories, while the white grapefruit variety contains around 78. Now keep in mind that this is only for medium-sized grapefruits, bigger grapefruits contain more calories while smaller ones contain less.
Because it contains fewer calories, and is high in water and other nutrients including dietary fiber, grapefruit is one power fruit that not only benefits the immune system but also aids in weight loss. Since it contains a lot of water and dietary fiber, it promotes satiety, making you feel full longer and helping you control your appetite.
Other health benefits you can have when you eat grapefruit include reduced risk of kidney stones, improved heart health, and better prevention of insulin resistance and diabetes.
Medication Interaction
If you are taking medications like Immunosuppressants, calcium channel blockers, Benzodiazepines, Carbamazepine and statins, check with your doctor before adding sweet grapefruits to your diet as it may lead to medication interactions.
Farm Fresh Gifts Since 1926
For nearly a century, Pittman & Davis has shared the bold, sun-kissed flavors of the Rio Grande Valley and beyond. From tree-ripened citrus to smoked meats, pastries, and handcrafted specialties, every gift reflects the land it comes from, the people who craft it, and the unforgettable taste it delivers.
Shop Now