Grapefruit has about 37 mg of vitamin C per 100g. It’s high in vitamin C. In fact, grapefruit has a similar vitamin C content as orange! Just a glass provides the recommended daily intake of vitamin C!
Is grapefruit rich in vitamin C?
Both white and pink grapefruits contain significant amounts of vitamin C. White grapefruit contains 33 mg of vitamin C per 100g.
Pink grapefruit has a similar vitamin C content. It contains 37 mg of vitamin C per 100g. Hence, pink grapefruit is 12% richer in vitamin C as compared to white grapefruit.[1]
In any case, half a grapefruit contains about 45 mg of vitamin C, which is 50% of the minimum recommended daily intake.
Grapefruit juice is pretty high in vitamin C
The juice of grapefruit is also an excellent dietary source of vitamin C. Grapefruit juice contains about 38 mg of vitamin C per 100 mL.
Actually, an 8 fl oz glass of grapefruit juice provides approximately 94 mg of vitamin C. Hence, just a glass of grapefruit juice provides more vitamin C than we actually need per day!
Most noteworthy, grapefruit juice is pretty low in sugars and calories as compared to other fruit juices. An 8 fl oz glass has fewer than 100 calories.
The best time to drink grapefruit juice is at breakfast. Boosting vitamin C intake in the morning protects the skin, hair, and eyes during the day from air pollution and sun irradiation!
Does grapefruit have more vitamin C than orange?
Actually, all citrus fruits are excellent dietary sources of vitamin C.
However, orange has a slightly higher vitamin C content than grapefruit. In fact, orange has about 45 mg of vitamin C per 100g. Hence, orange has about 20% more vitamin C than grapefruit.
Grapefruit is more than vitamin C
Most noteworthy, pink grapefruit is an excellent dietary source of lycopene. This is a carotenoid with potent antioxidant properties. Besides pink grapefruit, lycopene is naturally present in high amounts only in watermelon, tomatoes, papaya, and guava.
Also, grapefruit has decent amounts of fiber. Therefore, it regulates appetite with only a few calories. Grapefruit supports weight loss and controls postprandial glucose responses!
How much vitamin C do we need a day?
The recommended daily intake of vitamin C is 75 mg and 90 mg for women and men, respectively.[2]
Pregnant women require at least 85 mg, while lactating women require 120 mg of vitamin C a day. Children and teenagers require lower doses.
Smokers should get at least an extra dose of 35 mg of vitamin C a day, though. They have increased oxidative stress.
Other foods high in vitamin C
Certainly, consuming a wide variety of foods high in vitamin C is vital for our health.
Above all, the easiest way to significantly increase the daily vitamin C intake is by eating fruits high in vitamin C like oranges, strawberries, kiwis, lemons, papayas, and mangos!
Certain vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and peppers are excellent sources of vitamin C as well.
You can safely get high doses of vitamin C, both from foods or supplements. But, you shouldn’t get too much vitamin C. Taking high dosages for years from supplements may cause adverse effects.
Certainly, getting up to 1,000 mg of vitamin C from supplements a day is considered pretty safe.
If you want to boost vitamin C intake, you’ll find a wide variety of vitamin C supplements at unbeatable prices on iHerb.
Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any supplement or changing your diet.
