Grapefruit has moderate amounts of fiber. It has 1.1 g of fiber per 100g. In contrast, grapefruit juice has no fiber.
How much fiber do we need?
Following a high-fiber diet has many health benefits. It has been associated with a lower risk of developing heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and certain gastrointestinal diseases. Also, it may lower elevated blood pressure and serum cholesterol levels. In addition, high fiber intakes may improve insulin sensitivity and enhance immune function![1]
We should consume at least 28 g of fiber per 2,000 calories. People who consume more calories should consume more fiber as well.
It’s rather unlikely to exceed the maximum safe dose of fiber. Actually, 90% of Americans fail to meet the recommended daily fiber intake!
What’s the fiber content of grapefruit?
Grapefruit contain decent amounts of fiber. It contains 1.1 g of fiber per 100g. A typical serving of half of a grapefruit contains 1.35 g of fiber, or about 5% of the recommended daily intake.[2]
All grapefruit varieties have the same fiber content. Pink, white, California, and Florida grapefruits all have 1.1 g of fiber per 100g.
Grapefruit isn’t particularly high in fiber, as it’s mainly water. Actually, it’s approximately 92% water. Furthermore, it’s pretty low in calories. It has only 30 calories per 100g!
So, grapefruit is great for hydration.
Also, it supports weight loss. Especially, if you eat it before a high-calorie meal. Grapefruit has a filling effect, helping us consume fewer calories in a day!
According to studies, the regular consumption of grapefruit, as part of a well-balanced diet, promotes weight loss and helps maintain a healthy body weight.[3]
How much fiber is in grapefruit juice?
Grapefruit juice, as all fruit juices, contain negligible amounts of fiber. Therefore, better consume the whole fruit.
On the other hand, grapefruit juice is pretty low in sugars., as compared to other popular fruit juices. In fact, it has the lowest sugar content, second only to lemon juice!
If you enjoy drinking grapefruit juice, prefer those with no added sugar. You’ll find a wide variety of 100% grapefruit juices on Amazon.
Common foods high in fiber
Animal-based and refined plant-based foods contain no or negligible amounts of fiber.
Only vegetables, fruits, legumes, beans, whole-grains, seeds, and nuts are good dietary sources of fiber.
Beans have the highest fiber content, though. For instance, a serving of lentils provides more fiber than 50% of the recommended daily intake!
Should we eat grapefruit regularly?
Grapefruit has many health benefits. In fact, the regular consumption of grapefruit has been linked to high intakes of vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium.[4]
Also, grapefruit, as part of a healthy diet, may help reduce total cholesterol and, especially, the dangerous LDL-cholesterol. It may improve blood pressure as well.
