Grapefruit Health for a Lifetime Gail Rampersaud, MS, RD, LD/N Food Science and Human Nutrition Department IFAS, University of Florida

Fruitsandvegetables Lower the risk for vascular disease and certain cancers

What component(s) of fruits and vegetables contributes to this protective effect?

Key Candidates  Antioxidants  vitamin C, lycopene  Potassium  Fiber  Folate (folic acid)  Phytochemicals Citrus fruits and juices are leading sources of these food components!

Grapefruit ½ medium pink grapefruit  60 calories   100% DV vitamin C  Source of potassium  2-3 grams fiber  Vitamin A, folate, thiamin, niacin, magnesium, calcium  Various phytochemicals  Lycopene (pink grapefruit)

Vitamin C  Antioxidant  Collagen formation  Hormone synthesis  Iron absorption

Vitamin C and Disease  Vascular disease  Intervention trials ongoing  Cancer  Intervention trials: no significant effect free radicals that can damage cells

Lycopene  Vascular disease  Antioxidant  May reduce cholesterol formation  Cancer  Lung, stomach, prostate free radicals that can damage cells

Potassium  Electrolyte  Blood pH  Muscle contraction  Nerve action  Blood pressure

Potassium Supplements Too much potassium from supplements may be harmful X GET FROM FOODS!

Potassium and Vascular Disease blood pressure POTASSIUM BLOOD PRESSURE RISK of STROKE ? Have observational studies Need randomized trials

Fiber  Plant foods  Digestion  Elimination  Blood glucose

Fiber and Disease  Vascular disease  Large studies support a relationship  Need intervention trials  Colorectal cancer  Initial data supported  Current data – no protective effect Soluble fiber can lower LDL cholesterol

Fiber and Grapefruit ½ medium grapefruit 2-3 grams fiber Daily fiber recommendation: grams

Phytochemicals  Components of plants  Pigments, flavonoids, polyphenolic compounds  Antioxidants  Anticarcinogenic  Favorable effects on plasma lipids

World Cancer Research Fund  Citrus fruits  Stomach cancer  Convincing evidence  Fruits and vegetables  Decrease risk of many cancers

Harvard Stroke Study  Nurses’ Health Study  Health Professionals’ Follow-up  115,000 men and women  Ischemic stroke  Increment 1 serving/day  Citrus fruits and juices  19-25% reduced risk of stroke

USDA Food Survey  CSFII survey  Vitamin C intake  Foods consumed  Desirable vitamin C intake  > 5 fruits/vegetables per day  At least one was citrus

Conclusions  Diet rich in fruits/vegetables reduces disease risk  Citrus identified as important  Grapefruit provides key nutrients  No single nutrient identified  Healthy and varied diet!

Children Need nutrients for growth USDA Food Guide Pyramid Children 2-6 yrs old Fruit 2 servings/day

Children and Beverages Increased soda consumption “Juice confusion”

Adolescents High soda consumption Need nutrients for growth Dieting a problem especially with girls Calcium needs

Adults Chronic disease risk reduction DASH diet Heart-healthy diet Maintenance of healthy weight

Elderly Heart disease Stroke Osteoporosis Nutrient-dense Hydration Fiber

What Should Consumers Know? Grapefruit… Nutrient dense Provides key nutrients for all ages Nutrients may reduce risk for chronic disease Natural, whole food Fat- and cholesterol-free No sodium Tastes great

QUESTIONS?