Red Grapefruit Benefits

Although red grapefruits may taste bitter, the health rewards of the fruit are sweet. Research published in journals such as the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry documents the nutritional benefits the red grapefruit offers. From warding off the common cold to helping to prevent cancer, this small fruit delivers big.

Good Source of Vitamin C

• Red grapefruit is an excellent source of vitamin C. One half of a medium grapefruit provides 40 milligrams of vitamin C per serving. Vitamin C provides vital support to the immune system, and consuming foods rich in vitamin C has proved helpful in reducing symptoms associated with the common cold.

Lowers Cholesterol

• Red grapefruit is a good source of pectin, a soluble form of fiber that reduces cholesterol. Researchers have found red grapefruit lowers LDL, or bad cholesterol, as well as triglycerides. The study "Changes in Plasma Lipid and Antioxidant Activity in Rats as a Result of Naringin and Red Grapefruit Supplementation," published in 2005, found that participants who consumed grapefruit showed a 15% decrease in their cholesterol in a period of 30 days. The study was published in the Journal of Agricultural Food and Chemistry.

Protects Against Certain Cancers

• Research presented at the national meeting of the American Chemical Society in 2004 stated that grapefruit provides protection against both colon and lung cancer. In laboratory tests, the fruit proved successful at reducing enzymes that trigger chemicals that cause the cancers.