The benefits of red grapefruit

Red grapefruit is a fruit that has garnered much attention over the past few years due to its ability to aid weight loss: some diets allow the consumption only of grapefruit juice and flesh, but you can still enjoy the benefits of grapefruit without going to such extremes. In red grapefruit, purifying and anti-oxidant properties combine with a deliciously sweet flavour and a warm colour that will improve your mood right away. A glass of grapefruit juice as soon as you wake up will fill you with energy and protect your immune system.

The properties of red grapefruit: the power of colour

Red grapefruit is a spontaneous hybrid of yellow grapefruits and oranges, which causes the characteristic colour of the fruit’s flesh. The red colour of the fruit depends on the greatest concentration of anthocyanins and carotenes, organic anti-oxidant pigments that protect cells from free radicals, which accelerate the degeneration of tissue. In particular, in red grapefruit, the benefits of the fruit depend on lycopenes, which reduce the risk of developing cancer. Furthermore, scientific studies have shown that the properties of red grapefruit exceed those of yellow grapefruit, as it is more effective in reducing levels of cholesterol and triglycerides (fatty acids) in the blood.

Can grapefruit help you lose weight, or is it simply good for you?

In red grapefruit, calories and sugar go hand-in-hand: a higher fructose content gives a less bitter taste and a more energising effect. Grapefruit can help you lose weight because it contains fibre, which promotes digestion, and phenylalanine, an amino acid (a constituent of proteins) that limits the absorption of food. In grapefruit juice, diuretic and draining properties assist with the purification of the liver, while vitamin C strengthens the immune system. Grapefruit offers visible benefits for the skin and hair, thanks to vitamin A, which helps keep eyes healthy too. A glass of grapefruit juice also contains potassium, which prevents muscular cramp; phosphorous and magnesium, which help the brain concentrate and remain active; and calcium and sodium.

The benefits of red grapefruit juice in a decadent glass

Although the benefits of red grapefruit are clear enough, eating fruit may not always satisfy the palate: red grapefruit can also be consumed in other forms, such as a glass of grapefruit juice, or used in an appetising recipe. With grapefruits, the benefits of the fruit even remain unaltered in ice cream, which enhances the taste and colour of the freshly harvested fruit. RivaReno uses red grapefruits from Jaffa, the ancient Israeli city renowned for the quality of its citrus fruits, to create fresh granitas and sorbets every day, adding only water and cane sugar.

RivaReno’s fruit-based gelatos do not contain milk or derivatives, and their creaminess is obtained using carob flour and marine algae. With RivaReno’s red grapefruit granitas and sorbets, you can keep your calorie consumption down while boosting your energy, thanks to a fruit content that is never less than 55%.