Grapefruit
What is Grapefruit?
Grapefruit is a large citrus fruit similar to oranges, but with a slightly more bitter taste. Grapefruit helps you stay hydrated as it contains 92% of water content, which is important for healthy bowel movements. [1] Eating a full medium size grapefruit helps meet 100% of your vitamin C daily requirements and can help with iron absorption. It also has higher vitamin A content compared to other citrus fruits.
Grapefruit has many health benefits including immune support, heart health, helps lower cholesterol, helps control blood-sugar levels, and it has antioxidant properties that help prevent cancer [1]. Fun fact: cooking grapefruit can help reduce the bitter taste and make it a sweet and enjoyable snack!
Is Grapefruit Beneficial for Autism?
Yes! Grapefruit is a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C and fiber and is very high in water content, making it a great food for kids on the autism spectrum. Vitamin C is important for immune function, neurotransmitter and collagen production, as well as antioxidant levels. Children with autism typically consume less vitamin C than typically developing children [2]. Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) has been documented clinically in children with autism with severely selective diets [3, 4]. Research shows that vitamin C can be beneficial for sensorimotor behaviors and can reduce autism severity behavior [2]. Children with autism also consume less vitamin A [5] and have more vitamin A deficiencies than typically developing children. Additionally, supplementation of vitamin A is shown to improve autistic symptoms and metabolic processes [6, 7]
BOTTOM LINE:
Grapefruit is packed with vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants - making it a great food for kids on the autism spectrum!
Nutrient Breakdown [8]
In 1/2 grapefruit:
37 calories
<1 g protein
<1 g fat
9 g carbohydrates
1 g fiber
18 mg calcium
<1 mg iron
10 mg magnesium
46 mg vitamin C
16 µg vitamin A
Ways to Enjoy Grapefruit
Grapefruit can be used in various ways to add color and flavor to meals. Try these tips for a delicious part of your child’s diet:
Water infusions
Smoothies (can be blended with other fruits and vegetables)
Broiled grapefruit (sprinkle brown sugar and broil. Can be paired with yogurt)
Grapefruit lemonade
Citrus fruit salad
Grapefruit parfait (layer it up with yogurt and grapefruit chunks)
Salmon grapefruit (drizzle fresh squeezed grapefruit juice to salmon once cooked.)
Grapefruit salad (mix italian-style dressing, arugula, parmesan, avocados, and walnuts)
Grapefruit Alternatives
If your child doesn’t like grapefruit yet or they are sensitive to them, here are some alternatives that are similar in nutritional value!
Authors
Brittyn Coleman, MS, RDN/LD, CLT
Pearla Talavera B.S
