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Orange or grapefruit are often purchased by citrus lovers. Fruits are not only outwardly cute, but also have certain benefits for the body, help in the process of losing weight.
What is healthier than orange or grapefruit
Much is already known about the properties of fruits. All citrus fruits are sources of vitamins B, C and A. Valuable substances are found not only in the pulp of the fruit, but also in their peel.
To compare grapefruit and orange, you need to know their characteristics.
It is known that in 100 g of citrus there is so much vitamin C that it will be enough to replenish the daily requirement by 59%, potassium by 9%, magnesium by 3%. Contained in the pulp of grapefruit and antioxidants that help lower blood cholesterol.
It is also rich in fiber, which has a positive effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
The varieties with pink and red flesh are high in lycopene, known for its antioxidant effect
Grapefruit can help lower blood glucose levels. Their seeds are anti-microbial.
Orange is considered an antioxidant and rejuvenating fruit that helps to increase metabolism and prevent many diseases. To replenish the daily dose of vitamin C, it is enough to eat one fruit a day.
Where are more vitamins
There is an opinion that grapefruits contain more vitamins than oranges, therefore, to make a conclusion, you can study the content of nutrients in both fruits.
Item name | Orange | Grapefruit |
Iron | 0.3 mg | 0.5 mg |
Calcium | 34 mg | 23 mg |
Potassium | 197 mg | 184 mg |
Copper | 0.067 mg | 0 |
Zinc | 0.2 mg | 0 |
Vitamin C | 60 mg | 45 mg |
Vitamin E | 0.2 mg | 0.3 mg |
Vitamin B1 | 0.04 mg | 0.05 mg |
Vitamin B2 | 0.03 mg | 0.03 mg |
Vitamin B3 | 0.2 mg | 0.2 mg |
Vitamin B6 | 0.06 mg | 0.04 mg |
Vitamin B9 | 5 mcg | 3 μg |
Vitamin B5 | 0.3 mg | 0.03 mg |
The content of trace elements, vitamins and minerals in the orange is higher, respectively, the orange fruit is more useful.
What is more caloric
The amount of fat in both fruits is the same, but the protein in oranges is 900 mg, while in grapefruit there is 700 mg. More in orange citruses and carbohydrates: 8.1 g. In grapefruits, this figure is 6.5 g. The calorie content of an orange is 43 mg. This figure for grapefruit is lower, equal to 35 mg.
It is the low calorie content that made the tart fruit popular among losing weight women who keep a food diary.
What is better for weight loss orange or grapefruit
If we study the composition of each of the fruits, we can conclude that the difference in their calorie content is insignificant. But it should be borne in mind that the sugar level in grapefruit is lower, as well as the glycemic index. These indicators are very important for people who limit themselves to sweets. From a nutritional point of view, grapefruit is more beneficial for people who are losing weight.
It is also necessary to give preference to this fruit because of its special components. Unlike orange, grapefruit contains the phytoncid naringin, which has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system. It also improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, normalizing digestion processes.
Another characteristic feature of grapefruit is the presence of the substance inositol in it. This component has the property of preventing the deposition of fat and breaking it down.
To burn up to a third of the calories you enter, it is enough to eat a few slices of fruit during meals.
Difference between orange and grapefruit
Although orange and grapefruit can be confused in the photo, in reality these fruits differ significantly from each other. When choosing fruits, one should focus not only on appearance, but also take into account their taste.
Origin story
The homeland of the orange is considered to be the territory of China, where it appeared as a result of the crossing of pomelo and mandarin.
It was brought to Europe by the Portuguese in the 15th century. It was from there that the fruit was spread throughout the Mediterranean. It is known that at first citrus was not popular, but gradually people learned about its beneficial properties. Then the orange was available only to the wealthy segment of the population, and the poor were given peels.
In the 18th century, oranges came to Russia. The fruit gained great popularity under Alexander Menshikov.
In St. Petersburg, there is the Oranienbaum Palace, which is equipped with many greenhouses for citrus fruits
The origin of the grapefruit is not known for certain. Its homeland is considered to be Central or South America. There is a version according to which it is a mixture of pomelo and orange.
In Europe, citrus became known in the 18th century from the botanist priest G. Hughes. Gradually, the fruit spread to all countries where the subtropical climate prevails. In the 19th century, it could be seen in the United States, and later in South Africa and Brazil.
Currently, grapefruit is safely grown in China, Israel and Georgia.
Description of fruits
Orange is a spherical or slightly elongated fruit with a citrus aroma, consisting of several lobes with seeds inside. The flesh is covered with an orange peel on the outside.
There are varieties whose slices inside are painted in a yellow or red hue, which is why the taste of citrus changes.
Sometimes citruses are confused with each other. This is due to the fact that certain varieties of oranges, Tarocco and Sanguinello, have flesh colored red or beetroot. Unlike grapefruit, this color is due to the presence of volcanic chemicals in the fruit. Such unusual varieties are grown in Sicily. The substance lycopene gives grapefruit a red hue. It is it that reduces the risk of developing cancer in the human body.
It is simple to distinguish a grapefruit from an orange: the mass of each fruit is 450-500 g. Externally, citrus can be yellow or yellow-orange in color with a blush. Inside, the pulp is a lobule with seeds. The fruit has a pleasant citrus aroma.
The most popular varieties with red pulp, although there are representatives with yellow and pink lobules.
Taste qualities
Orange pulp is sweet, with a slight sourness, very juicy, aromatic. Most people experience a pleasant aftertaste. But there are also varieties, whose slices are with pronounced sourness. Such fruits are often grown for further processing.
The taste of grapefruit is ambiguous. Most people notice a pronounced bitterness when eating the pulp. On the palate, the slices are really sweet, tart and refreshing. And it is this bitterness that is an indicator of the presence of the beneficial substance naringin in the fruit.
Which is better to choose
Before purchasing a fruit, it is important to understand that both citrus fruits have advantages and disadvantages. Oranges should be consumed by people who seek to compensate for the deficiency of vitamins and minerals, as well as who do not like bitterness.
Grapefruit will appeal to those who appreciate unusual taste combinations, as well as seek to lose weight, strengthen the cardiovascular system. The ideal option would be to moderately introduce both citrus fruits to the menu.
Conclusion
Orange or grapefruit are frequent guests on the table of citrus lovers.Each of the species, although they belong to the same genus, differs in composition and taste. Reasonable consumption of fruits allows you to diversify the diet and provide the body with useful substances.
