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Orange or grapefruit is often purchased by citrus lovers. Fruits are not only outwardly attractive, but also have certain benefits for the body, help in the process of losing weight.
What is healthier 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 contained not only in the pulp of the fruit, but also in their peel.
To compare grapefruit and orange, you need to know their features.
It is known that in 100 g of citrus vitamin C is enough to fill the daily requirement by 59%, and potassium by 9%, magnesium by 3%. Contained in the pulp of grapefruit and antioxidants that help reduce cholesterol in the blood.
It is also rich in fiber, which has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
Pink and red-fleshed varieties are high in lycopene, known for its antioxidant activity.
Grapefruit helps lower blood glucose levels. Their seeds have antimicrobial activity.
Orange is considered an antioxidant and anti-aging fruit, which 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 draw a conclusion, you can study the content of nutrients in both fruits.
Element name | Orange | grapefruit |
Hardware | 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 V1 | 0,04 mg | 0,05 mg |
Vitamin V2 | 0,03 mg | 0,03 mg |
Vitamin V3 | 0,2 mg | 0,2 mg |
Vitamin V6 | 0,06 mg | 0,04 mg |
Vitamin V9 | 5 μg | 3 μg |
Vitamin V5 | 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
Fats in both fruits are the same amount, but the protein in oranges is 900 mg, while in grapefruits 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 indicator in grapefruit is lower, equal to 35 mg.
It was the low calorie content that made the tart fruit popular among weight loss women keeping a food diary.
What is better for weight loss orange or grapefruit
If you study the composition of each of the fruits, we can conclude that the difference in their calorie content is insignificant. But keep in mind that the sugar level in grapefruit is lower, as is 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 phytoncide naringin, which has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system. It also improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, normalizing the processes of digestion.
Another characteristic feature of grapefruit is the presence of the substance inositol in it. This component has the property to prevent the deposition of fat and break it down.
To burn up to a third of the calories received, it is enough to eat a few slices of fruit during a meal.
Difference Between Orange and Grapefruit
Although the photo of an orange and a grapefruit can be confused, in reality, these fruits differ significantly from each other. When choosing fruits, one should focus not only on the appearance, but also take into account their taste.
History of origin
The homeland of the orange is considered to be the territory of China, where it appeared as a result of crossing a pomelo and a tangerine.
It was brought to Europe by the Portuguese in the 15th century. It was from there that the fruit was distributed 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 rich segment of the population, and the poor were given peels.
In the 18th century, oranges came to Our Country. 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 exact origin of the grapefruit is unknown. 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 priest-botanist G. Hughes. Gradually, the fruit spread to all countries where a 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 successfully 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 inside with seeds. The flesh is covered with an orange peel on the outside.
There are varieties whose slices inside are colored yellow or red, 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 orange, Tarocco and Sanguinello, have red or beet-colored flesh. Unlike grapefruit, this color is due to the presence of chemicals of volcanic origin in the fruits. Such unusual varieties are grown in Sicily. Grapefruit is red in color due to lycopene. It reduces the risk of developing cancer in the human body.
It is easy to distinguish a grapefruit from an orange: the weight of each fruit is 450-500 g. Outwardly, citrus can be yellow or yellow-orange with a blush. Inside, the pulp is lobules with seeds. The fruits have a pleasant citrus aroma.
The most popular varieties with red flesh, although there are representatives with yellow and pink slices.
Palatability
Orange pulp is sweet, slightly sour, very juicy, aromatic. Most people note 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 note a pronounced bitterness when eating pulp. The taste of the slices is really sweet, tart and refreshing. And it is this bitterness that is an indicator of the presence of the beneficial substance naringin in the fruits.
Which is better to choose
Before purchasing a fruit, it is important to understand that both citrus fruits have both advantages and disadvantages. Oranges should be consumed by people who seek to compensate for the deficiency of vitamins and minerals, as well as those who do not like bitterness.
Grapefruit will appeal to those who appreciate unusual flavor combinations, and also seek to lose weight, strengthen the cardiovascular system. The ideal option would be a moderate introduction to the menu of both types of citrus fruits.
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.
