1. Grapefruit Health for a Lifetime Gail Rampersaud, MS, RD, LD/N Food Science and Human Nutrition Department IFAS, University of Florida

2. Fruitsandvegetables Lower the risk for vascular disease and certain cancers

3. What component(s) of fruits and vegetables contributes to this protective effect?

4. Key Candidates  Antioxidants  vitamin C, lycopene  Potassium  Fiber  Folate (folic acid)  Phytochemicals Citrus fruits and juices are leading sources of these food components!

5. Grapefruit ½ medium pink grapefruit  60 calories   100% DV vitamin C  Source of potassium  2-3 grams fiber  Vitamin A, folate, thiamin, niacin, magnesium, calcium  Various phytochemicals  Lycopene (pink grapefruit)

6. Vitamin C  Antioxidant  Collagen formation  Hormone synthesis  Iron absorption

7. Vitamin C and Disease  Vascular disease  Intervention trials ongoing  Cancer  Intervention trials: no significant effect free radicals that can damage cells

8. Lycopene  Vascular disease  Antioxidant  May reduce cholesterol formation  Cancer  Lung, stomach, prostate free radicals that can damage cells

9. Potassium  Electrolyte  Blood pH  Muscle contraction  Nerve action  Blood pressure

10. Potassium Supplements Too much potassium from supplements may be harmful X GET FROM FOODS!

11. Potassium and Vascular Disease blood pressure POTASSIUM BLOOD PRESSURE RISK of STROKE ? Have observational studies Need randomized trials

12. Fiber  Plant foods  Digestion  Elimination  Blood glucose

13. Fiber and Disease  Vascular disease  Large studies support a relationship  Need intervention trials  Colorectal cancer  Initial data supported  Current data – no protective effect Soluble fiber can lower LDL cholesterol

14. Fiber and Grapefruit ½ medium grapefruit 2-3 grams fiber Daily fiber recommendation: 25-35 grams

15. Phytochemicals  Components of plants  Pigments, flavonoids, polyphenolic compounds  Antioxidants  Anticarcinogenic  Favorable effects on plasma lipids

16. World Cancer Research Fund  Citrus fruits  Stomach cancer  Convincing evidence  Fruits and vegetables  Decrease risk of many cancers

17. Harvard Stroke Study  Nurses’ Health Study  Health Professionals’ Follow-up  115,000 men and women  Ischemic stroke  Increment 1 serving/day  Citrus fruits and juices  19-25% reduced risk of stroke

18. USDA Food Survey  CSFII survey  Vitamin C intake  Foods consumed  Desirable vitamin C intake  > 5 fruits/vegetables per day  At least one was citrus

19. Conclusions  Diet rich in fruits/vegetables reduces disease risk  Citrus identified as important  Grapefruit provides key nutrients  No single nutrient identified  Healthy and varied diet!

20. Children Need nutrients for growth USDA Food Guide Pyramid Children 2-6 yrs old Fruit 2 servings/day

21. Children and Beverages Increased soda consumption “Juice confusion”

22. Adolescents High soda consumption Need nutrients for growth Dieting a problem especially with girls Calcium needs

23. Adults Chronic disease risk reduction DASH diet Heart-healthy diet Maintenance of healthy weight

24. Elderly Heart disease Stroke Osteoporosis Nutrient-dense Hydration Fiber

25. What Should Consumers Know? Grapefruit… Nutrient dense Provides key nutrients for all ages Nutrients may reduce risk for chronic disease Natural, whole food Fat- and cholesterol-free No sodium Tastes great

26. QUESTIONS?