The Orange Versus The Grapefruit

During the holiday season, when I was growing up, my parents always had an abundance of pecans and oranges at home. Though our treats consisted of butter cookies, brownies, and fruit cakes, they always had healthy snacks available for us. Last week, I contemplated ordering some oranges from the Hale Groves company but my client told me to get grapefruit instead; he claims they are better for me. I never heard that, so did some research on the differences between the two fruits. I invite you to take the following quiz and see how much you know about your Citrus fruits. Pass or fail, both fruits are healthy and frugal snacks for you and your family.

Nutrition Trivia

1. Which fruit has more vitamin C per serving? 
2. Do oranges have more calories per serving? 
3. Do oranges and grapefruits have any fiber content? Yes or No
4. Which fruit has more vitamin A per serving? 
5. Do these fruits interact with drugs? Yes or No

One serving of grapefruit = 1/2 fruit (3-3/4" dia) (123.0 g)
One serving of an orange = (2-5/8" dia) (131.0 g)

Answers

One serving of orange has 62 calories and a serving of a red ruby or pink grapefruit has only 52 calories, so both are low in calories. Both fruits are high in vitamin C but the orange offers the most between the two fruit, with the orange providing about 130% of the U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance. The grapefruit has about 100% of the daily value of vitamin C. Both fruits have fiber and depending upon the variety of oranges or grapefruits, the fiber content can range from 3.3 to 4.4 grams per serving. Grapefruits are a better source of vitamin A compared to oranges, with a grapefruit offering 35% the RDA and an orange providing only 2% the recommended daily allowance.

If you are on any medications, check with your doctor before consuming grapefruit. It has been demonstrated that compounds found in grapefruits or their by-products interact with a lot of common drugs, including thyroid medication. If you are not sure, you are better off consuming oranges or orange juice.

As you can see, both oranges and grapefruits are healthy choices for you and your family. They are cheap, nutritious, and would make great presents for friends and family this holiday season. Would you consider a holiday gift basket from Arizona Orange Company or The Fruit Company?

Do you want more nutrition trivia? I offer a printable nutrition quiz which you can purchase from my Etsy shop.