The Orange Versus The Grapefruit

nutrition-trivia

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.


Comments

  1. I've always wondered if getting too much vitamin C is possible. I have no idea what the answer is.

    Nice comparison!

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  2. Thanks for this comparison post! My husband and I planted a navel and blood orange trees about 2 years ago that's finally starting to produce. I will post some pictures soon...now I have a serving guide to refer to. I love grapefruits ,but blood oranges are my favorite!

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  3. Gumbo I would like to see pictures of your orange grove.

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  4. I grew up in Caribbean and my grandfather had (still has) 2 farms. Grapefruit and oranges were always in abundance, so much so that we would sell the surplus. I didn't eat sweets or store bough snacks often. My snacks were usually fresh picked fruit of some kind. No wonder was always in shape and healthy when I lived there....now not so much. I'm slowly trying to get my diet back to natural foods as much as I can. I love grapefruit juice and I prefer to make it myself so I buy the fruit whenever I can find it in stores!

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  5. Val my husband grew up in Cameroon and says the same thing, fruit was their dessert. Oranges, papaya, mangos, bananas, sugarcane, and pineapples were in his diet.

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  6. thanks for the info! I love both

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  7. So glad I stumbled upon this blog!

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  8. I love citrus fruit! Thank you for the chance!

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  9. Well, I didn't do very well. One correct! I love blood oranges especially and I eat so many when they are in season.

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  10. I love all Citrus fruits! They are so delicious! I also love fresh juice! Thank you for the post the information was helpful and informational! I enjoyed it.

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