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Grapefruit crowds the produce aisle as the crisp air turns cold, and every year we look forward to its distinctive citrus flavor. Its standout combination of bitter, tart and sweet is just one of the many things we love about grapefruit. Its long list of health benefits is another.
Citrusy grapefruit is low in calories and high in beneficial vitamins and nutrients: It’s a rich source of vitamin C and contains some potassium, magnesium and dietary fiber, according to the USDA. Just one half of a grapefruit provides pectin fiber (for digestive regularity) and half your daily dose of vitamin C.
Because grapefruit pairs well with yogurt, you can get a double dose of gut-friendly benefits in one tasty pairing. But why stop there when you can create an amazing dessert-worthy option? Try these simple yet decadent grapefruit desserts next time you’re craving something sweet.
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1. Granola and Red Grapefruit Brûlée
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Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com
Just reading about this grapefruit brûlée is making our mouths water. Using grapefruit as the base of this brûlée rather than heavy cream, this recipe provides 3 grams of fiber and a healthy dose of vitamin C.
Caramelized coconut sugar encrusts this red beauty, providing just the right amount of sweetness. Topping it with granola and a dollop of Greek yogurt adds more digestive-friendly fiber and probiotics to this immune-boosting treat.
2. Grapefruit Smoothie Bowl
Image Credit: Alexis Joseph, RD, founder of HummusapienImage Credit: Alexis Joseph, RD, founder of Hummusapien
A sweet, refreshing treat, this creamy smoothie is one you can count on for good health. Packed with fresh fruit including cherries, bananas and, of course, grapefruit, this bowl boasts plenty of antioxidant nutrients and dietary fiber.
Plus, with cauliflower in the mix, the recipe offers even more gut-healthy potential. Diets rich in Brassica veggies such as cauliflower may alter gut bacteria in favor of probiotic potential, according to a September 2017 study published in ​Molecular Nutrition and Food Research​​.​
3. Broiled Grapefruit
Image Credit: Chrissy Carroll, RD at Snacking in Sneakers
This caramelized treat packs in plenty of vitamin C and dietary fiber thanks to the humble, juicy grapefruit. The recipe calls for less than 2 teaspoons of sugar per grapefruit half, meaning the dessert is fairly low in added sugars. You can enjoy this in its simplicity or top it off with a dollop of Greek yogurt for some added gut-healthy probiotic benefit.
4. Ruby Red Grapefruit Kefir Sherbet
Image Credit: EA Stewart, MBA, RD at The Spicy RD
When you’re in the mood for something tart and icy, consider this Ruby Red Kefir Sherbet. Adding kefir to the mix provides gut-healthy benefits of fermentation (think: probiotics) along with the antioxidant-rich citrus. Best of all, this recipe offers 7 grams of gut-healthy fiber per serving.
5. Citrus Mojito Pops
Get a delightful blend of orange, grapefruit, lemon and lime in this refreshing mojito pop.
Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com
This mojito-inspired popsicle includes a citrusy medley of grapefruit, orange, lemon and lime. That means you’ll get a good supply of vitamin C, dietary fiber and even some pectin-derived benefits. Stevia and mint add to the sweetness and overall flavor of this delightfully refreshing pop.
Author: Lauren O’Connor, MS, RDN, RYT
Source: Live Strong: 5 Gut-Healthy Grapefruit Desserts That Crush Cravings
