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Grapefruit vs. Orange — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison

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Article author photo Victoria Mazmanyan by Victoria Mazmanyan | Last updated on May 12, 2023
Medically reviewed by Elen Khachatrian Article author photo Elen Khachatrian
Grapefruit
vs
Orange

Summary

Oranges are richer in calories, protein, and carbohydrates, including fiber and sugar, whereas grapefruits contain more fats.

Oranges win in the vitamin category, being richer in vitamins C, E, B1, B2, B3, B6, and B9. Grapefruits, however, contain a much higher concentration of vitamin A. When it comes to minerals, oranges contain more iron, calcium, potassium, and copper, while grapefruits are higher in phosphorus.

Introduction

Oranges and grapefruits are similar in many ways. Both belong to the Rutaceae family and Citrus genus. Here we will discuss how to make an informed choice between the two, based mainly on their nutrition and health impact differences.

Both oranges and grapefruits are hybrids of other citrus fruits. Orange is a hybrid between pomelo and mandarin, whereas grapefruit is a hybrid between pomelo and sweet oranges. Naturally, oranges have been around for much longer, appearing first in Chinese literature in 314 BC. Grapefruits, on the other hand, were first described in the year 1750 and were named the “forbidden fruit” of Barbados (1) (2).

The name “grapefruit” allegedly comes from grapefruits growing in clusters on trees, like grapes. Another theory is that grapefruits have often been confused with pomelos; since pomelos are called Citrus maxima, which can be translated as “great fruit,” it has wrongly been worded as “grapefruit.”

Taste and Appearance 

Externally these fruits look quite alike. Grapefruits tend to be larger and weigh more than oranges. The pulp of the most common grapefruits, the ruby red grapefruits, is usually a darker color, more pink than orange.

Nutrition

Both oranges and grapefruit are rich in nutrients and have similar macronutrient compositions; however, oranges are slightly higher in protein, carbohydrates, including sugars and fiber, and calories, while grapefruits contain a little more fats.

Oranges, as well as grapefruits, contain some amounts of all the essential amino acids.

Glycemic Index

One thing these fruits vary in is the glycemic index. Both oranges and grapefruits fall under the classification of low glycemic index foods; however, the glycemic index of oranges can be double that of grapefruits.

A raw orange from Canada has an average glycemic index of 40, while the GI of raw grapefruits from Canada is 25.

Based on Potential Renal Acid Load (PRAL), oranges are a little more alkaline.

You can check the GI values of other foods by visiting our glycemic index chart page.

Vitamins

Oranges are richer in vitamins C, E, B1, B2, B3, B6, and B9.

 However, grapefruits do contain a much higher level of vitamin A.

Both fruits contain a similar amount of vitamin B5 and completely lack vitamin D, vitamin K, and vitamin B12.

Vitamin Comparison

Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
:
7
Orange
Contains more Vitamin A +411.1%
Contains more Vitamin E +38.5%
Contains more Vitamin C +70.5%
Contains more Vitamin B1 +102.3%
Contains more Vitamin B2 +29%
Contains more Vitamin B3 +38.2%
Contains more Vitamin B6 +13.2%
Contains more Folate +130.8%
Equal in Vitamin B5 - 0.25
Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin D Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin K 69% 3% 0% 105% 11% 8% 4% 16% 13% 10% 0% 0%
Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin D Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin K 14% 4% 0% 178% 22% 10% 6% 15% 14% 23% 0% 0%
Contains more Vitamin A +411.1%
Contains more Vitamin E +38.5%
Contains more Vitamin C +70.5%
Contains more Vitamin B1 +102.3%
Contains more Vitamin B2 +29%
Contains more Vitamin B3 +38.2%
Contains more Vitamin B6 +13.2%
Contains more Folate +130.8%
Equal in Vitamin B5 - 0.25

Minerals

Oranges are higher in most minerals. They contain higher concentrations of iron, calcium, and potassium

Grapefruits, on the other hand, are richer in phosphorus.

Oranges and grapefruits are approximately equal in their amounts of magnesium and zinc.

Both fruits do not contain sodium.

Mineral Comparison

Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
Contains more Phosphorus +28.6%
Contains more Calcium +81.8%
Contains more Iron +25%
Contains more Magnesium +11.1%
Contains more Potassium +34.1%
Contains more Copper +40.6%
Contains more Manganese +13.6%
Contains more Selenium +400%
Equal in Zinc - 0.07
Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper Manganese Selenium 7% 3% 7% 8% 12% 0% 2% 11% 3% 1%
Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper Manganese Selenium 12% 4% 8% 6% 16% 0% 2% 15% 4% 3%
Contains more Phosphorus +28.6%
Contains more Calcium +81.8%
Contains more Iron +25%
Contains more Magnesium +11.1%
Contains more Potassium +34.1%
Contains more Copper +40.6%
Contains more Manganese +13.6%
Contains more Selenium +400%
Equal in Zinc - 0.07

Cholesterol

Both fruits naturally do not contain cholesterol.

Weight Loss and Diet

Grapefruit is the right choice between these two fruits if you are on a low-carb or a low-calorie diet. But oranges win in a low-fat diet. 

Half of a fresh grapefruit eaten before meals was associated with significant weight loss. In metabolic syndrome patients, the effect was also seen with grapefruit products (10). 
Grapefruit and oranges have fewer calories than your body needs to burn them. That implies you burn more calories than you consume, which aids in weight loss (3).  

Health Impact: Similarities

In this section, we'll discuss the health benefits and risks of grapefruit and oranges. Both fruits are excellent sources of Vitamin C and help boost the immune system and overall health.

Cardiovascular Health

Section reviewed by cardiologist Astghik Grigoryan Article author photo Astghik Grigoryan

Several epidemiological studies demonstrate a relationship between the intake of flavonoid-rich foods and the reduction of cardiovascular risk factors and mortality. In particular, flavonoids present in citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruit, stand out for their high nutraceutical values. Flavonoids can lower the risk of heart diseases, such as myocardial infarction, dyslipidemia, and coronary artery pathology. The potential explanation may be associated with intracellular pathways involved in direct cardiovascular and cardiometabolic effects mediated by compounds such as naringenin, hesperetin, and eriodictyol or their glycosylated derivatives. However, the mechanisms of action overall remain unclear (4).

Chronic orange juice intake has been shown in one study to improve blood pressure and HDLC (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) in obese and overweight persons (5).

Platelet aggregation plays a significant role in atherosclerotic disease development, increasing the risk of cardiovascular-related mortality and morbidity cases.

Another compound that both fruits are naturally rich in is vitamin C. A significant association has been found between high vitamin C intake and protection against cardiovascular mortality and an inverse relationship with markers of inflammation (6).

A diet supplemented with fresh red grapefruit positively influences serum lipid levels of all fractions, especially triglycerides, along with supporting plasma antioxidant activity. The addition of fresh red grapefruit to generally accepted diets could be beneficial for hyperlipidemic, especially hypertriglyceridemic patients with coronary atherosclerosis. Additionally, fresh red grapefruit contains higher levels of bioactive compounds and has significantly higher antioxidant potential than blond grapefruit (7).

Orange juice intake with a high fat and high carbohydrate meal prevented meal-induced oxidative and inflammatory stress, including the increase in endotoxin and toll-like receptor (TLR) expression. This information may help explain the mechanisms underlying postprandial oxidative stress and inflammation, the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and atherosclerosis, and what role orange juice can play in it (8).

The consumption of citrus fruits may also protect against cerebrovascular diseases, such as ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage (9).

Diabetes

Including fruit, especially high in fiber and water, and with low glycemic index in diets can play a significant role in people with metabolic syndrome trying to manage weight gain.

One study demonstrated a significantly greater weight loss in the group consuming grapefruit, grapefruit capsules, and grapefruit juice compared with placebo groups. There was also a significant reduction in 2-hour post-glucose insulin level in the grapefruit group compared with placebo. Insulin resistance was improved with fresh grapefruit. Although the mechanism of this weight loss is unknown, it would appear reasonable to include grapefruit in a weight loss diet (10).

One study suggests that grapefruit juice and orange juice play a good role in controlling the glucose levels of experimental animals and can be applied clinically to patients with diabetes and lower cholesterol levels. Diabetic animals treated with orange and grapefruit had a reduced blood glucose concentration compared to the diabetic control animals. The main compound found in citrus fruits responsible for this effect is naringenin and vitamin C, which has been reported to produce glucose and cholesterol-lowering effects due to their strong antioxidant properties. All antioxidants may produce a synergistic effect that may strengthen the B-cells of the pancreas to release more insulin (11).

Both naringenin and vitamin C have been studied for their antidiabetic, antihyperglycemic, and antioxidant effects in streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus in rats (12). Naringin and naringenin supplementation has proven to be efficacious for treating metabolic syndrome and obesity in animal models. In metabolic syndrome, obesity, and related cardiovascular complications, naringin influences various regulators and factor-mediated fat utilization and preserves mitochondrial function. Moreover, naringin also prevents the TNF-α–mediated inflammatory process and tissue damage in the liver and vasculature (13).

Cancer

There are many studies about the associations between citrus consumption and cancer. Most studies conclude that the consumption of citrus fruits protects against cancers of the digestive and upper respiratory tract, demonstrating a significant effect even with moderate citrus consumption. Compounds responsible for these effects are said to be vitamin C and flavonoids. Both are potent antioxidants, protect against oxidative damage, inhibit the formation of carcinogens, and protect DNA from damage. Additionally, flavonoids have antiproliferative and antiangiogenic qualities. The pectin protein found in citrus fruits also expresses anticancer qualities due to its ability to block the carbohydrate binding of galectin-3, which is necessary for the growth and metastasis of tumor cells and its immunomodulatory potential (14).

An Australian study found that overall, there were 48 studies showing a statistically significant protective effect against cancer from citrus foods, with an additional 21 studies showing a non-significant trend to protection. Forty-one studies showed no effect, and four showed that consumption of citrus fruits significantly increased cancer risk, with another three showing a similar but non-significant trend. The greatest protection for increased citrus consumption appears to be for esophageal, oropharyngeal/laryngeal (mouth, larynx, and pharynx), and stomach cancer. For these cancers, those studies showing a protective effect of citrus fruits showed risk reductions of 40-50% (15).

Allergy

In most cases, if a person is allergic to one citrus fruit, they are advised to avoid all citrus fruits. The allergens found in citrus fruits are not specific to one fruit but to all of them. These include lipid transfer proteins, profilin, and pectin, as well as limonene, which causes contact dermatitis.

The symptoms of a citrus allergy manifest themselves similarly to other food allergies. This can range anywhere from nausea, stomach pains, diarrhea, and oral allergy syndrome, including swelling, itching, burning, or redness of the mouth area, to anaphylaxis in rare cases. Citrus fruit can also cause contact dermatitis in people who are allergic to the compound called limonene (16).

Citrus allergies also have cross-reactivity with other common allergens, such as pollen, apples, or peaches (17, 18).

Sensitivity to citric acid is not considered a part of citrus allergy, as the acid does not cause an immune reaction in the organism (19). However, people with citric acid sensitivity can experience adverse effects after consuming citrus fruits.

Grapefruit Juice and Medication

As healthy as grapefruit juice is, it can become a health hazard when combined with certain medications. Grapefruit juice, and sometimes grapefruits, can negatively interact with medications used for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and depression, such as some calcium channel blockers, statins, immunosuppressants, benzodiazepines, beta-blockers, and other drugs.

A compound called furanocoumarin, which can also be found in Seville (sour) oranges, is presumed to be responsible for these effects. The mechanism causing this effect is the grapefruit juice’s ability to inhibit cytochrome P-450 3A4 isoenzyme and P-glycoprotein transporters in the intestine and liver. The inhibition of cytochrome P-450 3A4 slows down the gut’s metabolism, consequently increasing the bioavailability of orally administered drugs by reducing the first-pass effect. P-glycoprotein inhibition also leads to increased levels of the drug in the serum due to the efflux action of P-glycoprotein (20). Therefore, grapefruit juice boosts the effects of certain medications by increasing bioavailability, which can pose a serious risk to patients taking the drugs. For these patients, it is advised to switch from grapefruit juice to orange juice.

A commonly used drug that grapefruit juice has a boosting effect on is Sildenafil, also known as Viagra. Men who take Viagra have to be cautious of their grapefruit juice consumption as it can lead to symptoms such as headaches, flushing, and low blood pressure (21).

Article author photo Victoria Mazmanyan
Education: General Medicine at YSMU
Last updated: May 12, 2023
Medically reviewed by Elen Khachatrian

Infographic

Grapefruit vs Orange infographic
Infographic link

Macronutrient Comparison

Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison
Contains more Fats +16.7%
Contains more Protein +22.1%
Contains more Carbs +10.2%
Contains more Other +18.9%
Equal in Water - 86.75
11% 88%
Protein: 0.77 g
Fats: 0.14 g
Carbs: 10.66 g
Water: 88.06 g
Other: 0.37 g
12% 87%
Protein: 0.94 g
Fats: 0.12 g
Carbs: 11.75 g
Water: 86.75 g
Other: 0.44 g
Contains more Fats +16.7%
Contains more Protein +22.1%
Contains more Carbs +10.2%
Contains more Other +18.9%
Equal in Water - 86.75

Fat Type Comparison

Fat type breakdown side-by-side comparison
Contains more Polyunsaturated fat +44%
Contains less Saturated Fat -28.6%
Contains more Monounsaturated Fat +15%
27% 26% 47%
Saturated Fat: 0.021 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 0.036 g
24% 37% 40%
Saturated Fat: 0.015 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.023 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 0.025 g
Contains more Polyunsaturated fat +44%
Contains less Saturated Fat -28.6%
Contains more Monounsaturated Fat +15%

Comparison summary table

Pay attention to the rightmost column. It displays the amounts side by side, giving a clearer understanding of the difference.
Grapefruit Orange
Rich in minerals ok
Lower in Saturated Fat ok
Rich in vitamins ok
Lower in Sugar ok
Lower in Glycemic Index ok
Lower in price ok
Lower in Sodium Equal
Lower in Cholesterol Equal

All nutrients comparison - raw data values

Nutrient Grapefruit Orange Opinion
Net carbs 9.06g 9.35g Orange
Protein 0.77g 0.94g Orange
Fats 0.14g 0.12g Grapefruit
Carbs 10.66g 11.75g Orange
Calories 42kcal 47kcal Orange
Fructose 1.77g Grapefruit
Sugar 6.89g 9.35g Grapefruit
Fiber 1.6g 2.4g Orange
Calcium 22mg 40mg Orange
Iron 0.08mg 0.1mg Orange
Magnesium 9mg 10mg Orange
Phosphorus 18mg 14mg Grapefruit
Potassium 135mg 181mg Orange
Zinc 0.07mg 0.07mg
Copper 0.032mg 0.045mg Orange
Manganese 0.022mg 0.025mg Orange
Selenium 0.1µg 0.5µg Orange
Vitamin A 1150IU 225IU Grapefruit
Vitamin A RAE 58µg 11µg Grapefruit
Vitamin E 0.13mg 0.18mg Orange
Vitamin C 31.2mg 53.2mg Orange
Vitamin B1 0.043mg 0.087mg Orange
Vitamin B2 0.031mg 0.04mg Orange
Vitamin B3 0.204mg 0.282mg Orange
Vitamin B5 0.262mg 0.25mg Grapefruit
Vitamin B6 0.053mg 0.06mg Orange
Folate 13µg 30µg Orange
Tryptophan 0.008mg 0.009mg Orange
Threonine 0.013mg 0.015mg Orange
Isoleucine 0.008mg 0.025mg Orange
Leucine 0.015mg 0.023mg Orange
Lysine 0.019mg 0.047mg Orange
Methionine 0.007mg 0.02mg Orange
Phenylalanine 0.013mg 0.031mg Orange
Valine 0.015mg 0.04mg Orange
Histidine 0.008mg 0.018mg Orange
Saturated Fat 0.021g 0.015g Orange
Monounsaturated Fat 0.02g 0.023g Orange
Polyunsaturated fat 0.036g 0.025g Grapefruit

Which food is preferable for your diet?

ok
ok
is better in case of low diet
Grapefruit Orange
Low Fats diet ok
Low Carbs diet ok
Low Calories diet ok
Low Glycemic Index diet ok

People also compare

Vitamins & Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score

The summary scores indicate the extent to which this food can fulfill your daily vitamin and mineral requirements if you consume 3 servings, consisting of 100 grams of each (an approximation of 3 serving sizes).
Vitamins Daily Need Coverage Score
20%
Grapefruit
24%
Orange
Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score
5%
Grapefruit
7%
Orange

Comparison summary

Which food is richer in minerals?
Orange
Orange is relatively richer in minerals
Which food is lower in Saturated Fat?
Orange
Orange is lower in Saturated Fat (difference - 0.006g)
Which food is richer in vitamins?
Orange
Orange is relatively richer in vitamins
Which food is lower in Sugar?
Grapefruit
Grapefruit is lower in Sugar (difference - 2.46g)
Which food is lower in glycemic index?
Grapefruit
Grapefruit is lower in glycemic index (difference - 20)
Which food is cheaper?
Grapefruit
Grapefruit is cheaper (difference - $0.1)
Which food contains less Sodium?
?
The foods are relatively equal in Sodium (0 mg)
Which food contains less Cholesterol?
?
The foods are relatively equal in Cholesterol (0 mg)

References

All the values for which the sources are not specified explicitly are taken from FDA’s Food Central. The exact link to the food presented on this page can be found below.

  1. Grapefruit - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/174673/nutrients
  2. Orange - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169097/nutrients

All the Daily Values are presented for males aged 31-50, for 2000-calorie diets.

Data provided by FoodStruct.com should be considered and used as information only. Please consult your physician before beginning any diet.