Why Grapefruit is A Valuable Addition to your breakfast: A lesson in the glycemic index

You may have seen grapefruit as part of a balanced breakfast- but ever wonder why that is? Not only is it a healthy whole food, but it’s also a fruit with a low glycemic index.

The glycemic index (GI) is a scoring system that ranks carbohydrates on a scale from 1 to 100 based on how quickly they are digested and how rapidly they raise blood glucose levels.

Whether a food has a high or low glycemic index doesn’t necessarily determine whether it is healthy or unhealthy- there are nutritious options across the spectrum. It all depends on what you’re trying to achieve with your diet.

For example, a young football player may eat orange slices at halftime. Oranges have a much higher glycemic index than their citrus relative, the grapefruit. For an athlete, quickly replenishing energy stores is vital- they don’t need energy half an hour later; they need it right away.

On the other hand, if you’re someone having breakfast before heading to work, you might want foods that keep you fuller for longer. That way, you won’t crash at 10 a.m. and end up hangry toward your colleagues or clients.

This is where grapefruit shines. It’s a great component of a balanced breakfast, especially when paired with fibre and protein- such as skyr with some oats or muesli. This kind of meal helps support steady energy levels, better focus, and concentration without the highs and lows associated with fast-digesting sugars.

Disclaimer: Grapefruit can interfere with the metabolism of certain medications. Always read your medication leaflet and consult your pharmacist or healthcare provider to ensure grapefruit is safe for you.