SPICED ‘N BROILED GRAPEFRUIT WITH HONEY, YOGURT, AND GRANOLA

Did you know that there’s a whole other way to eat grapefruit that you probably haven’t explored yet? I’m talking broiled grapefruit.  

Grapefruits are not too sweet, slightly bitter, and the perfect vessel for broiling, topping with delicious add-ons, then devouring. When sprinkled with sugar and spices, grapefruits will turn a caramelized amber in the oven, coming out even more sweetly fragrant and juicy than before.

For those looking to reduce their sugar intake, be weary of how indulgent you get with your toppings. Grapefruits are a great low sugar fruit option when they’re served solo, as they’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and fibre. But you can’t beat how delicious they become when topped with yogurt, honey, and granola.

My recommendation would be to start prepping your grapefruits for the oven right now, then spend the next 7 minutes (while they broil) reading about all of the health benefits these citrus fruits possess. Recipe below!

What are the health benefits of grapefruits?

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is notoriously known for helping strengthen your immune system, especially when fighting a cold. It is lesser known however, for being able to reduce inflammatory conditions such as asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Lycopene (only found in Pink and Red Grapefruits)

The pink and red colours in grapefruits exist due to lycopene, which is a carotenoid phytonutrient. It only occurs in pink and red grapefruits, so you won’t find it in a white grapefruit. Lycopene is said to have demonstrated anti-tumor activity, and is actually the carotenoid with the highest capacity for fighting oxygen free radicals.  

Gum Disease

Gum disease, which is the leading cause of teeth loss in adults, may be able to be reversed through regular grapefruit consumption. A two week study of 58 people in Germany, all with chronic gum disease, showed that eating grapefruit had a positive effect on both smokers and non-smokers. Though there is more research that needs to be done in this area, so don’t go throwing away your floss just yet.

Kidney Stone Prevention

Kidney stones are typically caused by a buildup of calcium, and have to pass through either the urethra, or broken up medically. Studies have shown that drinking up to a litre of grapefruit juice can significantly reduce one’s risk of forming calcium oxalate stones.

Liver Cleanser

Drinking grapefruit juice helps to cleanse your liver of unhealthy toxins. Your liver works incredibly hard to break down every single thing that we put into our bodies. Certain illnesses can be the product of an overworked liver, so consuming foods and beverages that work to give it a good cleansing can help eliminate dangerous toxins from your system.

Reduces Bad Cholesterol

A study in Israel revealed  that regular grapefruit consumption was able to lower bad cholesterol levels in subjects by about 15%. Additionally, triglycerides, which is another form of bad cholesterol, were able to be lowered by 17%.

And if you even needed one more reason as to why you should make broiled grapefruits your new favourite dessert, it’s that they taste absolutely delicious. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll be absolutely hooked.

Spiced ’n Broiled Grapefruit with Honey, Yogurt and Granola

Ingredients:

Broiled Grapefruits

• 3 grapefruits
• 3 tablespoons raw sugar or brown sugar
• sprinkle ground ginger
• sprinkle ground cinnamon
• pinch sea salt

For Serving

• Greek yogurt
• honey, for drizzling
• granola

Directions:

1. Set your oven to broil.
2. Slice each grapefruit in half, facing up, onto a baking sheet.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, ginger, cinnamon, and a dash of salt.
4. Sprinkle some of the sugar and spice mixture onto each grapefruit halve.
5. Broil for 7-10 minutes or until sugar is melted and is a deep amber.
6. Let grapefruits cool. Serve warm with a dollop of yogurt, a drizzle of honey, and handful of granola.

What’s your favourite way to enjoy grapefruit? Or, better yet, have you had much success in broiling any other fruits? Let us know in the comments!