Grapefruit season is upon us (late winter to early spring) and it is time to slice into this juicy fruit and start noticing the benefits. They are not only great tasting and juicy, but are extremely good for your health. Here are four reasons why you should spice up your winter and start eating this nutritious fruit.

1. Fiber. All fruit has fiber, but grapefruits have more than most IF you are prepared to eat the white lining between the fruit segments. By eating the white lining, you will be nourishing your body with 6 grams of very important fiber-your digestive system will thank you for it. Half of a grapefruit’s fiber is soluble, and half is insoluble. The insoluble fiber may prevent colonic cancers and the soluble fiber is said to lower bad cholesterol levels.

2. Heart Health. Grapefruits contain a very small amount of calories, fats, and cholesterol making them prime choices if you want to keep your heart healthy. Eating grapefruits along with a healthy and balanced diet of mainly raw fruits and vegetables will ensure you look and feel great.

3. Fat burning enzymes. Along with limiting calories, grapefruits contain certain enzymes that are said to speed up metabolism and increase fat burning in the body. Furthermore, as grapefruits are 90% water, they will keep you hydrated, along with flushing out unwanted toxins and sodium build up in the body.

4. Vitamin C! Along with oranges, grapefruits are extremely rich in antioxidant Vitamin C. This vitamin has anti-inflammatory properties as well as prevents colds and flues, and even asthma.

Grapefruits can be eaten alone, or can be sliced up and added to salads for a tangy taste-avocado and grapefruit are a great pair. If you are buying grapefruit juice be very wary of sugar content, as high sugar content can counteract the benefits of this healthful fruit.