In previous posts we’ve already talked about the interesting similarities between cannabis and many plants, flowers and fruits. Whether it’s because of their aromatic composition, benefits or effects, there are many, many different possibilities behind these similarities.
Today we’re talking about grapefruit, its benefits, composition and things it has in common with certain strains of cannabis.
Gapefruit and Cannabis – How are They Similar?
Grapefruit trees, which come from the species Citrus x Paradisi, are thought to come originally from the Caribbean and, although we’re not entirely sure where they’re from, various sources point towards it originating from somewhere on the island of Jamaica.
This is a possibly spontaneous hybrid between pomelos (a southeastern Asian citrus fruit, Citrus Maxima) and sweet orange (Citrus x Sinensis).
This fruit is yellow and pale on the outside, but a deep red color on the inside, and it’s grown in many countries (including Spain), with some of their main producers being China, the US, Vietnam and Mexico.
Its intense, sour flavor doesn’t leave much room for mixed feelings; you either love it or you hate it.
Whether or not you like its flavor, it’s irrefutable that this fruit provides multiple nutritional and anti-oxidant benefits thanks to its vitamins, minerals, essential oils and other elements.
Grapefruit’s Properties
Grapefruits are highly nutritional, although they also possess a series of other incredibly interesting benefits.
Main Nutrients in Grapefruit
Just like with many citric fruit, grapefruit is many made up of water, making it a great diuretic. Some of their main nutritional elements are:
- Vitamin C: grapefruit is incredibly rich in Vitamin C, which improves iron absorption and improves the creation of red blood cells and collagen in the body.
- Carbohydrates: this food is low in calories, but those which it does have come from carbs.
- Fibre, minerals and more: grapefruit is rich in potassium and magnesium. Its skin also contains fibre, although less so than most other fruit.
- Acids: this fruit contains different types of acids, such as citric, tartaric, malic, and oxalic.
Pomegranate Benefits
Thanks to its composition, grapefruit can provide many benefits when consumed. Grapefruit essential oil, due to its high content in terpenes, has various different properties, among which we can find:
- Antimicrobial properties: the oils from this fruit can be used to get rid of microbes, curing wounds and preventing infections in the digestive system and bowels.
- Increases creation of gastric juices and bile, which helps digestion.
- As with many other citrus fruit, thanks to its aromatic profile it produces stimulating and anti-depressant effects.
- Helps to activate the lymphatic system.
- Used to eliminate toxins, excess liquid and body fat.
- Helps the immune system.
However, there are studies that indicate that grapefruit may actually interact negatively with certain medication. So, if you plan on adding grapefruit juice to your diet and you’re taking medication, you should consult with your doctor or pharmacist.
Some medications that interact with grapefruit are:
- Arterial pressure medication Nifedipine (Afeditab, Procardia and generic)
- Anti-allergen Fexofenadine (Allegra).
- Anxiolytics such as Alrpazolam, Xanax and generic.
- Medicine used to treat arrythmia Amiodarone (Nexterone, Cordarone and generic)
What Terpenes are in Grapefruit? What do They Have in Common with Cannabis?
As we were saying previously, grapefruit has a highly characteristic acidic aroma due to its high content in the terpene Limonene.
Limonene represents approximately 80/90% of the aromatic profile of grapefruit, although it also contains other terpenes such as Linalool, Thujene, Myrcene, Terpinene, Pineneand Citronellol, among others.
All of these terpenes found in grapefruit are also found in certain cannabis strains.
Cannabis Strains with Terpenes in Common with Grapefruit
As we were saying previously, grapefruit has terpenes in common with some cannabis strains, with Limonene as this fruit’s most characteristic terpene, although there are other important terpenes such as Linalool, Myrcene, Terpinene and Pinene.
Additionally, there are some cannabis strains which have a certain aroma of grapefruit, even if their don’t contain large amounts of Limonene.
Strains Rich in Limonene
There are many strains with a high Limonene content, although they don’t necessarily smell or taste like grapefruit. Some of the most rich in Limonene strains are the following:
- Sweet Tooth
- Chocolate Mint OG
- 3 Kings
- Sour Diesel
- 24k Gold
- Chemdawg 4
- OG Kush
- Orange Turbo
- Lemon Cookies
- Dosidos
Strains with Grapefruit-Like Aromas
Even though they don’t have a high Limonene content, there are some strains which produce aromatic hints similar to grapefruit:
- Grapefruit OG: this strain produces an intense grapefruit aroma, with citric and earthy hints similar to Kush.
- Sugaree: sweet grapefruit aromas with fresh, citric Diesel tones.
- Super Lemon Haze: intense citric and incensed aroma similar to Haze with hints of lemon, grapefruit and spices.
So, what do you think? Let us know your opinion and questions in the comments below.
Until next time!
Cali Terpenes
