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grapefruit

grapefruit

Fruit

Is grapefruit high in lectin?

Lectin status
Safe

Is grapefruit high or low in lectin? See its exact rating, how much counts as a portion, and its FODMAP, salicylate, oxalate and diet compatibility in one place.

Sensitivity notes

Why lectin food checker matters

Lectins are proteins found in many plant foods, especially legumes and grains. Some people follow low-lectin diets believing they reduce inflammation and digestive issues, though properly cooked foods have reduced lectin content.

  • Proper cooking destroys most lectins - never eat raw beans
  • Pressure cooking is highly effective at reducing lectins
  • Peeling and deseeding reduces lectin content
  • Fermentation can reduce lectins in some foods
  • Sprouting may increase or decrease lectins depending on the food

Sensitivities

What grapefruit contains

FODMAPs

FODMAPsHigh
FructansSafe
GOSSafe
FructoseModerate
PolyolsSafe
LactoseSafe

Histamine & Amines

HistamineSafe
Histamine LiberatorsHigh
TyramineSafe

Plant compounds

SalicylatesHigh
OxalatesAvoid
LectinSafe
NightshadesSafe

Irritants

CaffeineSafe
AlcoholSafe
Spicy FoodsSafe
Acidic FoodsHigh

Additives

SulfitesSafe
NitritesSafe
GlutamatesSafe

Allergens

Dairy ProteinsSafe
GlutenSafe
EggSafe
PeanutSafe
Tree NutsSafe
SoySafe
FishSafe
CrustaceansSafe
MolluscsSafe
SesameSafe
CelerySafe
MustardSafe
LupinSafe
Alpha-galSafe
NickelSafe

Diet fit

Where grapefruit fits

Therapeutic diets

Low HistamineAvoid
Low SalicylateAvoid
Low FermentationSafe
EoE CompatibleFit
AIPFit
InflammationFit
Reflux DietAvoid
Specific CarbohydrateFit
Low FibreFit
Gastroparesis DietCheck

Lifestyle diets

VeganFit
VegetarianFit
PescatarianFit
MediterraneanFit
DASH DietFit
PaleoFit
Whole30Fit
KetoCheck
Low-carbFit

Religious diets

HalalFit
KosherFit
Hindu (no beef)Fit
JainFit
Buddhist VegetarianFit
Orthodox FastingFit
Ingredient notes

What to know about grapefruit

Grapefruit is more than a tart breakfast citrus. It is very high in oxalate, high in salicylates, and acts as a histamine liberator, an unusual triple for a fruit, and it is high FODMAP by volume with a moderate excess-fructose load. On top of that trigger profile, grapefruit is famous for interacting with dozens of prescription medications, an effect most everyday citrus like oranges and clementines does not share.

Watch for

  • Very high in oxalate, the most oxalate-heavy fruit in this group, which matters if you form calcium-oxalate kidney stones
  • Histamine liberator and high in salicylates, so it can set off flushing, itching, headaches or a runny nose in people sensitive to either
  • High FODMAP by volume, with a moderate excess-fructose load, so large servings or grapefruit juice can bring on bloating and loose stools
  • Contains furanocoumarins that block the CYP3A4 enzyme, so grapefruit can raise blood levels of many statins, blood-pressure and other drugs to unsafe levels; check with a pharmacist
Learn More

Lectin Guide

Everything you need to know about lectin sensitivity and smart food choices.

Lectins are proteins found in many plant foods, especially legumes and grains. Some people follow low-lectin diets believing they reduce inflammation and digestive issues, though properly cooked foods have reduced lectin content.

Sensitivity varies widely. What triggers one person may be fine for another. Track your reactions to find your personal threshold.

These foods are generally well-tolerated for Lectin sensitivity:

View all safe options

These foods have moderate levels and may be tolerated in small amounts:

These foods are high in lectin and may trigger symptoms:

View full list

If you're sensitive to Lectin, consider these strategies:

  • 1Proper cooking destroys most lectins - never eat raw beans
  • 2Pressure cooking is highly effective at reducing lectins
  • 3Peeling and deseeding reduces lectin content
  • 4Fermentation can reduce lectins in some foods
  • 5Sprouting may increase or decrease lectins depending on the food

Pro tip: Keep a food diary to track your reactions. The Triggerbites app makes this easy with automatic pattern detection.

Want personalized tracking?

Download Triggerbites to log meals, track symptoms, and discover your unique triggers.

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FAQ

Is grapefruit high in Lectin?

Lectin: low signal for most people.

Can I still eat grapefruit if I'm sensitive to Lectin?

Usually fine in normal portions.

What else should I check?

Check Oxalates, Histamine Liberators, and FODMAPs next for a fuller picture.