Taking Meds? Make Sure Grapefruit is Safe

Dietitian Beth Stark says grapefruit is a good source of vitamin C, fiber, potassium and cancer-preventing lycopene. But make sure this fruit doesn't interact with your medications first.

If you take certain drugs, including drugs that lower cholesterol or blood pressure, it’s not safe to eat grapefruit. It prevents an enzyme in your body from breaking down certain drugs, so you can wind up with potentially toxic levels of the drug in your system. Check your medications for a grapefruit warning on the label. If you’re not sure about food-drug interactions, always ask your doctor or pharmacist. But if you’re not taking those medications, enjoy grapefruit and its benefits from vitamin C, fiber, potassium and cancer-preventing lycopene!

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