Jay-Care Health Promotions

Scientifically known as Carambola, the star fruit is a succulent fruit that is popular in most tropical countries.

In Jamaica, it is also called ‘jimbilin’ and is widely consumed on the island.

The star fruit is packed with nutrients and minerals and gets its name due to its distinct star shape when it is cut. The entire fruit can be eaten, including the waxy outer layer.

Star fruit contains an extremely low number of calories but it is rich in dietary fibre, vitamin C, vitamin A, and B vitamins, as well as phosphorus, zinc, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, and potassium. The fruit has a high concentration of antioxidants.

Research on star fruit published in the Advances in Pharmacological Sciences journal has suggested that the delicacy could be developed into an effective natural supplement against cancer. Another study highlighting the antioxidant capacities of star fruit states that the peel of this fruit is a richer source of antioxidants than the pulp. Also, the ripe fruit is more of an antioxidant storehouse than the raw fruit. Furthermore, the fibre in star fruit will cleanse the colon and reduce toxicity levels, helping to lower your risk of colon cancer.

The star fruit is known to be a good anti-inflammatory for various skin disorders. The rich source of vitamin C also helps in flushing out toxins from the system.

The fruit is also good for maintaining stable blood pressure, which in turn ensures a regular heartbeat and healthy blood flow.

It has also been traditionally used to increase lactation in mothers who have trouble producing enough milk for their newborns.

The fruit can also stimulate urination and can be used to cleanse both the liver and the kidneys. Due to the anti-microbial properties of star fruit, it is also used by people to get relief from sore eyes.

The coconut is a versatile food and its by-products are among the more sought-after ingredients in the kitchen.

Scientifically known as Cocos Nucifera, the coconut tree belongs to the large Palmaceae family of palms.

Coconut grows well in the tropical climate. The fruit tree is versatile, as it provides solid and liquid output in one package.

The by-products of this wonder tree are many, and have been used to make fabric, housing, craft items, jewelry, cooking oil, cosmetics and a wide range of other useful items.

Coconut is rich in calories, vitamins and minerals. A medium-sized nut carrying 400g of edible meat and some 30-150ml of water, may provide almost all the daily-required essential minerals, vitamins, and energy of an average-sized individual.

The fats and protein increases good-HDL cholesterol levels in the blood. HDL is a high-density lipoprotein which has beneficial effects on the coronary arteries by preventing vessel blockage.

Coconut water is a refreshing drink, and in Jamaica, some persons say it washes the heart.

The juice is packed with simple sugar, electrolytes, minerals and bioactive compounds and enzymes. These compounds make the coconut an excellent aid in digestion and metabolism.

The water is also good for anti-ageing, anti-carcinogenic and anti-thrombotic effects.

Coconut oil extracted from the dry kernel is an excellent emollient agent. It is used in cooking, applied over scalp as hair nourishment, and employed in pharmacy and medicines.

The kernel is an excellent source of minerals, such as copper, calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium and zinc. The nut also has a cocktail of B complex vitamins, which makes it a good agent for a variety of illnesses, including high blood pressure and diabetes.

Coconut meat and water also both contain a good amount of potassium.

So the next time you want to wash off your heart, have a coconut.

Some of this content was taken from http://www.nutrition-and-you.com

Breadfruit is a staple in most Caribbean diets. It is enjoyed roasted, boiled and fried in Jamaica with a variety of meals.

The fruit tree was brought to the region by British Captain William Bligh in the late 18th century. It is related to the jackfruit.

Apart from its edible fruit, the breadfruit tree also provides glue, construction materials, medicine, fabric, insect repellant and animal feed among other things.

But let’s turn to its nutritional value, which helps one to maintain optimum health.

Breadfruit is low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. It has high Vitamin C, dietary fibre and potassium. These qualities make the breadfruit a cholesterol controller.

Breadfruit protects the body from heart diseases and heart attacks. The fibre present in breadfruit helps to control diabetes by reducing the absorption of glucose from ingested food.

Consuming breadfruit on a regular basis can also reduce the risk of developing colon cancer. The breadfruit leaf is believed to lower blood pressure and is also believed to reduce asthma. Toasted flowers of the breadfruit tree are also rubbed on the gums as a cure for toothaches.

Most Caribbean people know callaloo – a very easy to grow, hardy plant that is traditionally used as a breakfast dish in islands such as Jamaica.

This plant is a great source of iron, but it has many more health benefits. And even though many young children have a hard time accepting the flavour, many appreciate its value as they get older.

Callaloo is full of a variety of proteins which makes it great for building muscle.

The fibre in the plant helps to prevent constipation and create a good environment for the healthy growth of your immune system. It is also a great agent for weight loss.

The hardy plant is also chock full of antioxidants which repair and prevent DNA damage and also helps to prevent cardiovascular disease, strokes, and cancer.

However, the plant must be cooked as studies have shown it has some dangerous toxins that may be harmful if it is not cooked to remove them.

Callaloo is one of the cheaper but healthier foods to consume. Sometimes it is cook with saltfish but vegetarians are known to leave the codfish and mix in other vegetables to enhance the flavour.

However you choose to consume it, callaloo, is good for you.