Exotic Health: Learn from the Carribbeans!

Visiting the Caribbean islands is one of the brightest idea you might think of when planning a fun soothing getaway. Spending several days over there might add an exotic hint to your mood, hair and definitely your eating habits.

I have had the amazing chance of visiting two of the Caribbean islands: The Grand Bahamas and Nassau. Both were exquisite in all aspects. Starting with a whole bunch of tropical drinks, tanned skin, braided hair, snorkeling, scuba diving, and bumping in a whole bunch of Bahamians that are famous for their well-laid off life, you might as well end up finishing your getaways with adding some exotism to your daily food habits. Nassau is famous for its Atlantis where you will end up bumping into a whole lot of celebrities like Melanie Griffith and Robert Deniro! For me, I wasn’t lucky enough to bump into anyone; but rather I kept imagining every person I saw a celebrity.

When you live for several days in these islands, you cannot but notice how healthy their food can be. Well, you do not need to actually travel there to have some knowledge and maybe start adding a “Caribbean” aspect to you diet. Here is what I can tell you:

  • Go for the exotic fruits & vegetables, they are a definite push for your health.
    1. Coconut. Coconut water is the liquid that is naturally found inside a coconut. It is different than coconut milk. It is a top hydrating drink and should be used instead of all energy drinks as it contains easily digested sugars and electrolytes. Several studies explored the anti-aging, anti-carcinogenic and anti-thrombotic properties of this “magic water”. Also, it contains bioactive enzymes that facilitate digestion. It is high in potassium, B-vitamins and contains Calcium.
    2. Mango. This super fruit is very high in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Folate, Vitamin B6 and contains some Vitamin K. It is high in Antioxidants such as Beta-carotene that prevents asthma. Consuming mangoes protects against breast, colon and prostate cancer. They are very high in fibers and can be used to prevent or treat constipation. Finally, mangoes protect against heart diseases, and eye degeneration that usually accompany aging.
    3. Guava. It is high in Vitamins A, K, C and B1. It protects against cataract, diabetes and cancer. Guava is very helpful for those wanting to lose weight. It is beneficial for hair and skin health as well as stimulates brain functions. Drinking the juice of immature guavas can help colds and coughs; however, when ripe, they might worsen your cold by causing sore throat.
    4. Papaya. It is very high in Vitamin C and so many other vitamins like A, B, E, K…. This fruit helps prevent eye degeneration caused by aging, prevents asthma, reduces the risk of colon and prostate cancer, and promotes a good digestion. From another angle, the seeds of papaya when crushed, help regulate the enzymes of the liver and hence lowers the risks of fatty liver.
    5. Tamarind. This fruit is mainly used for its laxative effect and for its role in regulating digestive disorders as well as liver and gallbladder problems. For pregnant women, it helps reducing morning sickness and for kids, it helps treating intestinal worms. Also, it can be used as an eye drop to protect and prevent dryness in the eyes.
    6. Boniato, which is a white colored kind of sweet potato, is very high in fibers and Vitamins. It is your own doctor in a single food item. Consume it grilled or steamed but never boil it as it will lose a lot of its benefits
    7. Ackee. Is a fruit tree that catches the attention of many travelers. Eventhough this fruit is used for medicinal purposes to treat colds, fever, edema and epilepsy; when unripe it is poisonous! So, it is better if you stay away from it.
    8. Maubee. It is a spicy drink made from the bark or fruit of a tree. It is used in alternative medicine to regulate blood pressure, and help reduce the inflammation of people suffering from arthritis. It is claimed by ancient practitioners as being an aphrodisiac.
  • Add fresh seafood to your week. Check which types of fish are found in your sea/ocean and try to consume them instead of frozen or pre-frozen seafood.
  • Sorrel Flower. The Sorrel Flower has long been used in traditional medicine to help treat so many diseases and sicknesses. This flower is usually boiled along some cloves, orange zest, and ginger, and then served as a drink. This flower has been found beneficial for treating sinuses and bacterial infections, reducing inflammation of the nasal and respiratory tract, and acts as a diuretic to treat water retention.
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