The tropical climate of Jamaica makes it ideal for a plethora of fruits to thrive. These include fruits such as the guinep, naseberry, stinking toe and pineapple, which can all be found across the island.

Not only are these fruits quite tasty, but they also provide a number of health benefits. In Our Today‘s series where we explore the health benefits that Jamaica-found fruits are able to provide, today’s focus is on the fruit that forms a part of Jamaica’s national dish, ackee.

Brought to the Caribbean from West Africa, the Blighia Sapida or ankye as it was originally called, can be found in countries such as Grenada, Antigua, Trinidad and Barbados.

Widely eaten in Jamaica, the fruit not only serves as part of the island’s national dish, but it is also the country’s national fruit.

N.B. – ackee MUST NOT be eaten before it is ripe, even if it is cooked, as it may be poisonous. The water used to cook the unripened ackee should not be consumed, as it can be poisonous as well.

Health Benefits

Can boost protein power

Ackee is very rich in protein. Protein is important for building and repairing body cells, balancing pH levels, supporting the immune system, providing energy and aids the body to continually replenish what it needs.

May regulate circulation

Iron is an important part of circulation, and ackee is a good source of this mineral. Iron is required to make haemoglobin, a major component of red blood cells which transport oxygen in the body. Iron is also vital for the gastrointestinal processes.

A lack of iron in your diet may lead to anaemia, digestive distress, lightheadedness and cognitive disorders.

Aids in digestion

Ackee, like many other fruit, is rich in fibre. The fibre content is able to help with bowel movement, eliminate constipation and prevent bloating, cramping and inflammation in the colon.

Fibre can also keep hunger and blood-sugar in check.

Improve heart health

Ackee boasts a remarkable range of unsaturated fatty acids which are able to increase heart health and lower cholesterol. These fatty acids include tearic, linoleic, and palmitic acids.

Provides Bone Strength

Loaded with minerals such as calcium, phosphorous, zinc and iron, consuming the fruit is able to contribute to healthier bones.

These minerals are able to prevent bone loss as well as slow the effects of osteoporosis.

Helps control diabetes

Ackee is able to fend of type-II diabtetes due to its richness in complex energy-producing carbs, which are able to normalise sugar levels in the body.

Helps Immune System

Vitamin C, a component known to strengthen the immune system is also found in ackee.

Vitamin C encourages the development of white blood cells which fight against diseases and sicknesses such as the common cold or flu.