The tropical climate of Jamaica makes it ideal for a plethora of fruits to thrive on the island. These include fruits such as the orange, guinep, papaya and banana, which can be found across the island.

Not only are these fruits quite tasty, but they also provide a number of health benefits. Today, in Our Today‘s series where we explore the health benefits that Jamaica-found fruits are able to provide, the focus is on the grapefruit.

Though its origin is unknown, the grapefruit is grown in South Africa, Brazil, the United States and Israel.

The colour of the grapefruit can either be red, white or pink. Grapefruit is also an integral ingredient in one of Jamaica’s popular carbonated beverages, Ting.

Health Benefits

Boosts immune system

The grapefruit is loaded with Vitamin C, a nutrient instrumental in boosting the immune system. Vitamin C supports a variety of cellular functions of the adaptive and innate immune system.

The fruit also contains Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin, known to aid the body’s immune system.

May reduce risk of kidney stones

Kidney stones are caused by a variety of factors, including poor diet, obesity, drinking too little water or weight loss surgery. Consuming grapefruit may prevent the formation of kidney stones from calcium build up.

The grapefruit is able to bind the excess calcium and flush it from the system with its natural citric acid.

May help with weight loss

Studies have shown that eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice before a meal will help one to lose weight. Although a significant amount of weight won’t be lost all at once, eating the fibre-packed grapefruit will aid in gradual weight loss.

The grape fruit is also low in calories, having only 39 per cent in one of its halves.

Reduce chances of eye disease

Loaded with Vitamin A, a nutrient essential for normal vision, eating grapefruit can help to prevent some eye diseases.

It can also decrease the chances of degeneration in the eyes.

Protect against free radicals

The pith (the spongy white tissue lining the rind and middle of oranges, lemons, and other citrus fruits) of the grapefruit, which is usually thrown out and not eaten, provides some major health benefits. pith of the fruit, though bitter, is good to eat, as it is rich in antioxidants.

These antioxidants are able to ward off free radicals and prevent the onset of diseases such as cancer and heart disease. The pith is also rich in nutrients.

Lower blood pressure

Lycopene and flavanones, organic plant pigments, are very integral in the process of keeping the body healthy and strong.

Not only do these plant pigments reduce hypertension, but they also keep inflammation at bay.