Jamaica is home to a myriad of delicious and tasty fruits. Though many of the fruits did not originate here, over the years they have been able to thrive in the island’s tropical climate and have grown to become delicacies. Some of these fruits include guava, avocado, mango and pineapple.

These fruits are not only tasty and enjoyed by many Jamaicans, but they have several health benefits.

In Our Today‘s series on the health benefits provided by Jamaica-found fruits, the focus is now on grapes.

Viticulture, the harvesting of grapes, has often been said to be as old as civilisation itself. This berry is used for making wine, jam, dried raisins, grape juice, jelly, currants and vinegar.

Health Benefits

Help with constipation

Grapes contain a high skin-to-flesh ratio, meaning they are a great source of fibre and contain lots of water. The water content in grapes helps the digestive system to run more smoothly.

The insoluble fibre found in the fruit can lead to much softer stools.

Improves skin and hair

Grape seeds are rich in Vitamin E, a fat soluble vitamin that helps the skin to stay smooth, hydrated and healthy. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells throughout the body from damage.

Vitamin E, which forms a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, is able to protect the skin from ultra violet rays. Its natural antioxidant effects contribute to a healthy scalp, which encourages hair growth.

Helps with weight loss

Grapes have a natural component that aids in weight loss. This component, known as resveratrol, helps the body to metabolise fatty acids and increases energy levels, both of which contribute to weight loss.

Don’t go overboard with those grapes now!

Helps brain functions

Evidence from studies suggest that resveratrol can do wonders for the brain. Resveratrol is able to improve cerebral vasodilator responsiveness and cerebral blood flow.

This component is also able to slow the breakdown of cells which occurs naturally with age, and it can prevent harmful plaque from forming in the brain.

Protects eyes

Studies have shown that this fruit is able to either prevent or delay the onset of certain eye diseases, including glaucoma and cataract.

PhD, Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences and in the North Texas Eye Research Institute, Dr Hongli Wu, says grapes which boosts the body’s antioxidant enzymes that work to directly fight free radicals, can maintain balance in the lens so that the eye is more resistant to aging.

Supports heart health

Grapes which contain potassium and fibre helps the heart with several functions which include blood pressure and lowering the risk of stroke.

In addition to this, resveratrol is known to protect the cardiovascular system from inflammatory and oxidative damage.