Sour Sop

    

    Jamaican soursop is a somewhat confusing fruit for those unfamiliar with it. It’s a delicious treat, but many visitors to the island are often amazed at its unique appearance. The skin in ripe fruits is yellowish-green in color, the ovoid fruits can grow up to 12 inches in length, and are covered with blunt “spines.” The fruit can weigh up to 15 lbs. the flesh is cream-colored, and the leaves emit an unpleasant odor.

    Jamaicans call the fruit soursop and it’s also known as guanabana, cherimoya, custard apple, and Brazilian Paw. Fans of the fruit have described the taste as a combination of apples and strawberries with notes of sour citrus. The texture is reminiscent of a banana. The fruit’s origins are a mystery, though it’s been cultivated in Africa, South America and the Caribbean for thousands of years.

    It’s been used as a medicinal throughout history, but can be toxic with long-term usage or when taken in large amounts. Soursop is eaten raw, made into a refreshing beverage, and often used in desserts that include gelatin, custard, ice cream and jelly. It’s also popular as a refreshing beverage. It contains an extensive array of nutrients that include vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and C. Soursop also has calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, and zinc.   

The health benefits of pineapple

Sweet, juicy pineapple is both delicious and nutritious. Loaded with vitamin C and anti-inflammatory 

properties, this prickly fruit helps you ward off infections and feel your best. Enjoy this versatile fruit 

alone, in salsas, salads, cakes, and pies, baked with ham, and grilled with meats. Keep reading to learn 

about the many health benefits of pineapple.

 1. Pineapple improves joint and muscle pain

Pineapples contain bromelain which is a natural anti-inflammatory enzyme. Eating pineapple improves 

symptoms for those with arthritis and injury related joint and muscle pain.

2. It wards off colds and flu

Pineapples are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is important for the immune system. Numerous 

studies have shown that those who consume high levels of Vitamin C come down with less cold and flu 

viruses, so eating pineapple just might keep you from catching the next bug.

3. It clears sinus and chest congestion

Bromelain in pineapple breaks up mucus and has anti-inflammatory effects. For those with cold, flu, or 

allergies eating pineapple is a good way to ease congestion.

4. It improves circulation

Pineapple contains potassium which is a vasodilator. This means eating pineapple can help reduce 

blood pressure and prevent heart attacks, strokes, and atherosclerosis.

5. It promotes tissue and cellular health

The body needs vitamin C to make collagen, which is the basic protein of skin, organs, bones, and 

veins. Eating vitamin C rich pineapple improves collagen production, helping to improve overall health 

and to speed up wound healing. Pineapple also contains manganese, which keeps bones strong.

6. It fights cancer

Pineapples are rich in vitamin A, beta carotene, bromelain, different flavonoid mixes, and large amounts 

of manganese, which all have anti-cancer and anti-tumor effects. Pineapple has specifically been 

identified with preventing and improving treatment of cancers of the mouth, throat, and breast.

7. It improves digestion

Rich in soluble and insoluble fiber, Pineapple helps keep the digestive system regular and helps to 

relieve and prevent bloating and constipation. 

Benefits of coconut water

 

Rehydrates the Body:  Coconut water is an excellent thirst quencher to beat tropical summer thirst. Because of its electrolyte composition, coconut water is also used to rehydrate the body in case of dehydration and fluid loss due to diarrhea, vomiting or excessive sweating. A good source of carbohydrates, it also helps lift your energy level.

Lowers Blood Pressure:  Coconut water is considered good for controlling high blood pressure, thanks to its vitamin C, potassium and magnesium content. Potassium, in particular, helps lower blood pressure by balancing out the negative effects of sodium.

Heart Tonic: Cholesterol – and fat- free tender coconut water offers cardio protective benefits. It helps lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL or the “bad” cholesterol) levels, thus reducing the risk of heart disease.

Relieves Hangovers: Coconut water is also a great natural remedy for hangovers. Alcohol robs your body of hydration and this dehydration causes your morning-after booze blues. Coconut water replenishes the electrolytes in the body and boost hydration, thus making you feel better. 

Treats Headaches: Most headaches, even migraines, are triggered by dehydration. In such eases, coconut water can be of great help in supplying electrolytes to the body and boosting hydration. 

Health benefits of Sorrel

 

    

    Sorrel drink is a festive beverage in Jamaica that is consumed mainly during the Christmas time 

along with the Jamaican fruit cake. However, while this fascinating perennial herb is cultivated all over 

the world for a wide variety of purposes, in Jamaica, sorrel is primarily used as a beverage. But there 

are many health benefits associated with our favorite Christmas drink. Here are some remarkable and 

surprising ways drinking sorrel can have a positive effect on your health.

     According to the Scientific Research Council (SRC), sorrel contains a wide range of essential 

vitamins and minerals. But it is a group of compounds called Flavonoids which not only give its deep 

red color but acts as a powerful antioxidant which scavenges the body of free radicals that can cause 

deadly diseases. Research at Jamaica’s Northern Caribbean University has revealed that sorrel could 

kill certain types of cancer cells. Again, this is due to the high levels of Flavonoids that work as a 

deterrent against certain kinds of cancer.

    Sorrel is used as a diuretic in India, Africa and Mexico and has benefits for kidney health when 

ingested daily. According to the Jamaica Gleaner, in some parts of Africa the red calyx of the sorrel is 

used to relieve coughs, while the leaves are made into a poultice to relieve boils and abscesses. Sorrel 

has been proven to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering bad cholesterol and helping to prevent 

clogged arteries. As a plant with significant amounts of Vitamin A, sorrel can help to improve poor 

eyesight and prevent age-related ocular degeneration.

    Ingesting sorrel regularly helps to optimize the body’s immune system and prevent illness due to its 

high Vitamin C content. Sorrel also has significant levels of iron which helps improve circulation 

throughout the body by boosting red blood cell production and oxygen levels in vital organs.

Money Affirmations

 

Do you believe in Karma or affirmations? If the answer is yes, say these quotes every day.

1.       Abundance flows easily to me because I am open and ready to receive the money that is already on its way to me.

2.       I am so grateful for financial freedom.

3.       I always pay my bills and have something extra.

4.       Money come to me easily and effortlessly

5.       My actions create constant prosperity

6.       I am aligned with the energy of abundance

7.       I am a magnet for money

Healthy Thinking

 

Your mind is a powerful thing. When you fill it with positive thoughts. Your life will start to change. Everything begins in the mind before it can become a physical reality. The photo taken by a photographer, the song that a the musicians sings, even the building that an architecture builds are all created mentally; therefore, it is vital to say positive things to yourself. Remember it is an inside job. Say these phrases daily and watch what happens:

·        I believe I can create a prosperous life.

·        I believe I do it while living to my true design.

·        I believe I am here to have a grand life adventure.

·        I believe abundance is my divine right.

·        I do not believe I should ever feel limited by money or by love.

·        I believe I can be amazingly happy.

·        I believe that the low-level sadness that dogs me, is optional.

·        I believe I can have work that feels like play and that fulfils me.

·        I believe I can be full of energy all the time.

·        I do not believe the Divine withholds things from me.

·        I believe that I am capable of achieving goals.

 

# 6 Reasons to love Jamaica

 

 

53. Memorable Nicknames 

You can call to a total stranger by an obvious trait, and they’ll know exactly who you’re talking to. Eg. Nutsy, broomie, biggz, blacks, fluffy etc.

54. Creative Lyrics 

We always feel like the best way to bring across a point is through song or a catchy, memorable phrase.

55. ‘Likkle but Tallawah’     

It has been said that no matter where in the world you go, you can find a Jamaican.  It’s also been said we have a tendency to do very well for ourselves abroad.