5 medicinal Fruits of Dominican Republic
5 medicinal Fruits of Dominican Republic
Healthy fruits found in the Dominican Republic that serve substantial health benefits.
For 1000’s of years it's been proven that there are medicines in the foods. Before there were drugstores with addictive nausea pills. Fruits specifically were used to heal and cure many illnesses dating back as far as to ancient Egypt, and still used today in modern medicine. In some societies people prefer to treat sickness as naturally as possible by taking the traditional route. A balance of fruits in your diet can also help prevent some illnesses from coming on. This is more than just Vitamin C, this is about heart health, blood pressure, diabetes and possibly cancer. In Dominican Republic we are surrounded by all types of different fruits, nothing goes to waste. Here fruits are revered for their medicinal purposes and are always the first choice.
Tamarind locally known as Tamarindo, originates from tropical Africa and grows year-round in the Dominican Republic, thriving in its warm climate.
Tamarind has a long history of use in traditional medicine across tropical regions, including tribal and indigenous cultures. Tamarind is also used to treat fever, sore throat, and inflammation. In African medicine, tamarind is used to alleviate constipation and promote bowel regularity.
Tamarind in the Dominican Republic offers numerous health benefits, including aiding digestion, boosting immunity, and lowering cholesterol. It improves heart health, supports weight loss, and promotes healthy skin due to its rich content of fiber, vitamins, and minerals like potassium and magnesium.
Some proponents of tamarind's benefits argue that its nutritional content and bioactive compounds could potentially have positive effects on reproductive health, libido, and energy levels. For example, antioxidants may help protect reproductive cells from oxidative damage, which could theoretically improve fertility.
Soursop locally known as Guanábana, originates from tropical regions of the Americas and grows in the Dominican Republic, typically from June to August.
Soursop, also known as graviola, is highly valued in natural medicine for its potential anticancer properties. Various parts of the soursop tree, including the leaves, fruits, and seeds, are used in traditional remedies. Indigenous communities use soursop to treat fever, parasites, hypertension, and inflammation. In traditional medicine, soursop is employed to alleviate stomach ailments and promote relaxation.
Soursop (Guanábana) , popular for its tropical flavor, offers various health benefits. It's rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, supporting immune function, aiding digestion, and promoting healthy skin. In the Dominican Republic soursop is revered for its tropical flavor, soursop is cherished in local cuisine and valued for its potential health benefits.
As mentioned before, Soursop may also have anticancer properties and help regulate blood sugar levels, contributing to overall well-being and disease prevention. Soursop contains compounds, like acetogenins, that may inhibit cancer cell growth while leaving healthy cells unaffected. Studies suggest it's effective against various cancers, but further research is needed for conclusive evidence.
Papaya originates from tropical regions of the Americas and grows year-round in the Dominican Republic, flourishing in its warm climate. Here in Dominican Republic Papaya is called Lechosa
In traditional medicine, papaya leaves are used to alleviate malaria symptoms and boost the immune system. It is also used to treat wounds, burns, and skin conditions due to its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.
Papaya (Lechosa) offers numerous health benefits, thanks to its rich nutrient profile. It's high in vitamin C, aiding immunity, and contains enzymes like papain. Papaya also supports heart health, promotes skin health. It's often used in remedies to soothe digestive issues, alleviate inflammation, and support overall well-being
Papaya may offer additional health benefits such as promoting eye health due to its high levels of vitamin A and lutein, reducing inflammation, aiding in weight loss due to its low calorie and high fiber content, and potentially lowering blood sugar levels, benefiting those with diabetes.
Avocados originate from Central America and Mexico and grows year-round in the Dominican Republic, thriving in its tropical climate. Known locally in the DR as Aguacate.
In traditional medicine, avocado leaves are used to treat hypertension and lower blood pressure.
Avocados are nutrient-dense fruits packed with healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They promote heart health by lowering bad cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart disease. Additionally, they aid in weight management, improve digestion, support eye health, and are beneficial for skin and hair due to their high content of vitamins E and C.
When you eat avocados with other foods, the healthy fats in avocados help your body absorb certain vitamins and nutrients better. These include vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as nutrients like lycopene and beta-carotene found in fruits and veggies. So, by adding avocados to your meals, you can get more out of the healthy stuff you're eating
Star fruit is known locally as Carambola, originates from Southeast Asia and grows year-round in the Dominican Republic, thriving in its tropical climate
In natural medicine, star fruit is believed to have antioxidant properties, which may help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation. Some cultures use star fruit to alleviate symptoms of fevers and coughs, while others consider it beneficial for digestive health due to its fiber content. Star fruit has been traditionally used in tropical regions to support kidney function and regulate blood sugar levels.
Star fruit is packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. It supports immune function, aids digestion, and promotes heart health. Its low-calorie content makes it ideal for weight management, while its high-water content helps with hydration and skin health. Star fruit contains compounds like flavonoids and polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in reducing inflammation in the body.
Star fruit contains natural compounds like oxalic acid, which may assist in preventing kidney stone formation by binding to calcium in the body, reducing its absorption.
Among the fruits listed above, Papaya and Avocado are often considered super fruits due to their rich nutritional profiles and numerous health benefits. These fruits and many more are part of our daily lifestyle here in Dominican Republic. All these fruits are valued not only for their delicious flavor but also for their potential health benefits and traditional medicinal uses. Fruits are something you couldn't get away from living here in the DR, they are in abundance. I'm always interested in the benefits of foods we consume. I heard from many fitness trainers that 70% is what you eat, and the rest is working out. I rarely see gyms here, even though they are around, it is obvious that people more rely on what they're putting in their body. I never heard Dominican people talking about being super health conscious, but their actions would have one think that they are. Enjoying fruits here all the time is a part of life, they don't cost much and there's many street vendors selling. Not only the grocery stores, but the corner stores (colmado) will have a selection of fruits, and of course there are fruit stores (frutaria) with the best selection of all local fruits and exotic fruits. Not with every fruit you may like the taste, but they can be made into juices or by using the leaves to make an enjoyable tea while reaping the benefits.
The only one I haven't experienced is soursop, the rest are delightful. I can totally understand why people are healthy there, fresh fruit grown locally, the sea, and the social components of the culture pack natural healthy benefits... who needs to sweat in the gym? Great information and a wonderful peek inside the Dominican Republic. Thank you!