Your Ultimate Guide To Barbados

Grapefruit Tree

The grapefruit tree (Citrus paradisi) is a citrus, evergreen tree that is grown here on the island of Barbados and known for its relatively acidic fruit. The leaves of this tree are dark green, thin and long. When originally discovered, it was known as the "forbidden fruit" but was subsequently described as the Barbados Grapefruit in the 1837 Flora of Jamaica. The origins of this fruit are thought to have come from Barbados as a result of a combination of both the sweet orange (C. sineus) and the shaddock (C. grandis).

Health Benefits of the Grapefruit

Grapefruits are peeled in preparation for direct eating or juicing. In Barbados, when prepared for juicing, there is a tendency to leave on as much as the rind as possible as this is where a high amount of beneficial bioflavonoids and other anti-cancer agents reside.

Acidity - Although grapefruit has a sub-acid taste, its juice actually has an alkaline reaction after digestion.  This has a profound effect in the treatment of acidity in the digestive system that causes a host of other health problems.

Atherosclerosis -  Pectin in this fruit has been found to be effective in reducing the accumulation of arterial deposits, and the vitamin C helps to strengthen and maintain the elasticity of arteries.

Breast Cancer -  In another study, the bioflavonoids found in grapefruit was discovered to even halt cancer cells from spreading in breast cancer patients, by ridding the body of excess estrogen.

Common Cold -  A common cold is usually your body telling you that you are overworked.  A regular drink of grapefruit during a stressful period gives your immune system the boost needed to prevent it coming on.

Cholesterol - A certain compound found in grapefruit helps reduce the excessive production of cholesterol from the liver.

Diabetes -  People suffering from diabetes can greatly benefit from the intake of grapefruit because it aids in flushing out the sweets and starches that gets accumulated in the body. If you have a family history of diabetes, consuming grapefruit regularly is a good way of preventing diabetes. It is even recommended to pregnant women as it is said to alleviate leg swelling which is a very common problem in pregnancy.

Digestive Disorder -  This juice helps to promote digestion by increasing the flow of gastric juices.  Eat the fruit together with its albedo and pith for their extra fiber that aids bowel movements.

Fatigue -  At the end of a long and tiring day, drink a glass of grapefruit juice with lemon juice in equal parts with a little honey, to dispel all fatigue and tiredness.

Fever -  Besides drinking plenty of fluids, also drink grapefruit juice to reduce fever.

Insomnia -  A drink of grapefruit juice before bedtime, helps to promote sleep and alleviates insomnia.

Pregnant Woman -  The bioflavonoids and vitamin C help to reduce water retention and swelling of the legs during pregnancy.

Sore Throat - Drinking a freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice helps relieve sore throats and soothes coughs.

Stomach and Pancreatic Cancer - The anti-cancer agents in grapefruit are particularly protective against these cancers in the digestive system.

Weight-loss -  This fruit has a fat-burning enzyme and can help to absorb and reduce the starch and sugar in the body. It is widely consumed by people who are trying to lose weight.

Therapeutic Usage of the Grapefruit

Grapefruit oil is an extract from the grapefruit and can be diluted in the bath to assist with cellulite, colds and flu, lack of energy, jet lag, muscle fatigue, overweight, headaches, moodiness and mental and physical tiredness.

Grapefruit oil is also ideal for skin conditions as when used in a base cream, lotion or wash, it can help to clear acne on the skin, while also helping the tissue  to get rid of cellulite and drain any excess retained water.

In Barbados, grapefruit can be found in abundance as a fresh fruit, juice or included in salads.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this page should not be interpreted as personal medical advice or instruction. No action should be taken based solely on the contents of this site.

Readers should consult the appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well being.

The information and opinions provided here are believed to be accurate and sound, based on the best information available to the writers. However, readers who fail to consult the appropriate health authorities automatically assume risk of any injuries. Barbados Pocket Guide is not in any way responsible for errors or omissions.