Wellness Wednesday: In-season Grapefruit

Weekly tips to bring island-inspired wellness into your everyday life from Rosalie Bay Resort wellness coordinator Laura Lund.

First found on Barbados in the 18th century, grapefruit is thought by botanists to have originated through natural cross-breeding between the orange and pomelo. In 1814, Jamaican’s named it “grapefruit” for the way it grows in hanging clusters resembling grapes.

Grapefruit Tree

This citrus fruit is currently in season and abundant right now on Dominica. Grapefruit can be enjoyed in many ways – juiced, eaten as fruit, used to make wine, and for medicinal purposes. A local herbal medicine is made from the dried skin and used in a tea for colds.

While it’s in season, you’ll find it as one of our regularly featured fresh-squeezed juice of the day at Zamaan for breakfast.

The health benefits are plentiful as grapefruit is loaded with vitamin C, an anti-oxidant that boosts the immune system, fights colds and reduces inflammation. Phyto-nutrients in grapefruit promote cardiovascular health, reduce cholesterol and have anti-tumor properties. Both the red and pink varieties are loaded with the anti-oxidant lycopene, a potent anti-cancer compound.

However, if you are taking medication, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before adding this healthful fruit to your diet. Even small amounts of this nutrient-dense food can cause serious interactions with certain medications.

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