Have you ever thought about what your grandparents ate that made them strong as a lion or solid for years to come? On your Sunday lunch plate or any day of the week rests some of the best Caribbean immune boosting foods that keep us healthy and hopefully makes us live longer.
Let’s have a look at some of these awesome Caribbean immune boosting foods that may have you licking your fingers and even wanting more.
Dasheen Bush
Sometimes thought of as a relative to spinach, Dasheen bush is common in most Caribbean countries. It is unassumingly plain but can be so tasty when prepared well, that is, steamed with coconut milk or well-seasoned with our local pepper, chive, onion, etc.
You can dice it up and steam it just as any leafy vegetable or boil it down then blend or ‘swizzle’ to make the infamous callaloo recipe. Whichever way you choose to prepare this green leafy vegetable which grows in a swamp like environment, just remember that it contains an excellent amount of vitamins and minerals like vitamins B6, vitamin C, niacin and potassium.
Bhagi
Bhagi, a local variant of spinach has large amounts of the antioxidant beta-carotene and the carotenoid lutein known to be important to eye health. It also contains a lot of iron. Some persons may not like it because of the slightly bitter taste. However, bhagi is still one of those Caribbean dishes that we all have had on our plates since it is frequently found in backyards without us even making the effort to grow it there.
Sweet Potato
Caribbean people love ground food to make a hearty meal. Sweet potato is packed with Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Additionally, it is cholesterol-free, fat-free and presents a healthy portion of fibre. Sweet potatoes are frequently used to make pie, salad, fries or you can just boil and add a slice or two on your plate.
Ginger
Have a cup of ginger tea daily or grate some in your favourite dish and you will see the difference in your diet. Ginger is said to be loaded with nutrients and bio-active compounds that have powerful benefits for your body and brain. It is used frequently in traditional or alternative medicine. Some of its main benefits include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-nausea and digestive aid, balance blood sugar, cholesterol weight loss and hydration.
Citrus- Oranges, Grapefruits, Limes
Everyone remembers growing up with a citrus tree in their yard or probably picking a few from the neighbor’s trees. Citrus is filled with Vitamin C and is most helpful in fighting the common cold. Many persons use citrus to eat as a fruit or placed in juices, cakes and adding some zest in the dishes.
We are still in the COVID period with no hint of a vaccine insight. So above are some of our favourite native Caribbean immune-system boosters to keep us healthy. Let’s stay healthy and keep our immune system up to mark so try one of these in your next dishes today.
