How Living in a Tropical Country Can Support a Healthier Lifestyle and Balanced Weight
There is something special about living in a tropical country. The warm climate, sunshine, fertile soil and abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables can create an environment where healthy eating is naturally part of everyday life. In countries such as Jamaica and other Caribbean nations, people can often find fresh produce such as mangoes, papaya, pineapple, bananas, oranges, watermelon, avocado, callaloo, cabbage, tomatoes, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, yams, cassava, plantains and other locally grown foods. Many of these foods can travel a relatively short distance from farms and gardens to markets and kitchens. This does not automatically make everyone living in a tropical country healthier. Lifestyle, portion sizes, physical activity, income, food choices and access to nutritious foods all matter. However, having fresh produce readily available can make it easier to build a healthy eating pattern. The World Health Organization recommends a diet based largely on minimally processed ...