We all watched as the Jamaica’s Usain Bolt blew away his own world records in track and field at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, and we are holding our breath to see if he can do it again in London in 2012.  Bolt isn’t Jamaica’s only star sprinter heading into next year’s summer Olympics.  Thirteen Jamaicans came home from China with Olympic medals.  The island is hoping for more from London.

Now, one of Jamaica’s leading nutritional scientists is saying that the key to the Jamaica’s success may be something available to you and me!

Professor Errol Morrison of the University of Technology of Jamaica has done extensive research on why Jamaicans can manage so much speed.   His latest findings are pointing to two important staples in the island diet; yams and bananas.
Morrison says it’s just a hypothesis right now, but his findings have a basis in biochemistry. Yams are rich in hyposteroids, which can stimulate the body, and green bananas are high in phytate, which helps increase energy.   He also says yams and bananas may not actually make Jamaicans run faster, but these nutrients could be key in helping them maintain that high speed for longer periods of time.

It’s not a bad reason to consider a Caribbean vacation rental in Jamaica, so you can come down to spend a week eating some of the world’s freshest and most nutritious fruits and vegetables.  However, there is something else you should know.  It takes a few years for the effect to take place.

Morrison says the Jamaican diet is rich in fresh yams and bananas, and children here are exposed to these rich nutrients regularly, starting at an early age.   There are also a lot of organized track and field groups here for kids, so that also helps their muscles grow and absorb the excellent nutrition in the food.

So why not come on down and take a few cooking lessons at the Tryall Club Jamaica, so you can work more healthy fresh fruits, vegetables and a taste of Jamaica into your diet here, or even back at home!