Beauty is always present in the world around us, and a significant part of its charm lies in the incredible diversity of plants and flowers, stunning rock formations, vibrant hues, enticing fragrances, and unique sights.
If you’re a traveler, you surely understand this feeling. One of the most captivating aspects of exploring a new country is the chance to experience nature in ways you’ve never encountered before.
Now, although I’ve never visited Brazil, I was utterly mesmerized when I stumbled upon an image of the jabuticabeira tree. Curious to learn more? Read on!
For those who may not be familiar, the jabuticabeira tree is native to Brazil, and its appearance is truly striking. What intrigues me most is the peculiar way this tree, also known as the Brazilian Grape Tree, produces its fruit. The jabuticaba fruit, which is a deep purplish-black, grows directly from the trunk, giving the impression that the tree is infested with some strange alien creatures.
However, the jabuticaba fruit is not only edible but is also believed to offer numerous health benefits. It’s said to positively affect respiratory functions and can help alleviate issues like diarrhea. Additionally, it’s thought to open bronchial passages, which can aid conditions such as asthma.
Moreover, the jabuticaba fruit is packed with antioxidants, which may lower the risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. This remarkable tree, native to Brazil, allows its fruit to be consumed fresh or transformed into jellies, jams, juices, or even wine. Have you ever come across this stunning fruit before? I certainly hadn’t until now!
The Tragic Reason Why One Man Actually Turned Blue Forever
The world’s most famous blue man, Paul Karason, also dubbed Papa Smurf, was born as a fair-skinned, freckled boy with ginger hair. In the 2000s, he became an internet sensation and made many TV appearances, openly talking about his condition. Let’s find out together why Karason turned blue and how he became a cautionary tale.
Paul Karason had a skin condition that made his skin flake, as well as acid reflux and arthritis. Doing his own research in order to improve these ailments, he found out about a solution of silver in water, also known as colloidal silver.
Colloidal silver was widely used as an antibiotic back before penicillin was invented in the 1930s. It was banned in 1999 in over-the-counter medications after scientists found that it can severely damage internal organs.
The late Paul Karason and his wife, Joanne
Karason drank what he believed was a miracle cure for over 10 years. Moreover, he even began to apply a silver preparation directly to his skin; he claimed his acid reflux and arthritis just went away. “I had arthritis in my shoulders so bad I couldn’t pull a T-shirt off. And the next thing I knew, it was just gone,” he shared.
Due to the silver accumulation in his skin, he started to turn blue and suffered from a permanent and rare condition called argyria. Only when Karason met an old friend who asked him, “What have you done to yourself?” did he begin to realize he’d become blue.
Karason claimed his blue skin had many advantages — he never got sunburns or had to wear sunglasses. There were some side effects he did not appreciate, however, such as folks “being less than polite” to him. Moreover, Karason confessed he couldn’t get a job because of employers’ resistance to hiring “people that are blue or that are noticeably different.”
Sadly, Paul Karason passed away in 2013 when he was 62 years old due to heart complications.
Papa Smurf’s story serves as a valuable lesson about the importance of being careful when it comes to at-home remedies. While it’s natural to want to find easy solutions to health problems, it’s important to be aware that such remedies can sometimes pose serious risks. It’s always better to consult a doctor and follow their advice for a safe and effective treatment.
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