HEALTH BENEFITS OF JACKFRUIT
Whether you are making spicy Mexican tacos, savory Indian curry, or just a regular morning smoothie, Jackfruit is a secret ingredient loaded with beneficial nutrients. Jackfruit, scientifically known as Artocarpus heterophyllus, is a tropical tree fruit grown in Asia, Africa, and South America and belongs to the Moraceae plant family, including fig, mulberry, and breadfruit. One unique attribute of Jackfruit is its considerable size, as it can weigh anywhere between 40 pounds to 80 pounds (35kgs). It has spiky yellow or green skin on the outside, shaped like an oblong mango, and has a sweet and fruity flavor that resembles apple and banana flavor combined.
When it’s unripe, it has a neutral taste that blends well with any sauce or seasoning. It can be consumed raw or cooked both depending on taste, and it is very filling due to its high carb content. It also substitutes as a good meat alternative for vegans, because its consistency is similar to shredded meat.
Aside from being a treat for tastebuds, it can have a beneficial impact on the body’s inner health, as it’s packed with many minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants required for good health.
According to USDA, one cup of sliced Jackfruit contains 157 calories, 2.5 grams of fiber, 2.8 grams of protein, 38 grams of carbs, and 40 milligrams of calcium.
Once a ripe Jackfruit is cut, it can get rotten quickly. To keep it fresh, Jackfruit should be stored in a cool and dry place. Jackfruit can be stored in a refrigerator for a week. Mentioned below are some of the proven benefits of adding this fruit to daily diet.
Besides being packed with a typical blend of minerals and vitamins, Jackfruit is loaded with many antioxidants, magnesium, vitamin B6, and fiber. It is a good source of calcium, vitamin C, vitamin A, copper, manganese, potassium, iron, zinc, niacin, and riboflavin. Jackfruit is a rich source of phytonutrients that have anticancer, antiulcer, and anti-inflammatory properties. Due to its high protein content, it is an excellent option for vegetarians and vegans to add to their diet. It is said that Jackfruit contains 3 grams of protein per cup, which is relatively higher than the protein content in apples or bananas. It has low-calorie content and is free of fats and bad cholesterol, and is also anti-bacterial and antiviral, which is an excellent support to the immune system. Moreover, the combination of potassium, fiber, and antioxidants can benefit heart health.
High-density cholesterol, also known as good cholesterol, is different from low-density cholesterol because it transports the excess cholesterol to the liver, which is then expelled from the body. However, low-density cholesterol gets collected in the arteries and can potentially lead to a heart attack or stroke. Hence, it is also called bad cholesterol. Jackfruit seeds do the job of reducing the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing the high-density cholesterol.
Due to its high measures of potassium, Jackfruit can lower and control blood pressure. Raw Jackfruit provides about 739 mg of potassium per cup serving. The American Health Association suggests that every healthy adult should consume 4700 mg of potassium a day, as it lowers blood pressure, which further staves off heart disease, stroke, and cardio disorder.
The Glycemic Index is a measure for rating how specific foods affect an individual’s glucose levels. Foods rich in fiber slow down the digestion process and avoid instant spikes of blood sugar levels. Fortunately, Jackfruit has high fiber content and a relatively low glycemic index. One study found that adults who consumed jackfruit extract had noteworthy improved blood sugar levels. Hence, it can be safely consumed by diabetic patients while getting all its health benefits. Jackfruit has a rich flavonoid antioxidant value which balances glucose levels, and it also has some protein that prevents blood sugar levels from rising too quickly after a meal.
The seeds of this fruit contain prebiotics essential for the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Eating Jackfruit is a good choice to improve calcium in the body. It is a significant source of calcium and is rich in vitamin C and magnesium that aid in calcium absorption.
Being a good source of vitamin C, Jackfruit leads to a healthy immune system. Vitamin C is required by the body to produce collagen, which plays a crucial role in wound healing. Also, studies have shown that Jackfruit contains anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that promote quick healing of wounds.
Free radicals are produced in the body when our bodies use oxygen, and they can damage cells further, leading to many diseases, including cancer. Jackfruit contains phytochemicals like saponins and tannins that have antioxidant properties and can potentially reduce the free radical activity in the body. Phytochemicals also avert new blood vessels from growing around cancerous cells, thereby reducing the cell’s blood supply and growth. Due to the vitamin C in it, Jackfruit cures different types of cancer, such as lung cancer, breast cancer, skin cancer, and prostate cancer.
Vitamin A is required for the proper development and functioning of our eyes and skin. Jackfruit, due to its richness in vitamin A, promotes healthy eyesight and eye vision. It also protects against skin damage caused by sun exposure, treats wrinkles, and is regarded as an active anti-aging component.
Jackfruit contributes to promoting quality sleep because of its richness in magnesium and iron. Moreover, magnesium is known as a treatment for anemia that further assists in treating insomnia.
The sweet and delicious Jackfruit is one of nature’s miracles, loaded with many beneficial nutrients. Every part of the tree, including the seeds, leaves, bark, flower, and pulp, has its distinct qualities. Other than the qualities mentioned above, it can also act as a weight loss agent, ulcer healer, and nerve system booster. Therefore, one must add this breathtaking fruit into a daily diet to acquire maximum health benefits.
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