There are more reasons to eat fruit. Fruits are the sweetest medicine of all There are more reasons to eat fruit. Nothing severe health better than fruit. As they are rich in nutrients and vitamins, they blend according to the needs of the individual.
If the fruits are correctly balanced on the plate, then it leads to a healthy and balanced life. Make you live as sweet and healthy as jackfruit.
What is Jackfruit?
Jack fruit goes with the scientific name Artocarpus heterophyllus, grows in the tropical region. Jackfruit is native to South India. Both the tree and the fruit goes by the same name as jackfruit. The interesting fact about jackfruit is that it grows in both the branches and trunks of the tree.
Like any other fruit, jackfruit also has a unique appearance. It has a spiky outer skin that is green or yellowish, the edible part of the fruit is yellow. The skin of the fruit is hard to peel off, but the hardest task follows up by the sweetest fruit.
The season of jackfruit is from March to June. The fruit is large and ranges between 30 - 5o pounds. The taste of the fruit is sweet and juicy. Both the pulp and seed of the fruit is edible.
Nutrients with jackfruit
Jackfruit is good for health, it is high in calories, vitamins and minerals that are essential for health. The taste of the fruit differs some may taste sweet and juicy and some may taste mildly sweet and crisp.
- Calories: 157
- Fat: 1 gram
- Carbohydrate: 34.3 grams
- Fibre: 2.5 grams
- Protein: 3 grams
- Vitamin A: 10%
- Vitamin C: 18%
- Riboflavin: 11%
- Magnesium: 15%
- Potassium: 14%
- Copper: 15%
- Manganese: 16%
Here are the benefits offered by jackfruit.
Improves immune system
Jack fruit is rich in vitamin A and C. Most of us know that vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to boost immunity. Apart from the antioxidant vitamin C, the fruit also has anti-bacterial and anti-viral traits. Thus, aids to combat disease-causing viruses and bacteria.
Jack fruit has 18% of vitamin C and ascorbic acid that acts as a natural laxative and uplifts the immune system. Vitamin C plays a vital role in the growth and repairs the body tissues.
Studies prove that consumption of jackfruit can reduce the risk of developing diseases like cold, flu, cough, fever, etc. The reason behind this is the presence of vitamin C.
Aids indigestion
Luckily jackfruit has both soluble and insoluble fibre. Particularly the seed of jackfruit is a rich source of both soluble and insoluble fibre. Almost jackfruit has 3 grams of fibre, so the fibre regulates digestion, heals indigestion and promotes smooth bowel movement, thus preventing constipation and bloating.
Fibre also helps to excrete the waste out of the body in time. As mentioned, the seeds of jackfruit are the storehouse of fibre, the seed is safe to consume. Furthermore, it performs the additional task of removing carcinogenic chemicals from the colon (part of the large intestine). Here, jackfruit enhances the digestive system of the body.
Fights cancer
The research found that jackfruit exhibits anti-cancer properties. The antioxidants, phytonutrients and vitamin C of the jackfruit help to fight against cancer. Thus, the fruit has good resistance to Lung Cancer, Skin Cancer and Prostate Cancer.
The fruit does not act as a treating agent; it reduces the risk of cancerous growth in the body. The above-mentioned antioxidants escalate or neutralize the free radicals, hence cutting off the cell damage caused by oxidation. This role is performed by the phytochemicals in the jackfruit. So, jackfruit exhibit the property to combat cancer.
Uplifts the energy
It is believed that jackfruit provides an immense energy boost to the body. The main cause behind the boost of energy is that jackfruit is rich in natural sugar, such as fructose and sucrose. These natural sugars promote the fruit as moderate or low-glycemic fruit and easy to digest.
Apart from the natural sugars, the presence of a high amount of calories and carbohydrates in the fruits helps to boost energy. As the fruit is cholesterol-free it leaves no risk for an increase in cholesterol level. The instant energy is gained from the natural sugar provided by the jackfruit.
Blood pressure and heart health
Blood pressure has turned into a common problem, the rise in blood pressure can cause life-threatening heart diseases. Jackfruit has a high level of potassium that helps to regulate the blood pressure in the body. So, potassium acts as a neutralizer that heals the tension of blood vessels, promotes the blood flow to different parts of the body and reduces blood pressure.
The fibre and antioxidant properties of jackfruit help to promote cardiovascular health. The fibre minimizes the cholesterol level, the potassium balances the sodium level in the body and prevents artery damage. The potassium also helps in muscle contraction and improves nerve signals.
Healthy eyes
When the topic turns toward eye health, vitamin A becomes a vital vitamin for the eyes. Jackfruit inhibits the vitamins and nutrients that benefit the eye. It contains a high content of vitamin A, so it improves the eye's health and enhances eye power.
Beta-carotene, vitamin A, zeaxanthin and lutein in jackfruit helps in protecting the eyes from harmful light waves like UV rays. The beta-carotene gets transformed into vitamin A inside the body. It also improves the function of the cornea and conjunctival membrane.
Zeaxanthin and lutein are the only two antioxidants that get deposited in large amount in the retina, they help to filter harmful ray and protect and enhances healthy eye function. So, jack fruit benefits the overall eye health.
Nourishes skin health and reduces ageing
Apart from all the health benefits, the benefit of jackfruit extends to protecting the skin from harmful UV rays and preventing it from premature ageing. The nutrient, antioxidants and vitamin C are the reason that improves skin health.
Research believe that vitamin C promotes the production of collagen, which makes the skin smooth. The antioxidant takes the part to slow down the ageing process. Along with antioxidants, the phytonutrients in the jackfruit are said to have anti-ageing properties. So, all together jackfruit benefits in reducing ageing and promoting skin health.
Boost bone health
The immediate vitamin that our brain pictures, as soon as we hear the word bone health, is calcium. Being rich in potassium, iron and calcium, jackfruit treats osteoporosis (bone loss).
Calcium is the main source of bone health. The calcium in the jack fruit help to promote bone health. The magnesium uplifts the calcium absorption in the bone and phosphorous, manganese, iron and zinc are the other nutrients that promote bone health thus reducing bone disease and weakness.
Diabetes
Jackfruit is good for diabetes. The low-glycemic property of jackfruit makes the food good for diabetes. Jackfruit is found to have a moderate or low glycemic load than rice and wheat. However, over consumption of jackfruit can increase the blood sugar level, so people with diabetes are advised to limit their consumption of jackfruit.
The research found that certain chemicals in jackfruit help to reduce diabetes complications because they increase glucose tolerance for both diabetes (diabetes type 1 and 2). The fibre content in the fruit is the reason for the stabilization of the blood sugar level.
Helps in weight loss
Jackfruit helps in reducing weight, potentially because of the fibre content in the fruit. Fibre plays an essential role in reducing weight. As the fruit satisfies the recommended amount of fibre it keeps the stomach full, hence reducing unnecessary food cravings.
Cures Asthma
Jackfruit’s benefit extends to curing Asthma. Asthma is a respiratory problem that is common among people. The magnesium in jackfruit takes a role in treating the symptoms of Asthma. It is highly believed that the root of jackfruit is beneficial in treating the person suffering from Asthma.
Ulcer
Ulcer is the occurred damage to the skin caused by stomach acid. Jackfruit treats stomach ulcers. The natural chemicals in the fruit help in treating ulcer sores.
Jackfruit during pregnancy
Many will have the question, “Is jackfruit safe to consume during pregnancy?” The answer is yes, but pregnant women should limit their consumption. Jackfruit produces a lot of heat in the body and that is the reason why jackfruit is not advised for pregnant women.
Here is the benefit of jackfruit during pregnancy.
- Provides ample nutrients for both the mother and the baby
- Promotes digestion
- Regulates the blood pressure
- Prevents Anaemia
- Minimizes the stress
- If jackfruit is consumed in excess then it follows up the following side effects in pregnant women.
- Increase the chance of diabetes
- The heat of jackfruit may cause diarrhoea and digestive disorder
- An allergic reaction
- Other health complications
Apart from the list of benefits, it is better to limit jackfruit consumption during pregnancy. Also, diabetic women are advised to avoid jackfruit because it can fluctuate the glucose level.
Is jackfruit safe for children?
Jackfruit is good for children above 1 or 1.5 years. Before giving it to children, be cautious about the side effects of jackfruit. At the same time start with a smaller quantity so that if the baby turns out to be allergic, it can be stopped with minimal consequence.
However, excessive consumption should be avoided as it may cause diarrhoea and stomach pain or upset.
Jackfruit seeds
Do you know that jackfruit seeds also benefit health? Only a few fruits seeds offer benefits in large numbers, jackfruit falls under the category. When compared with the fruit the seeds of the jackfruit also hold equal benefits.
The seeds blend along with any of the recipes, whether it is boiled, grilled or floured the benefits do not differ. The seeds are abundant in nutrients such as riboflavin and thiamine. The following rundown lists the surplus benefits of jackfruit seeds.
Fights wrinkles
Yes, it is a fact that jackfruit fights wrinkles. If you are looking to treat wrinkles naturally then jackfruit serves as the best home remedy. Other than the fruit the seeds are believed to treat wrinkles better and faster.
Wrinkles are the symptoms of premature ageing and jackfruit performs the magic to make it vanish naturally. As the seeds are more beneficial, try to make a paste out of jackfruit seeds and apply it to the skin regularly.
Apart from preventing ageing and vanishing wrinkles, jackfruit also provides flawless skin and improves skin texture. The jackfruit seed paste goes well with milk and honey for the best home remedy to treat wrinkles.
Prevents Anaemia
Jackfruit seeds help to treat and prevent Anaemia. The lack of vitamins and minerals, in particular, the falling level of iron in the body is the major cause of anaemia. The iron content in jackfruit promotes it as a suitable fruit to increase the iron level and minimise the risk of developing iron deficiency disease.
Iron plays a vital role in the production of haemoglobin and exports oxygen to the muscles and body tissues. Consuming jackfruit enhances iron which improves the haemoglobin thus preventing the risk of Anaemia.
Healthy hair
The seeds of the jackfruit promote healthy hair and are good in preventing anti-scalp irritation, dandruff and inflammation. The presence of vitamin A promotes growth and treats brittle hair.
The amazing benefit of jackfruit seeds also improves blood circulation on the scalp. The lack of blood circulation is the reason behind hair fall and other complications. Thus the seeds of jackfruit enrich overall hair health.
Aids mental stress and skin diseases
The antioxidant, nutrients and other micronutrients are the reason that promotes the jackfruit to treat mental stress and skin diseases.
Relieve indigestion
The seeds of jackfruit hold the properties to relieve indigestion instantly. For better results dry the seeds in the sun and grind them to get the powder out of them. Then add the powder to water to provide instant relief for indigestion.
Builds muscles
Vitamin A plays a vital role in muscle growth. The high protein and vitamins in jackfruit help in muscle growth and the fruit are also free from cholesterol.
Side effects of jackfruit and its seeds
Every fruit leaves a certain amount of side effects in some people. In the same way, jackfruit also has certain side effects. Even though it does not leave any adverse side effects, it causes allergies in people.
Apart from allergies the side effects also include an increase in coagulation for people with blood problems. Also, increases or fluctuate blood sugar in a diabetic patient.
Research believe that the lectins extracted from the jackfruit seed may cause immune stimulative impact in people with tissue transplantation or immunosuppression therapy. The overheating produced in the body due to the excessive consumption of jackfruit may cause diarrhoea and stomach pain.
How to Cut the jackfruit?
To cut the jackfruit may be a herculean task, as the skin is hard it requires enormous strength to cut it off. But the taste and benefits of the fruit are worth the heavy task.
The task is heavy because of the outer skin that is hard and spiky. Here are the steps to cut the jackfruit.
Step 1: Using a knife, cut the fruit into two half. It is advisable to apply little or moderate amounts of oil to reduce the disturbance of sticky sap.
Step 2: Cut the fruit into other half or quarters. Then remove the white flesh that holds the fruit.
Step 3: To reduce the hindrance of sticky sap, apply oil to the hands. Then loosen the fruit from the white fibrous layer.
Step 4: Make a small cut in the middle of the fruit, so that it could expose the seed. Take them out and store them separately.
If all the above processes are done, then the fruit is all ready to get served on the plate.
How to store jackfruit?
As said it is advised to eat fresh fruit because the taste of the fresh fruit is different from that of the stored fruit. Jackfruit can be stored in the refrigerator but not more than two-three weeks.
Conclusion
Jackfruit is rich in taste and benefits. It provides benefits in all possible ways, it has the vitamins and nutrients to replace a meal. Both the fruit and seeds improve overall health if consumed in moderate amounts.
The seeds can be added to the curry or you can prepare your recipe to serve it hot and healthy. Jackfruit is a seasonal fruit, so enjoy the season as it offers.
