Jackfruit is a tropical fruit that’s full of flavour and beneficial nutrients for your body. It has more protein and almost every vitamin and mineral you need compared to similar fruits. People are talking more about jackfruit benefits as they range from tasting sweet and can even being used to make many yummy dishes. Plus, it’s really good for your health!
Jackfruit is the world’s biggest tree fruit, and it can be huge, up to 3 feet long and 20 inches wide. Imagine a fruit that weighs as much as 20 Kg – that’s one big jackfruit! It’s grown in places like India, Thailand, Australia, Africa, Brazil, and the Philippines, and now it’s recently become popular in the United States.
Jackfruit has a green or yellow, spiky rind. When it’s ripe and ready to eat, it might smell like rotting onions on the outside, but the inside is delicious, smells good and tastes like a mix of pineapple and bananas. You can even eat the seeds- a single jackfruit can have up to 500 seeds, each about an inch and a half long, which adds up to the jackfruit benefits.
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There are two main types of jackfruits. One is small and mushy but sweet, while the other has a crisp and not-so-sweet flesh. Jackfruit belongs to the Moraceae plant family, which also includes mulberries, figs, and breadfruit. This big, yellow fruit is not only tasty but also healthy. It’s a great source of vitamin C and other important nutrients.
A cup of sliced jackfruit provides 157 calories, 1g of fat, 38g of carbohydrates, 2.8g of protein, and 2.5g of fibre. Compared to most fruits, jackfruit is relatively high in protein, with 3g per serving, though not as much as meat. But the protein content is much more than we see in similar servings of fruits and vegetables.
Because of its fibrous texture, people often use jackfruit as a meat substitute in vegetarian or vegan dishes. Here in this article will discuss more about why jackfruit is good for your health, and what are some other jackfruit benefits.
Jackfruit, packed with antioxidants, strengthens your immune system, aiding in better infection resistance. Jackfruit’s gut-friendly fibre content, combined with vitamin C and beta-carotene, indicates its potential to support immune health and possibly reduce the risk of viral infections. It is one of the primary jackfruit benefits.
Moreover, a compound found in the seeds of Jackfruit seems to activate crucial immune cells known as neutrophils. These immune cells play a vital role in our first line of defence, enhancing the response of other immune cells and initiating and mediating the inflammatory process. This suggests that jackfruit may have immune-boosting properties by activating key components of the body’s defence system.
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With 94 Kcal in a 100 gm serving, jackfruit’s healthy carbohydrates provide a quick and digestible energy boost. Jackfruit is fairly cheap and for non-vegetarian lovers, it has a similar texture to Chicken and can be used to cook culinary dishes. Jackfruits are a major source of calories and carbs for people in developing countries who are at risk of starvation.
Jackfruit has the potential to reduce inflammation in the body. A cup of sliced jackfruit contains 22.6 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C. According to the National Institutes of Health, men should aim for 90 mg of vitamin C daily, while women should aim for 75 mg.
With just one serving of jackfruit, you’re getting more than 20 per cent of your daily requirement. Foods rich in vitamin C, like jackfruit, may contribute to lowering inflammation, consequently reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
In addition to the already discussed Jackfruit benefits, it contains potassium and fibre, two nutrients known for promoting a healthy heart. The American Heart Association notes that potassium helps counteract the adverse effects of sodium on blood pressure.
A diet rich in fibre, as found in jackfruit, has been associated with lower cholesterol levels, as well as reductions in blood pressure and inflammation, contributing to overall cardiovascular health.
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Jackfruit’s soluble and insoluble fibres aid digestion by producing energy and adding bulk to stool, promoting smooth bowel movements. There is a suggestion that jackfruit may aid in clearing cancer-causing toxins from the large bowel and protect the mucous membrane of the colon.
Jackfruit can contribute to promoting healthy skin due to its rich vitamin C and antioxidant content. These elements in jackfruit are beneficial for improving skin health and preventing issues like ageing. Vitamin C plays a vital role in collagen production, which gives the skin a plump and smooth appearance.
Moreover, studies have suggested that a higher intake of vitamin C is associated with a reduced likelihood of having wrinkled skin.
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Antioxidants, phytonutrients, and flavonoids in jackfruit combat toxins and free radicals, reducing the risk of cancer. However, it’s essential to note that relying on jackfruit or any other single food item for cancer prevention or treatment is not a comprehensive or scientifically proven approach.
A stomach ulcer, also known as a gastric ulcer, is a type of peptic ulcer typically caused by an infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori. These ulcers result from ongoing damage to the stomach lining due to the infection or other factors.
Traditional use suggests that jackfruits may offer relief from gastric ulcers. While there is some historical evidence supporting the use of jackfruit for managing gastric ulcers, more human studies are needed to understand the exact mechanisms involved.
Therefore, it is important not to use jackfruit as a remedy for stomach ulcers without consulting your doctor first. Seeking professional advice ensures a safe and effective approach to managing any health condition, including gastric ulcers.
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Abundant in vitamin A, jackfruit protects the eyes from infections, free radicals, and harmful light waves, improving eyesight.
Incorporating jackfruit into your diet has the potential to aid in weight loss. While jackfruit’s 2.5 g of fibre per serving may not be exceptionally high compared to some other produce, it contributes to reaching the recommended daily fibre intake – 21 to 25 g for women and 30 to 38 g for men.
Many people fall short on their fibre intake, and this nutrient is crucial for weight loss as it adds bulk to your diet. It can help you feel fuller for longer, reducing the likelihood of unnecessary snacking and grazing.
Additionally, using jackfruit as a meat substitute can save you calories. One of the most important Jackfruit benefits is that it has fewer calories than most meats, naturally reducing caloric intake when used in this way. For example, a 150 g serving of jackfruit has 157 calories (before adding any sauces), compared to 375 calories in 150 g of pulled pork.
Skipping meat in favour of a plant-based diet has been linked to weight loss, as many studies suggest. This could be attributed to increased consumption of fibre and plant proteins, along with a reduction in saturated fats and animal proteins.
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Jackfruit’s antioxidants counteract free radicals, slowing down the ageing process caused by oxidative stress. Jackfruit contains phytonutrients such as lignans, isoflavones, and saponins, which can have an anti-ageing effect on the skin.
High in calcium, jackfruit fortifies bones, while potassium reduces calcium loss through the kidneys, managing bone disorders. Jackfruit is also noted for its high magnesium content, and magnesium is considered beneficial for bone health. Magnesium plays a crucial role in calcium absorption and may contribute to the overall strength of bones.
There is some indication that it could potentially aid in managing bone disorders such as osteoporosis. However, it’s important to emphasise that more scientific studies are necessary to firmly establish the role of jackfruit in promoting bone health in humans.
Jackfruit’s iron content prevents disorders like anaemia, aids metabolism, and, along with vitamin C, magnesium, and copper, improves blood quality.
Jackfruit helps control asthma symptoms triggered by pollution by eliminating harmful free radicals in the body.
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Jackfruit has the potential to lower blood sugar levels, thanks to its low score on the glycemic index (GI). The GI measures how quickly the carbohydrates in a food impact blood sugar (glucose). A low GI score implies a slower and more gradual rise in blood sugar levels, which may contribute to a feeling of fullness and satisfaction for a longer duration.
Additionally, phytonutrients found in the leaves of the jackfruit plant appear to enhance glucose tolerance, benefiting both individuals with normal blood sugar control and those with diabetes. However, it’s essential to note that we typically consume the flesh of the fruit rather than the leaves.
Copper-rich jackfruit promotes thyroid metabolism, ensuring healthy hormone production and absorption, benefiting those with thyroid disorders. As jackfruit contains a significant amount of copper, there is a suggestion that the consumption of jackfruit may contribute to maintaining the health of the thyroid gland. Copper is considered essential for thyroid gland metabolism and may play a role in hormone production.
While there is some indication of the potential relationship between copper and thyroid health, it’s important to note that more scientific studies are needed to establish the specific impact of jackfruit on the thyroid gland.
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Jackfruit root acts as a remedy for skin diseases, and its extract can be used to treat cases of fever. Prolonged sun exposure can harm the skin in various ways, leading to issues like sunburn, premature ageing, immune suppression, skin cancer, and oxidative damage.
Vitamin C, found in jackfruit, is beneficial for the skin as it acts as a potent antioxidant. This vitamin plays a crucial role in collagen production, the protein responsible for providing firmness, structure, and strength to the skin. Furthermore, the antioxidant properties of vitamin C may help counteract oxidative stress caused by sun exposure.
Jackfruit contains a significant amount of vitamin C, which is essential for the skin. Since our bodies don’t produce this vitamin internally, it’s crucial to obtain it from our diet, and jackfruit serves as a rich source.
However, if you have any existing skin conditions, it’s advisable to consult with a dermatologist before using any herbs or vegetables, including jackfruit. Seeking professional advice ensures that you choose the right skincare approach tailored to your specific needs.
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All in all, jackfruit not only delights the taste buds but also offers numerous health advantages. From its high nutritional content to potential immune-boosting properties, jackfruit is a versatile and healthy addition to your diet. Explore the Jackfruit benefits for heart health, digestion, skin, weight loss, and more. While it’s not a miracle cure, incorporating jackfruit into your meals can contribute to a well-rounded and nutritious lifestyle.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is compiled information from generic and public sources. It is in no way a substitute, suggestion, or advice for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. BeatoApp does not claim responsibility for this information .
Dr. Navneet Agarwal is an established and highly skilled Diabetology with over 25 years of experience in Diabetology & Obesity. He is well-regarded for his quality and patient-centered diabetes care. Also, keep track of your blood sugar levels with a Doctors’ approved smart glucometer and elevate your healthcare routine.