Jackfruit,
botanically known as Artocarpus heterophyllus, is a huge tropical tree in the
mulberry and fig family. It is typically native to South East Asia and has
originated in India. Nowadays, the jackfruit tree is widely cultivated
throughout many tropical regions of the world, especially in Vietnam and
Thailand- the two largest producers and exporters of this fruit. Despite the
blunt thorn-like outer surface, the fruit is not only deliciously sweet in
taste but also packed with many nutrients and health benefits.
Nutritional value
Jackfruit is
an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, electrolytes,
carbohydrate, fiber and protein. One serving of 100 grams of edible jackfruit
bulbs provides 95 calories, but contains no cholesterol and saturated fats. It
is one of the rare fruits high in B-complex group of vitamins and also rich in
vitamin C, magnesium and potassium. Look at the nutrition chart of jackfruit
for details.
Health benefits
Optimizing immune function
Jackfruit is
a high graded anti-oxidant owing to dense concentration of vitamin C. It
strengthens immune function and protects the body from common diseases like
cough, flu and cold or critical conditions like cancer and tumors.
Providing a high energy source
Jackfruit
contains high amount of calories and carbohydrates but no cholesterol and hardly
any fats. Further, it has a healthy amount of simple sugar such as fructose and
sucrose that are easily digested by the body and give instant energy. In other
words, people with diabetes who are suffering from high glucose levels and
sugar spikes can enjoy the fruit without worrying about the sugar levels.
Maintaining blood pressure and cardiovascular health
Potassium is
one of the key components that regulate blood pressure. Normally, our body
needs 4700 mg of potassium daily. Optimum balance of potassium helps control
the sodium level in the body. Thus, potassium deficiency can drive sodium
levels out of control causing substantial damage to heart and the arteries. Besides,
potassium plays an important role in coordinating and maintaining muscle function
including heart muscles. Jackfruit contains a good amount of potassium which
contributes to 10% of our daily requirement.
Aiding digestion
Jackfruit
involves both soluble and insoluble fiber with soluble content of 25% of the
total fiber. Soluble fiber is known as the one which is digested and releases
energy whereas insoluble fiber just passes through the gastrointestinal tract
which adds bulk to stools and softens them for easier exit. It keeps the tract
clean, reduces a build-up and prevents constipation.
Improving eyesight
Jackfruit is
a rich source of vitamin A and its equivalent in form of beta carotene and
lutein zeaxanthin that protect eyes from infections, improve eyesight and
prevent vision related problem such as cataract and macular degeneration.
Preventing cancer
Jackfruit
contains anti-oxidants, phytonutrients and flavonoid that build up a barrier
from cancer. Anti-oxidants present in this fruit protect the body from free radicals
that are produced due to oxidative stress in the body causing damage to the DNA
of cells and creating cancer cells. The fruit provides protection against
colon, lung and oral cavity cancers.
Benefiting skin health and ageing
Ageing is
caused by the increase in age and other factors such as pollution, UV
radiations and unhealthy lifestyle. The anti-oxidant properties and high water
content of the fruit can keep skin healthy, hydrated and reduce the wrinkles
and dryness.
Treating asthma
Jackfruit
root has been found to be a highly effective remedy for patients suffering from
asthma. Boiling its root and drinking the fluid can alleviate the symptoms of
the disease.
Strengthening bones
A high amount of calcium in jackfruit helps
strengthen and promote healthy bones. A regular consumption of jackfruit can
manage and prevent bone-related illnesses such as arthritis and osteoporosis.
High potassium content in the fruit also decreases the loss of calcium through
the kidney and increases the calcium density in bone.
Curing anemia
Jackfruit is
choked up with vitamin A, E, C and K, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, copper,
pantothenic acid, manganese and magnesium that are required for blood
formation. This also increases the body’s capacity to absorb iron preventing
and curing anemia.
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