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Last Updated on May 5, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta
Jackfruit is a unique and exotic fruit that can grow up to 3 feet long and 20 inches wide. This makes it the largest tree fruit in the world. Its origins are from the rain forests of India. However, nowadays you may find it in many parts of the world including Thailand, Australia, Africa, Brazil, and the Philippines. Despite its popularity in some cultures, it is still relatively unknown in the western countries. Jackfruits can have a lot of health benefits.
The outside of a jackfruit is green or yellow with a spiky texture, while the inside contains a sweet and fragrant pulp that tastes like a combination of pineapple and bananas. Even the seeds are edible, with up to 500 per fruit that can reach an impressive inch and a half in length.
Health benefits of jackfruit
Helps lower high blood sugar
Jackfruit is a nutritious fruit that contains fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Its low glycemic index, which is due to its fibre content, can help regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down digestion and preventing blood sugar spikes. The protein content in jackfruit may also help prevent rapid increases in blood sugar levels after meals. Studies show that consuming jackfruit extract can improve blood sugar levels and provide long-term blood sugar control in diabetic mice. Researchers think that these benefits are due to the flavonoid antioxidants found in jackfruit.
Helps prevent colon cancer
Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a type of cancer that develops in the colon or rectum of the large intestine. Symptoms of colon cancer include blood in the stool, changes in bowel movements, fatigue, weight loss, and persistent abdominal discomfort. While it is more common among older adults, it can happen at any age. Recent studies suggest that jackfruit may have potential in treating colon cancer. Researchers believe that the phytonutrients present in jackfruit, such as lignans, isoflavones, and saponins, may have anti-cancer, anti-hypersensitivity, anti-ulcer, and anti-aging properties. Additionally, studies have shown that jackfruit contains compounds with chemoprotective properties that can reduce the mutagenicity of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells.
Gives relief from constipation
Jackfruit is rich in insoluble fibre which makes it an excellent food for improving bowel movement. When consumed in the form of carbohydrates, the amount of insoluble fibre obtained from jackfruit is higher than that obtained from rice. This fibre acts like a “bottle brush” to clean and purify the intestines. Additionally, the dietary fibre in jackfruit makes it a suitable bulk laxative. Overall, the fibre-rich content of jackfruit helps maintain smooth bowel activity in the digestive tract.
Enhances Immunity
Jacalin is a protein found in jackfruit seeds that is made up of two parts, one heavy and one light, and forms a structure called a lectin. Jacalin is special because it can strongly stimulate a type of immune cell called CD4+ T lymphocytes in humans making it a valuable tool for assessing the immune status of patients infected with HIV-1.
Enhances dental health
According to a study, jackfruit latex extract has antibacterial and antifungal properties that are comparable to standard antibacterial and antifungal drugs. The study suggests that the jackfruit latex or resin can be used as a cheaper alternative for dental fillings, denture cleaning solutions, and other medical purposes. It can also be used as a cementing medium and irrigation solution for cleaning wounds or body cavities.
Lowers Blood Pressure and protects heart health
The jackfruit is a fruit that is high in potassium, which is beneficial for reducing blood pressure and counteracting the negative effects of sodium, which can increase blood pressure and impact the heart and blood vessels. This can help prevent heart disease, strokes, bone loss, and improve muscle and nerve function. Additionally, the vitamin B6 found in jackfruit can help lower the levels of homocysteine in the blood, which in turn reduces the risk of developing heart disease.
Helps beat anaemia
According to the study, jackfruit leaves have the highest concentration of iron compared to other parts of the fruit. Iron is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in energy metabolism by transporting oxygen in haemoglobin. Deficiency of iron can lead to anaemia and impaired synthesis of ATP, which is the primary energy currency of cells. Therefore, consuming jackfruit leaves, which are rich in iron, can help prevent iron deficiency and improve energy metabolism.
Helps in Bone mineralization
According to the study, jackfruit leaves were found to contain a significantly higher amount of calcium compared to the pulp and seeds. However, the calcium content in jackfruit leaves was lower when compared to other fruits and leaves. The findings of this study reported that jackfruit seeds have a higher calcium content than the pulp. Calcium plays a crucial role in various metabolic processes in the body, including its involvement in the development of rickets, osteoporosis, and osteomalacia.
Conclusion
Jackfruit is a highly nutritious fruit that contains antioxidants and various health benefits, including better blood sugar control. It can be easily incorporated into meals as a meat substitute for vegetarians and vegans. Though fresh jackfruit is seasonal, canned jackfruit is available year-round in most grocery stores. Trying jackfruit in your diet is a healthy choice and a fun way to explore new foods.
FAQ on Jackfruit
Should I eat jackfruit if I have a heart condition?
Yes. Jackfruit is rich in potassium that lowers blood pressure and vitamin B6 that reduces the risk of heart disease by decreasing homocysteine levels.
Should I eat jackfruit if I have a kidney problem?
No. It is recommended to limit your intake of potassium-rich foods like jackfruit, as foods that are high in potassium can be harmful for people suffering from kidney issues.
Should I eat jackfruit if I have a liver problem?
No. Jackfruit contains some compounds that may affect liver enzymes and metabolism. This may interfere with liver function or medications you are taking for your liver problems.
Should I eat jackfruit if I have diabetes?
Yes, jackfruit can be a healthy addition to a diabetic's diet as it is a low glycemic index (GI) fruit, which means that it releases sugar into the bloodstream slowly and does not cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. Additionally, jackfruit contains fibre which can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
Should I eat jackfruit if I have high cholesterol?
Yes, you can eat jackfruit if you have high cholesterol as it is low in saturated fat and high in fibre, which can help lower cholesterol levels.
Should I eat jackfruit if my bones are weak?
Yes. You can eat jackfruit if your bones are weak as it contains calcium, potassium, and magnesium, which are essential minerals for bone health. Calcium is necessary for the development and maintenance of strong bones, while potassium and magnesium help prevent bone loss. Additionally, jackfruit also contains vitamin C, which plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis, a protein that is vital for bone health.
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