Jackfruit is an aromatic, fleshy fruit renowned for its delicious taste. The unripe form can be utilized to prepare a lip-smacking dishes, and the ripe ones are so juicy and delicious that you can even eat them raw, either singly or as part of a fruit salad! It is also a nice idea to use the ripe fruit as a dessert topping.
A tropical, humid climate supports the growth of jackfruit trees and the countries where it is widely grown are India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. A tree, which can grow to a height of almost 30 meters, can bear as many as 250 fruits. The weight of one fruit varies from 3 kg to 30 kg. The outer surface bears thorny projections which soften as the fruit ripens. Inside the prickly outside are pods or "bulbs", often referred to as the seeds. The true seeds are round and dark like chestnuts found inside the pods. The fleshy part (the "bulb") can be eaten as is, or cut up and cooked.
Jackfruit contains vitamin A, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, potassium, iron, and magneisum among many other nutrients. Some of the health benefits of jackfruit include:
- Ensures Better Gastrointestinal Health: Jackfruits are good for digestion and are known to help cure ulcers and indigestion. Additionally, the high fiber present in the fruit prevents constipation and helps in smooth and regular bowel movements. The fiber also offers protection to the mucous membrane of the colon by driving away the carcinogenic (cancer causing) chemicals from the colon.
- Strengthens Immune System: Jackfruit is a very good source of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that can help prevent colds and infections. Vitamin C helps in the proper functioning of the immune system by supporting the functions of the white blood cells.
- Protection Against Cancer: Apart from containing vitamin C (a powerful antioxidant), jackfruits are also rich in phytonutrients like lignans, isoflavones and saponins that provide protection against cancer. These phytonutrients can help eliminate cancer-causing free radicals from the body and slow down the degeneration of cells that can lead to degenerative diseases.
- Lowers Blood Pressure Levels: Jackfruit is a rich source of potassium, containing around 300 mg in 100 grams of jackfruit. Potassium is important for the body as it helps keep the body fluids and electrolyte balance in body cells and helps in regulating blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Aids in Vision: The fruit contains Vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant which is beneficial for vision as well. The vitamin is also known for maintaining the health of the skin and the mucous membranes and for boosting up the functioning of the immune system.
- Boost of Energy: Jackfruit might be considered as an energy generating fruit due to the presence of simple sugars like fructose and sucrose. Eating the soft, digestible flesh can make you feel revitalized almost instantly.
- Other Benefits: The fruit also contains minerals like manganese, iron and magnesium. Iron prevents anemia while manganese as well as magnesium are essential for bone health. Magnesium is important in the absorption of calcium and work with calcium to help the bones remain strong and prevent bone related disorders. Manganese is needed in the body to build bone and connective tissues. Jackfruit also contain many B-Vitamins like riboflavin, vitamin B6, folic acid and niacin. Niacin is essential to maintain good skin and nervous system, and vitamin B6 helps reduce homocystein levels in the blood (elevated level of homocysteine is associated with cardiovascular diseases).
Jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world. You can consider adding a few pieces in your breakfast menu. Oatmeal immersed in low-fat milk and a fruit salad consisting of delicious fruits would allow you to eat a power-packed meal! It would keep you going for the whole day!
Disadvantage of jack fruit is high in calories, high in sugars, which is not good for diabetes, obesity people. For normal person also should take limited amount.