5 Amazing health benefits of eating JACKFRUIT
03/17/2020 / By Joanne Washburn / Comments
5 Amazing health benefits of eating JACKFRUIT

Jackfruit, the national fruit of Bangladesh, is popular across South Asia and Southeast Asia, including India, Malaysia, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Jackfruit tastes just as sweet as its fig and breadfruit relatives, but its dense, fibrous texture is more reminiscent of pulled pork than fruit meat. Because of this meat-like texture, jackfruit is widely consumed as a healthy vegan meat replacement in many countries.

Jackfruit is often mistaken for the pungent durian fruit due to its rough, bumpy surface and elongated shape. However, unlike the durian whose seeds are poisonous, jackfruit seeds are perfectly edible, tasty and nutritious. In fact, jackfruit seeds are loaded with nutrients and minerals, including protein, phosphorus and magnesium, that are instrumental in maintaining physical well-being and preventing health complications. Here are some well-known health benefits that you can get by eating jackfruits:

Stronger immune system

Jackfruit is a rich source of vitamin C. This antioxidant significantly boosts the immune system so it can better protect the body from disease-causing free radicals. Jackfruit also contains phytonutrients, including lignans, isoflavones and saponins. Phytonutrients are chemicals found in plants that naturally possess anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic and anti-hypertensive properties. Therefore, the phytonutrients in jackfruit can potentially prevent the formation of cancer cells in the body and lower blood pressure.

Improved gut health

Like other fruit seeds, jackfruit seeds are rich in dietary fiber. Fiber is especially important in maintaining a healthy gut because it helps regulate bowel movement. Jackfruit seeds, in particular, are widely used to relieve constipation and similar digestive issues. Moreover, dietary fiber also prevents the intestine from absorbing too much cholesterol, thereby reducing cholesterol levels significantly.

Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease

Another vitamin found in jackfruits is pyridoxine. It can also be found in poultry, fish, potatoes and chickpeas, but only a handful of fruits contain this vitamin. Pyridoxine, or vitamin B6, is essential in maintaining a healthy nervous system and lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It has been shown to work together with folate (vitamin B9) and vitamin B12 in order to control homocysteine levels in the blood. If left unchecked, elevated homocysteine levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

Additionally, jackfruit is a rich source of magnesium. This mineral is particularly helpful as it lowers blood pressure and blood sugar levels, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.

Less wrinkles

Because it contains antioxidants, jackfruit is also used to curb signs of premature aging, like wrinkles and fine lines. To maximize the antioxidants in jackfruit, soak the seeds in plant-based milk and then grind them into a fine paste. Afterward, apply the paste onto your face and let it dry before rinsing. Repeat the process until your wrinkles are visibly reduced.

Weight loss

If you are trying to lose weight, consider including jackfruit to your diet. Not only does it contain a very small percentage of fat, it is also low in calories. Despite this, jackfruit is incredibly filling. According to Shyamala Reddy, a biotechnology researcher from the University of Agriculture Sciences in Bangalore, India, “If you just eat 10 or 12 bulbs of this fruit, you don’t need food for another half a day.”

Jackfruit is a highly nutritious and filling low-calorie fruit that offers numerous health benefits. When eaten regularly as part of a balanced diet, you may be able to enjoy these benefits well into the future. Jackfruit is abundant during the summer across South and Southeast Asian countries.

Sources:

InLifeHealthCare.com

ScienceDirect.com

MayoClinic.org

TheGuardian.com

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