Jackfruit is the world’s biggest fruit to grow on an actual tree and can grow up to 3ft (1m) long and weigh up to 100lb (45kg)! Indigenous to the Southwestern rain forests of India, jackfruits are related to figs, mulberry and breadfruit. The trees are widely cultivated for their fruit, seeds and wood. This exotic heavyweight has a thorny outside and is soft on the inside with an intensely sweet taste. Read on to find out more about this powerful superfruit in our Top 5 Health Benefits of Jackfruit!
1. Cardiovascular health
Jackfruit contains potassium which has been found to be helpful in lowering blood pressure and therefore reducing the risk of heart attacks as well as strokes. It also contains a healthy dose of vitamin B6. Researchers say B6, along with folic acid and vitamin B12, may fight heart disease by lowering levels of homocysteine, an amino acid in the blood that is affected by diet and genetics.
2. Helps prevent colon cancer
Antioxidants found in jackfruit and other foods fight damaging free radicals that enter the body daily by boosting the immune system. Jackfruit is also filled with dietary fats that cleanse the toxins from the colon and therefore reduce the toxic activity within the colon helping protect it from cancer.
3. Vitamins
Jackfruit seeds contain vitamin A that is essential for healthy hair and eyes. They are also filled with Vitamin C and antioxidants which help strengthen the immune system. Vitamin B, otherwise known as niacin, in this fruit monitors hormones, boosts the immune system and is especially good for women who are pregnant and breastfeeding.
4. Minerals
Jackfruit is rich in magnesium, a nutrient thats helps with the absorption of calcium to help strengthen bones and prevent bone-related disorders such as osteoporosis. It is also loaded with copper which plays an important role in thyroid metabolism, particularly in hormone production and absorption.
5. Carbohydrates
Jackfruit is an energy generating fruit because of its simple sugars, fructose and sucrose that give the body a lift. It is packed with carbohydrates and calories helping you feel fuller for longer. The fruit contains no cholesterol making it a safe and healthy food.
The texture of unripe jackfruit is similar to meat and it is used in savoury dishes as well as cooked in gravies and spicy curries. When ripe it looks like a mango and tastes similar to banana. Collect the seeds from ripened jackfruit and sun dry for later use. They are stacked with nutrients and can help fortify you with protein leading to flawless skin and the list goes on. They can be found at asian supermarkets, usually tinned, but try to buy the ones in brine rather than syrup. Let us know your experiences with jackfruit below or @ KeepfitKingdom !
