Jackfruit Health Benefits, Plant Description, Medicinal Properties, Various Regional Names, Scientific Classification, Various Uses, Possible Side Effects and FAQ
Introduction
Jackfruit is a large oval shaped nutritious fruit. Jackfruit plants are native to tropical Asia and are widely cultivated throughout the wetland tropics due to its large fruits and long-term wood.
It originated in the western ghats of India, all of Sri Lanka and the region between the rainforests of Malaysia. Jackfruit is a plant belonging to the ‘Moraceae’ family. Ripe jackfruit tastes sweet and is often eaten as fruit, where the raw jackfruit is considered as a popular vegetable among tropical locals.
Health Benefits and Side Effects of Jackfruit
Jackfruit tree is one of the world’s largest trees bearing fruits packed with protein, vitamins and minerals. It is very nutritious and is known to have several health benefits. This sweet yellow fruit is widely available in tropical and subtropical areas during the summers. It is also considered as vegan meat.
Plant Description
The jackfruit tree is 15 to 20 meters (50 to 70 feet) tall and has large thick bright green leaves about 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches) long. Small monosexual flowers are carried on thick bursts that come straight out of the trunk and branches. The bark of the jackfruit tree is reddish-brown and smooth. Jackfruit is a large fruit, which is 60 cm (about 2 feet) long and weighs up to 18 kg (about 40 pounds). The fruit is made up of multiple “bulbs” of seeded meat around the center, all of which are bound by rinds. The fruits grow in long and thick branches on the stem. They vary in size and the color changes from greenish yellow to brownish yellow when they ripen.
This article describes the nutritional values of the jackfruit and the possible health benefits of it.
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Nutritional Value of per 100g Jackfruit
- Energy: 397 kJ (95 kcal)
- Carbohydrates: 23.25 g
- Sugars: 19.08 g
- Dietary fiber: 1.5 g
- Fat: 0.64 g
- Protein: 1.72 g
- Vitamins
- Vitamin A equiv: 5 μg
- Beta-Carotene: 61 μg
- Lutein zeaxanthin: 157 μg
- Thiamine (B1): 0.105 mg
- Riboflavin (B2): 0.055 mg
- Niacin (B3): 0.92 mg
- Pantothenic acid (B5): 0.235 mg
- Vitamin B6: 0.329 mg
- Folate (B9): 24 μg
- Vitamin C: 13.8 mg
- Vitamin E: 0.34 mg
- Minerals
- Calcium: 24 mg
- Iron: 0.23 mg
- Magnesium: 29 mg
- Manganese: 0.043 mg
- Phosphorus: 21 mg
- Potassium: 448 mg
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Zinc: 0.13 mg
- Other constituents
- Water: 73.5 g
Different Regional Names of Jackfruit
- Hindi: Kathal / Kathal
- Tamil: Pala Pazham / Palli Kai
- Malayalam: Chakka
- Telugu: Panasakai
- Kannada: Halasu / Kujee / Halasina Hannu
- Bengali: Kanthal
- Gujarati: Phanas
- Marathi: Phanas
- Odia: Panasa
- Punjabi: Kathal
- Assamese: kothal
Scientific Classification of Jackfruit
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Tracheophytes
- Clade: Angiosperms
- Clade: Eudicots
- Clade: Rosids
- Order: Rosales
- Family: Moraceae
- Genus: Artocarpus
- Species: A. Heterophyllus
- Scientific name: Artocarpus heterophyllus
Health Benefits of Jackfruit
- Prevents Cancer
Being the powerhouse of antioxidants, phytonutrients and vitamin C jackfruit can help treat a variety of cancers (such as lungs, breasts, gastric, skin and prostate). Host of beneficial phytochemicals like flavonoids, saponins and tannins in the jackfruit play an important role in preventing the effects of free radicals, combating oxidative stress, and preventing the growth of tumor cells.
- Regularize Blood Sugar
Jackfruit provides a number of health benefits that can help in blood sugar control. Being rich in dietary fiber and protein, adding raw jackfruit to your diet can slow down digestion and prevent blood sugar spikes.
- Augments Heart Health
Jackfruit is rich in fiber, potassium and antioxidants which are well known for optimizing heart well-being. Consuming jackfruit seeds can help in reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and increasing the level of good cholesterol (HDL). It prevents plaque and fat accumulation in the heart tubes and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Reduce Blood Pressure
Significant amount of potassium in the jackfruit balances fluid and electrolyte in the body; controls heart rate and prevents sodium effects and thus reduces tension in blood vessels. Consuming raw jackfruit is a healthy way to control high blood pressure and prevents the risk of other chronic diseases.
- Promotes Wound Healing
The richness of vitamin C, a strong antioxidant in the jackfruit, plays an important role in boosting the immune system. On the other hand the body needs enough vitamin C to synthesize collagen, which is essential for maintaining the health of skin, bones, and connective tissue as well as speed up wound healing. In addition to these, strong anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antifungal activities of the jackfruit can also help in healing wounds.
- Supports Digestive Health
Jackfruit (especially its seeds) are a great source of fiber in both soluble and insoluble foods that stimulate digestion and prevent constipation. Apart from this, it contains prebiotic, which help in developing ‘Good bacteria’ in the intestine and keep gastrointestinal problems at bay.
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- Boosts Immunity
Jackfruit contains high amounts of vitamin C and antioxidants that help boost your immune system and help it fight well against infection.
Also Read: Immune System of Human Body
- Strengthens Vision
To be rich in vitamin A (beta-carotene), the jackfruit provides a healthy nutrient for our eyes. It protects the eyes from bacterial and viral infections as well as frees them from free radicals that can be harmful. It also protects the eyes from strong and harmful light waves like ultraviolet rays. It helps in improving vision. It is particularly effective in preventing retinal degradation and reduces the risk of cataracts.
- Prevents Aging
The rooted reason behind aging is free radicals. They are produced in our body during high oxidative stress caused by pollution. Antioxidant rich jackfruit destroys these free radicals and slows down the aging process.
- Strengthens Bones
Jackfruit contains a high amount of calcium which strengthens bones and potassium which reduces calcium damage through the kidneys. Bone related disorders such as Arthritis; Osteoporosis etc. can be controlled by consuming jackfruit.
- Improves Blood Quality
Jackfruit has enough iron content. The proper concentration of iron in our body helps in preventing disorders like anemia. Iron also helps in metabolism. Vitamin C, magnesium and copper help in improving blood quality. Jackfruit contains all of them.
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- Prevents/Control Asthma
Jackfruit can prevent asthma attacks by controlling asthma causing physical imbalances. Especially when the symptoms are triggered by pollution, the fruit can help control the symptoms by removing the free radicals produced in the body due to pollution.
- Helps in preventing Anemia
Anemia is a condition where Red Blood Cells (RBC) count decreases which slows down the transportation of oxygen in the body, leading to lethargic, excessive fatigue, pale skin and frequent black-out. Jackfruit is a rich source of iron that fights the deficiency of RBC in the body and helps in the absorption of iron by the body.
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- For Management of Thyroid
Uncontrolled thyroid problems can be quite annoying. Copper present in the jackfruit is an essential nutrient that is important for thyroid metabolism and for controlling hormonal imbalances.
- Flawless and Glowing Skin
Jackfruit seed can be a miraculous element for your skin. The seeds are rich in fiber which can detoxify your system and give you a glowing skin. You can even apply a paste of jackfruit seeds mixed with milk on your face for healthy brightness.
Uses of Jackfruit
Ripe jackfruits can be eaten fresh as any other fruit and can be added to sweets, jams, jelly, cake, ice cream and smudges. Raw jackfruit is used as a vegetable in various dishes.
In South and Southeast Asia this fruit’s seeds are considered as delicious food.
Side Effects of Jackfruit
Although the jackfruit is a healthy fruit, it can cause some side effects and allergic reactions-
- The fruit is not particularly recommended for people with ‘birch pollen’ allergies.
- People suffering from blood related disorders are not advised to eat the fruit, as it can increase coagulation.
- Although the fruit is usually good for diabetics, it can cause glucose tolerance levels to change, so diabetics should consume jackfruit in limited quantities.
- In patients with immunosuppressive therapy and in patients with tissue transplants, jackfruit seeds may have immune-stimulating effects.
- There are different opinions about consumption of jackfruit during pregnancy. Although there is no scientific evidence, there is a general perception that jackfruit can cause miscarriage. However, it is recommended to eat this fruit in small quantities during pregnancy as it contains strong laxative properties and vitamins.
NOTE: It should be consumed in the right quantity observing the benefits and disadvantages of the jackfruit as excessive use of any product can harm our health. It is better to avoid its use in some physical condition.
Conclusion
The above article lets you know about the health benefits of Jackfruit and related things to it. Although, these data are derived from trusted sources these are provided only for knowledge purpose and not meant for replacing any professional of healthcare treatment. Please consult your doctor before using these remedies especially if you are suffering from any serious disease.
FAQ
Q: Are jackfruit seeds edible?
Ans: Yes, in fact it is popularly eaten in tropical and subtropical regions.
Q: Is jackfruit good for controlling blood pressure?
Ans: Significant amounts of potassium in the jackfruit balances fluids and electrolytes, control heart rate, and prevent sodium effects and thus reduce tension in blood vessels. Adding raw jackfruit to a diet is a healthy way to control high blood pressure and prevents the risk of other chronic diseases.
Q: Is it good for arthritis?
Ans: Jackfruit has several health benefits that can help in blood sugar control. Adding raw jackfruit to your diet can help with weight loss as well as preventing blood sugar spikes. Ripe fruits can be consumed in moderate quantities occasionally due to their rich fiber content and ease of digestion which helps in increasing blood sugar control.
Q: Jackfruit belongs to which plant family?
Ans: Jackfruit is a plant belonging to the ‘Moraceae’ family.
Q: What is the scientific name of the jackfruit?
Ans: The scientific name of the jackfruit is ‘Artocarpus heterophyllus’.