Jackfruit Health Benefits
Jackfruit, scientifically known as Artocarpus heterophyllus, belongs to the Moraceae family and is native to certain parts of Southeast and Southern Asia. Asian cuisine commonly uses this fruit as a condiment to various curries and other dishes. This fruit usually grows in abundance during the summer. Some of the nutritional information and facts about jackfruit are as under:
- A cup of raw jackfruit contains approximately 155 calories where only 4 calories come from its fat content.
- Jackfruit is low in sodium, cholesterol, and saturated fats.
- It is a rich source of vitamins A, C, riboflavin, niacin, thiamine, and folate.
- It also contains important minerals like magnesium, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorous, copper, zinc, manganese, and selenium.
- It is a rich source of dietary fiber and provides almost 11% of the daily fiber requirement.
- It does not contain any sugar, which makes it a good fruit for health conscious individuals.
- The nutrients found in jackfruit have powerful anti-cancer, anti-aging, anti-ulcerative, and anti-hypersensitivity properties that are valuable in the treatment of a number of diseases.
- Chinese medicine uses jackfruit as a treatment for fighting the effects of alcohol in the body.
Apart from being a tasty fruit, there are various health benefits of jackfruit.
Its high nutritional value is very beneficial in the treatment, cure, and prevention of a number of ailments and disorders. Some of the main health benefits of jackfruit concerning specific disorders are as under:
- Diabetes: Most doctors do not recommend eating jackfruit for patients of diabetes. However, consumption of jackfruit leaves may help in improving glucose tolerance in both type-2 and normal diabetes patients.
- Cancer: Jackfruit contains phytonutrients that have powerful anti-cancer properties. These phytonutrients help in eliminating free cancer causing radicals from the body and slow down the degeneration of cells in the body, which may lead to a number of degenerative disorders.
- Constipation: One of the medicinal uses of jackfruit is the treatment of problems like constipation. Jackfruits are rich in fiber and have powerful laxative properties that help in facilitating bowel movements, thereby preventing and treating constipation.
- Skin and eye care: Jackfruits contain powerful anti-aging properties that slow down the degeneration of skin cells and make the skin look younger. They are a rich source of vitamin A that is essential in maintaining healthy eyesight.
- High blood pressure: Being a rich source of potassium, jackfruits are very effective in lowering high blood pressure and controlling the heart rate.
- Bone health: Jackfruits are also effective in maintaining good bone health. They are a rich source of magnesium that helps in the absorption of calcium and strengthens the bones.
- Anemia: Jackfruits being a rich source of iron help in preventing anemia and improving blood circulation in the body.
- Asthma: Another one of the medicinal uses of jackfruit is the treatment of asthma and other upper respiratory tract problems. Experts believe that the root and extracts of jackfruit are effective in controlling asthma and alleviating the symptoms associated with this condition.
- Ulcers: Jackfruit contains strong anti-ulcerative properties that not only help cure ulcers but also prevent a number of other digestive system disorders.
Jackfruit For Pregnant Women
Most experts recommend not eating jackfruit during pregnancy, simply because of a lack of scientific evidence about its safety during pregnancy. The popular myth among pregnant women is that eating jackfruit during pregnancy may induce a miscarriage. This, however, is not true. It is always advisable to eat this fruit in limited quantities because it contains powerful laxative properties that may cause diarrhea in pregnant women and hamper the health of both the mother and the child. Jackfruit, like most fruits, is loaded with nutrients that may actually be beneficial during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Some of the advantages of eating this fruit during pregnancy are:
- It is a rich source of vitamin A that is crucial for proper cell production, eyesight, and fetal development during pregnancy.
- It is a rich source of niacin (vitamin B3) that helps regulate hormones, boosts immunity, and controls stress levels in pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Side Effects Of Jackfruit
Although jackfruit has a number of health benefits, it is also important to consider some of its side effects on health. Some of the common side effects are as follows:
- Jackfruits may cause an allergic reaction in people suffering from birch pollen allergies.
- It may increase coagulation in people suffering from blood disorders.
- It may alter the tolerance levels of glucose in diabetes patients.
- The seeds of jackfruit may have an immunostimulative effect in patients undergoing immunosuppression therapy or patients with tissue transplants.
- Those trying to get pregnant should avoid jackfruit as it may inhibit sexual arousal, libido, performance, and vigor in men.
|