The largest tree fruit in the world, jackfruit — sometimes called “jak fruit” or “jak” — can be up to 3 feet long and 20 inches wide. Just one fruit can weigh as much as 110 pounds. But you’re not alone if you haven’t heard of it.
While jackfruit first appeared in the rain forests of India, farmers now grow it in many parts of the world, including Thailand, Australia, Africa, Brazil, and the Philippines. Only in recent years has jackfruit started to become well known in the U.S.
The rind of a jackfruit is green or yellow and spikey. Although it gives off a smell of rotting onions when it’s ripe and ready to eat, the pulp inside smells and tastes far better: like a cross between pineapple and bananas. You can eat the seeds, too. And a jackfruit has plenty of them — up to 500. Each can reach an inch and a half in length.
There are two main types of jackfruit. One is small and mushy. It tastes sweet, but it’s slimy. The other type of jackfruit has crisp, crunchy flesh that’s not as sweet.
Jackfruit is a healthful source of vitamin C and other essential nutrients, and research suggests that it may provide a number of health benefits.
Jackfruit is a tropical tree fruit native to southwest India. It belongs to the Moraceae plant family, which also includes mulberries, figs, and breadfruit.
A jackfruit is large, with thick, yellow flesh and edible seeds and pods. The flesh has a sweet, distinctive flavor, which some describe as a cross between banana and pineapple.
Due to its fibrous texture, people often use jackfruit flesh as a meat substitute in vegetarian or vegan dishes.In this article, we explore some of the potential health benefits of jackfruit. We also look into its nutritional contents, any risks and considerations, and how to add it to the diet.
Nutrients per Serving
One cup of sliced raw jackfruit has:
- Calories: 157
- Fat: 2 grams
- Carbs: 38 grams
- Protein: 3 grams
- Calcium: 40 milligrams
Vitamins
Jackfruit may be higher in some vitamins and minerals than apples, apricots, bananas, and avocados. For example, it’s rich in vitamin C and one of the few fruits that’s high in B vitamins.
Jackfruit also contains folate, niacin, riboflavin, potassium, and magnesium.
Antioxidants
Carotenoids, the pigments that give jackfruit its yellow color, are high in vitamin A. Like all antioxidants, carotenoids protect cells from damage and help your body work right. They may help prevent diseases like cancer and heart disease, as well as eye problems like cataracts and macular degeneration.
Benefits of Jackfruit
Blood pressure
Jackfruit is a good source of potassium. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), foods rich in potassium can help reduce blood pressure.
Potassium lowers blood pressure by counteracting the effects of sodium and reducing tension in the walls of blood vessels.
The AHA recommend that healthy adults consume 4,700 milligrams (mg) of potassium a day. A cup of raw, sliced jackfruit contains 739 mg of potassium.
However, a potassium-rich diet can be harmful to people with kidney disease or any condition that alters the way that the body regulates potassium.
Immune health
Jackfruit’s content of immune-boosting vitamins A and C may help prevent illnesses. Eating this fruit is also claimed to be helpful for reducing the risk of viral infectionsDiabetes
Your body digests and absorbs jackfruit more slowly than some other foods. That means your blood sugar won’t rise as quickly as it might when you eat other fruits. One study found that jackfruit extract made it easier for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar.Skin problems
The high amounts of vitamin C in jackfruit may help protect your skin from sun damage. You need plenty of that nutrient to keep your skin firm and strong.
This fruit provides several nutrients and antioxidants, such as vitamin C, that may improve skin health. There is anecdotal evidence that eating it may slow the aging of your skin
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Heart health
Jackfruit may have the potential to reduce the risk of heart disease due to its content of potassium, fiber and antioxidants .Wound healing
Jackfruit is a good source of vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that is essential for a healthy immune system.
Also, the body requires vitamin C to make a protein called collagen, which is vital for maintaining healthy skin, bones, and connective tissues, such as blood vessels and cartilage. Collagen is also important for wound healing.
Summary
Jackfruit is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber, and other important vitamins and minerals.
Also, research suggests that compounds in the flesh, seeds, and other parts of the plant may have the potential to treat or prevent a number of health conditions.
Jackfruit is a popular meat substitute. When cooked, the unripe flesh has a texture similar to chicken or pulled pork.
Jackfruit is safe and nutritious for most people. However, anyone with an allergy to latex or birch pollen should take caution when eating or handling the fruit.
