Finding solutions to today’s health issues, amongst which cancer and weight loss come at the top of the list of concerns, requires searching for natural resources that overcome these issues. And instead of having to deal with all the unwelcome side effects of medications, going back to nature’s elements whenever possible could be the answer. In previous blog posts many natural alternatives are being addressed, but here the highlight is on one of nature’s miracles is Jackfruit fruit. Jackfruit is becoming increasingly popular nowadays as researches and studies on this fruit are continually revealing more and more health breakthroughs.
What is jackfruit and where is it found?
Jackfruit is an Asian tropical fruit that belongs to the family of Moraceae, which is normally found in tropical areas like Thailand, Malaysia, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and also in Brazil. It is considered the largest tree-borne fruit in the world with an average weight of 3.5kg to 10 kg and can reach up to 25kg. Jackfruit is sweet in taste and has a distinguishable and nice smell.
Nutrients and chemical facts of Jackfruit:
In addition to its sweet, nice, taste and smell, every part of this tree is medically beneficial including the bark, leaves, roots, flowers, pulps and seeds and each of these parts has its separate qualities. The growing stages of jackfruit also differ from each other and provide different therapeutic qualities. All of these facts and more to come are the reasons why jackfruit is very healthy and should be included in everyone’s diet.
The main nutrients and chemical facts of jackfruit that makes it the ideal fruit to look for are as follows:
- Jackfruit is infused with a diverse set of vitamins such as vitamin C and A, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, calcium, potassium (with 303 mg found per 100 g), iron, zinc, sodium and folic acid.
- It is one of the few trees rich in B-complex group vitamins as well as vitamin B6.
- It contains phytonutrient properties such as anti-cancer, anti-hypertensive, anti-ulcer and anti-inflammatories.
- It’s a rich source of phytonutrients and phenolics.
- It contains minerals, fiber, protein, and is free of fats and bad cholesterol.
- It is antibacterial and antiviral which is a great support to the immune system.
- It is low in calories .100 g of jackfruit only contains 94 calories.
1. Cancer Healer
Due to its richness with antioxidants and phytonutrient properties, plus its content of Vitamin C, jackfruit can cure different types of cancer such as lung cancer, breast cancer, gastric cancer, skin cancer and prostate cancer. These properties treat cell damage and develop resistance.
2. Weight loss agent
As obesity rates are on the rise, jackfruit can help in weight loss because it’s free of fat and low in calories that enable dieters to safely and comfortably consume it and fully benefit from all its other nutrients.
3. Blood pressure reducer
With its high amount of potassium, jackfruit reduces and controls blood pressure which consequently lowers the chances of heart attacks, strokes, and cardio-disorder in general.
4. Digestion improver
Jackfruit contributes in improving the digestive system when eating it regularly due to its high content of fibers (3.6 g for every 100 g). It causes no stomach pain even if eaten in huge quantities and improves the bowel movement. It also protects the colon by removing carcinogenic chemicals out of the large intestine.
5. Insomnia curer
Sleeping disorders can be cured by eating jackfruit, due to its richness with magnesium and iron that assist in improving the overall quality of sleep. Magnesium also helps in preventing anemia which is one of the major causes of insomnia.
6. Diabetes-friendly
Although extremely sweet in taste, jackfruits are safely consumed by diabetics because it slowly absorbs sugar into the bloodstream which enables diabetic patients to safely consume it while getting all its health benefits. It also increases glucose tolerance for both types of diabetes.
7. Eye and skin maintainer
With its richness of vitamin A, jackfruit is good for maintaining healthy eyesight as it enhances eye vision and acts as a preventer against cataract and macular degeneration. It’s also regarded as an active anti-aging component for skin radiance. It protects damaged skin caused by sun exposure and treats wrinkles.
8. Ulcer healer
As typical drugs for ulcer medication leave several side effects, jackfruit is the best way to treat ulcer disorder because it contains powerful anti-ulcerative, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
9. Bone supporter
For a good supplement of calcium for healthy bones, eating jackfruit is highly recommended. Besides calcium, it contains vitamin C and magnesium which further assists in calcium absorption.
10. Nerve system booster
Fatigue, stress and muscle weakness can also be treated by consuming jackfruit in the daily diet for its rich content of vitamins such as thiamine and niacin (A portion of 100 g of jackfruit pulp provides 4 mg of niacin). It is also a perfect source of energy.
