fun fact: The tree bearing jack fruit can produce one hundred-fifty to two hundred-fifty fruits a year. Jack fruit hang from the tree and are suspended on sturdy stalks that grow along its main trunk and larger branches.
Introduction
Known for its unique shape and size, jackfruit features a sweet and fruity flavour making it a great tropical treat. Scientifically known as Artocarpus heterophyllus, this fruit is loaded with numerous vitamins and minerals that are good for the body.
Magnesium is found in large amounts in jack fruit which makes it very helpful to the bones. The Magnesium content of each 100 gram serving of jackfruit totals to 29 milligrams. This reaches 7% of the total daily value needed by the body. The magnesium in jackfruit helps the body in absorbing calcium and is a large contributor in the strengthening of bones and prevents bone-related disorders such as osteoporosis.
It is also high in potassium content amounting to 448 milligrams for each 100 gram serving. This is equivalent to 10% of the required daily value for potassium intake, making it very helpful in preventing high blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart attack as well as stroke.
Its high vitamin A content, reaching 110 IU (international units) for every 100 gram serving, is useful in keeping the skin and eyes healthy. It is also effective in preventing macular degeneration and night blindness.
Vitamin B6 is also found in high amounts in jackfruit amounting to 0.329 milligrams for every 100 gram serving which is 16% of the required Daily Value of the body. The high amount of B6 helps in reducing the levels of homocystein in the blood which is highly associated with increased probably of the occurrence of vascular occlusion.
Jackfruit only has 95 calories per 100-gram serving, which help in weight maintenance by way of preventing fat deposition.
It is also high in vitamin C. Jack Fruit has 13.7 milligrams of vitamin C for every 100 gram serving reaching 23% of the total required daily value. The high vitamin C content of jackfruit strengthens the immune system by improving the white blood cells. This protects the body from bacterial infections which can be developed due to a weak immune system.
Jackfruit also contains huge amounts of fiber. It has a total of 2.6 grams of dietary fiber for every 165 gram serving. This amount of fiber corresponds to 11% of the total daily value for fiber which helps in managing vowel movement and prevention of constipation.
It also has high amounts of calcium. Every 165 gram serving of jack fruit only contains 56.1 milligrams of calcium. However, this amount already translates to a 6% amount of the total daily value needed by an average person.
The jackfruit also helps in thyroid metabolism since it also has a lot of copper. Every 165grams of the fruit contains 0.3 milligrams of copper which covers 15% of the needed copper intake.
The Important Health Benefits of Jackfruit
Boosts Immune System
The immune system plays a very significant role in the entirety of the body. A strong immune system means that the body is protected from illnesses. It is important to observe proper diet that will highly benefit the immune system to keep the body strong and disease-free. The best thing about eating jack fruit is that it provides the body with high levels of Vitamin C which is a very strong antioxidant that has immunity boosting effects. Vitamin C protects the body from free radical formation that triggers multiple disease and illnesses. Free radicals are formed due to reaction of oxygen to particular molecules. Free radicals affect the growth of cells and DNA causing damage to it. Free radical is a stepping stone to many illnesses, common diseases of serious illnesses. If you want to keep yourself healthy, you should give importance to eating foods that are excellent sources of Vitamin C.
Elevates Energy Levels
If you are looking for a food that will boost your energy levels, consuming jack fruit is really effective. Jack fruit is concentrated with high amounts of calories and carbohydrates without causing too much fat accumulation in the body. The glucose present in jack fruit called SAG or “slowly available glucose” is categorized as the healthy type. This is the reason why this fruit has low glycemic index despite its richness in calories and carbohydrates. Diabetics will not have to worry with regular jack fruit intake because despite of its sweet taste it also has low sugar levels. Jack fruit is a quick and effective energy booster.
Regulates Blood Pressure
Potassium is essential to regulate normal blood pressure. Another advantage of indulging in jack fruit is that it is a great source of potassium. A single serving of jack fruit a day will meet the daily potassium requirement of the body. This is very beneficial to the condition of the heart. Potassium is able to balance the sodium levels in the body. Potassium is known to be the sodium regulator. It is vital that sodium is regulated because excessive sodium in the body can damage the arteries and heart that can cause its malfunction.
Promotes Proper Digestion
Jack fruit has high amounts of soluble fiber that is very advantageous to the digestive system. Fiber assures that the digestive process is optimized resulting to prompt bowel movement and efficient nutrient absorption ability of the body. Fiber is a laxative agent that softens and bulks up the stool so that it is moved through properly in the digestive process. Fiber clears the digestive tract as well as cleans the intestines for optimal digestion. Eating jack fruit regularly will result to regular bowel activity thus avoiding constipation and other digestive issues. Jack fruit fills up to one fourth of the daily fiber need of the body.
Helps in Losing Weight
If you are trying to lose weight and looking for an effective weight loss diet, consuming jack fruit is of great help. Because of the abundance of fiber in jack fruit, its consumption slowly decreases the body fat storage. This is because food intake is quickly eliminated from the body due to regular bowel activities. The food intake is immediately wasted reducing the probability of fermentation of food which increases the probability of fat accumulation. Because of jack fruit’s ability to regulate digestion, its consumption also promotes weight loss.
Reduces Risks of Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is one of the most horrible and very deadly types of cancer. Colon cancer is triggered by unhealthy multiplication of cells that damages the healthy cells not only in the colon but also in the other parts of the body. Beware of polyps in the colon lining because this is usually the starting point of cancer. Jack fruit’s antioxidants detoxify the colon removing harsh toxins that causes excessive cell formation. Its high levels of antioxidants protect the cells and keep them healthy.
Prevents Piles
Anal condition that causes hemmorroids is called piles. Piles are caused by blood vessel damage. You will experience intense pain and discomfort in your anus if you have piles. The level of pain can vary depending on your case. Sometimes it can lead to bleeding and irritation. Because of jack fruit’s fiber content, it can help in preventing as well as treating this anal condition.
Good for the Eyes
Jack fruit also has high Vitamin A content that is very important for the overall health of the eyes. Aside from Vitamin A, this fruit also has Lutein and beta carotene that also contributes to the wellness of the eyes and quality of vision. Eating jack fruit also protects your eyes from infections caused by bacteria and mucous membrane damage.
Books on Jackfruit & Healthy Eating
The Exotic Jackfruit Growing the World’s Largest Fruit
Vegan Sandwiches Save the Day!
But I Could Never Go Vegan! 125 Recipes That Prove You Can Live Without Cheese, It’s Not All Rabbit Food, and Your Friends Will Still Come Over for Dinner
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