What is jack fruit?
Jack fruit is regarded as the largest tree-borne fruit. Aside from its big size, its nutritional value makes it the richest among all fruits. Jack fruit can be consumed in various ways, it can be dried and roasted or added to soups. It is also available in the form of chips, jams, ice cream, and juices.
In most cases, jack fruit can be eaten raw while it is still fresh. The seeds of the jack fruit are also loaded with a lot of nutritional benefits. The seeds can be boiled and eaten. They are also roasted and ground into flour and can be added to curries. Jack fruit is said to be rich in vitamin B6, magnesium, and antioxidants. Aside from the fruit’s amazing nutritive value, it comes with some amazing health benefits as well. Jack fruit improves the process of digestion, enhances the immune system, improves the levels of magnesium in the body, and much more.
Here are few health benefits of jackfruit
Boosts the level of magnesium in the body
Magnesium is considered to be one of the vital minerals for bone structure. The elderly and women are the ones who suffer from magnesium deficiency. Magnesium deficiency is commonly seen in African-Americans. A cup of jackfruit contains around 15 percent of the daily recommended value of magnesium, thereby making it a good option to be added to the diet. Magnesium in the body is helpful for a number of reasons as it reduces the risk of certain medical conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, and diabetes. It also improves bone strength.
Strengthens the immune system and can help fight cancer
Jackfruit is said to contain vitamin C, wherein it has many other antioxidants as well as phytonutrients, which would include saponins, lignans, and isoflavones. These compounds help fight cancer. On a daily basis, there are free radicals that can damage the body. Hence, the body has to be prepared to fight against them.
The antioxidants found in jackfruit can help boost the immune system leading to the damage of free radicals. In one study, it has been suggested that the consumption of antioxidant-rich foods can neutralize the damaging free radicals. Thus, antioxidants fight against cancer-causing cells and also supporting the immune system in various ways.
Aids in digestion
Jackfruit can be considered as a best choice for individuals who are suffering with constipation or certain issues linked with digestion, especially the seeds of the jackfruit. Its seeds are known to contain a very good amount of dietary fiber.
A good amount of dietary fiber in our body would help in the process of digestion, thereby reducing the issues related to constipation. However, one of the effects would be that too much of it can lead to making you feel full, thus contributing to weight loss.
Beneficial for the skin
Jackfruit is known to fight against signs of aging such as wrinkles. To reduce the signs of aging, dip the seed of jackfruit in cold milk for a minute. Once done, grind it properly and gently apply it on the wrinkles of your face. In a span of six weeks, you can start seeing the results. For best results, it is advisable to use it on a regular basis.
Jackfruit seeds can also be directly consumed in various ways to keep constipation at bay. The seeds can also help in the detoxification of the system to provide a glowing skin. Who would not want a flawless skin? However, the health of your skin is dependent on your diet. Jackfruit seeds are usually recommended to achieve a flawless-looking skin.
To use jackfruit on your skin, soak some dry seeds of jackfruit in milk and honey. Grind the mixture and make it into a fine paste. Apply it on your face and let it dry. Leave it for a few minutes before washing your face. Moreover, the antioxidants present in jackfruit help destroy free radicals, which cause premature aging.
Prevents the risk of heart problems
Jackfruit is a good source of vitamin B6. This vitamin is said to fall under the same category as vitamin B12 and folic acid, which helps lower the risk of developing heart diseases. Such conditions are known to occur due to low homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is an amino acid and one of the major building blocks of protein in the body.
Provides better quality of sleep
Certain sleeping disorders such as insomnia can be remedied with the help of jackfruit. Magnesium and iron are known to assist in the improvement of the overall quality of sleep. Anemia is considered as one of the major causes of insomnia. The magnesium content of jackfruit can prevent anemia in an individual.
Helps in losing weight
Obesity is an invitation to a number of medical conditions. For people fighting obesity, jackfruit is considered as one of the fruits that are quite safe to consume and is loaded with various nutrients. This fruit is free from fat and also has a low-calorie content.
Jackfruit is generally available during the summer seasons at the same time as other popular tropical fruit like mango and durian. You should choose fruit with a mild fragrance which yields slightly to your thumb pressure.