Jackfruit is an aromatic, fleshy fruit native to Southwestern India, Bangladesh, Philippines, and Sri Lanka.
The Jackfruit tree though native to these countries, has found its way to the tropics of the Caribbean and the Americas over the years. Jackfruit is therefore popular in countries such as Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados.
And although many who eat jackfruit love it for its delicious taste, quite a few are unaware of the health benefits of jackfruit. Jackfruit contains Vitamin A, Vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, calcium, potassium, iron, sodium, zinc and niacin among many other nutrients. Jackfruit also benefits one’s health as it has a low caloric content: 100 grams of jackfruit only contains 94 calories.
Jackfruit is a rich source of potassium with 303 milligram found in 100 grams of jackfruit. Studies show that food rich in potassium helps to lower blood pressure. Therefore, jackfruit has the health benefit of providing relief for anyone who suffers from high blood pressure.
Another benefit of eating jackfruit is that it is a good source of Vitamin C. The human body does not make Vitamin C naturally so we must eat food that contains Vitamin C to reap its health benefits. The health benefits of Vitamin C are that it is an antioxidant that protects the body against free radicals, Vitamin C holds the cells in our bodies together, and Vitamin C strengthens our immune systems and keeps our gums healthy.
Jackfruit contains phytonutrients: lignans, isoflavones and saponins which have health benefits that are wide ranging. These phytonutrients have anti-cancer, antihypertensive, anti-ulcer and anti-ageing properties. The phytonutrients found in jackfruit, therefore, can prevent cancer cells from forming in the body, can lower blood pressure, can fight against stomach ulcers and can slow down the degeneration of cells that make the skin look young and vital.
Jackfruit root has been found to help those suffering from asthma. Boiling the root of the jackfruit and extracting its high nutritional content has been found to control asthma. Jackfruit also benefits the body in that jackfruit root can also be used to treat skin problems. The extract of jackfruit root is also believed to be able to help cure diarrhea and fever.
If you want to take advantage of the many health benefits of the jackfruit, improving your overall health, happiness and well being you can find jackfruit in many Asian and Caribbean food stores or supermarkets.