Myriad benefits of jackfruit: from the flesh, seeds and leaves

Are you one of those people who likes jackfruit? Yep! This yellow fruit "ngejreng" does have a delicious taste and distinctive aroma. This distinctive aroma makes jackfruit widely used as a mixture of cakes and drinks. So it's no wonder, if many people like this one fruit. Jackfruit is not only easy to get, but in fact it also has many benefits. Read on to find out the benefits of jackfruit.

The nutritional content of jackfruit

Jackfruit is a food source that is rich in vitamins A, C, thiamin, potassium, calcium, riboflavin, iron, niacin and zinc. This fruit also has fiber which is low in calories so it is good for heart disease patients. The nutritional content of one cup (165 grams) of jackfruit is known to have:

• 155 calories
• 39.6 grams of carbohydrates
• 2.4 grams of protein
• 0.5 grams of fat
• 2.6 grams of fiber

Benefits of jackfruit for health

The following are various potential health benefits of jackfruit that you should know:

1. Increase immunity and help fight cancer

Jackfruit is a food that contains many antioxidants and phytonutrients to fight cancer, including lignans, isoflavones, and saponins. According to Penn State University, by consuming antioxidants, we can neutralize free radicals, which help fight several forms of cancer.

In addition, a study published in the journal Carcinogenesis found that the vitamin C contained in jackfruit can increase the activity of an important antioxidant enzyme that helps prevent breast cancer. If all these substances and nutrients are combined, making jackfruit a food that has the potential to fight cancer.

2. Reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease

Jackfruit contains potassium, which is important in controlling blood pressure and heart rate. The content of potassium and vitamin B6 in healthy doses in jackfruit will help reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. In addition, jackfruit also contains resveratrol which has a cardio protective effect and can help treat cardiovascular diseases such as ischemia, hypertension and atherosclerosis.

3. Improve the digestive system

Jackfruit contains a lot of fiber which is very necessary to smooth the digestive system such as constipation. In addition, 90 percent of this fruit is complex carbohydrates that are suitable for consumption by dieters. The carbohydrate content in jackfruit keeps the stomach full longer, thereby reducing appetite.

4. Improve bone health

Jackfruit contains calcium which is essential for good bone health. Because calcium is needed for bone formation and maintenance. That is why, consuming jackfruit every day will help prevent and reduce symptoms of bone diseases such as arthritis and osteoporosis. The potassium content in jackfruit also functions to increase strong bone density.

5. Good for vision function

Jackfruit contains many nutrients that support eye health including beta carotene, vitamin A, Lutein and Zeaxanthin. Beta carotene is synthesized by the body and converted into Vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for eye vision to support normal functioning of the cornea and conjunctival membranes.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are the only carotenoids stored in high amounts in the retina where they filter out harmful light and protect and maintain the function of healthy cells around the eyes. Make jackfruit a part of your regular diet to reduce the risk of cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration.

6. Jackfruit seeds as a low glycemic food

Apart from the pulp, in fact jackfruit seeds are also beneficial for health. If you are one of the people who need to regulate blood glucose levels, then you are advised to regularly consume jackfruit seeds. The reason is, jackfruit seeds are a good source of dietary fiber starch.

Boiled or steamed jackfruit seeds are added with a few simple spices, making it one of the foods that contain a low glycemic load. Foods that have a low glycemic index are foods that do not cause a significant spike in blood sugar levels in the body.

7. Helps control diabetes

Jackfruit contains several vitamins and minerals which will help reduce your risk of diabetes complications. Scientists studying the link between jackfruit and diabetes found that diabetic patients who were given jackfruit extract had improved glucose tolerance compared to those who were not given the extract.

The benefits of jackfruit are not only limited to the flesh and seeds. Who would have thought that even jackfruit leaves have good health benefits? Recent research tested on diabetic rats found jackfruit leaves contain certain chemicals that help reduce blood sugar levels. All preliminary results suggest that jackfruit leaves can help stabilize blood sugar levels in humans and can be used to control diabetes.

But keep in mind, jackfruit is not a medicine. Excessive consumption of jackfruit also has risks. Until now, there have been no studies that determine the correct and safe dosage or amount of jackfruit to get these benefits.

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