Jackfruit is also known as the jack tree or lanka. There are two main types of jackfruit. One is small, and mushy it tastes sweet, but it’s slimy. The other type of jackfruit has crisp, crunchy flesh that’s not as sweet. Jackfruit has spiky outer skin and is green or yellow. The tropical fruit jackfruit is loaded with flavor and nutrients. The fruit contains more protein than similar fruits and some of every vitamin and mineral one needs. Ripe jackfruit is naturally sweet. The fully ripe jackfruit has a strong pleasant aroma. At the same time, the pulp of the opened fruit resembles the odor of pineapple and banana. The seeds from ripe fruits are edible once cooked. They are said to have a milky, sweet taste often compared to Brazil nuts. The seeds can be boiled, baked, roasted, and eaten as snacks.
Jackfruit Nutrition Facts
100g of jackfruit offers the following nutrition fats.
- Energy: 95 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 23.25 g
- Sugars: 19.08 g
- Dietary fiber: 1.5 g
- Fat: 0.64 g
- Protein: 1.72 g
- Vitamin A: 1%
- Vitamin B1: 9%
- Vitamin B2: 5%
- Vitamin B3: 6%
- Vitamin B5: 5%
- Vitamin B6: 25%
- Vitamin B9: 6%
- Vitamin C: 17%
- Vitamin E: 2%
- Calcium: 2%
- Magnesium: 8%
- Manganese: 2%
- Phosphorus: 3%
- Potassium: 10%
- Sodium: 0%
- Iron: 2%
- Zinc: 1%
Health Benefits of Jackfruit
1. Aids Digestion
Jackfruits contain soluble and insoluble fiber. That provides health benefits that help with digestion. 100 grams of jackfruit can contain up to 1.5g of fiber. While fiber is essential for preventing constipation by helping bulk up stools. Jackfruits can absorb water and may help prevent cholesterol absorption and fat build-up in the digestive system.
2. Improves Skin Health
Jackfruit has nutrients such as vitamin C and vitamin A which are skin-friendly. Consuming vitamins C and A supports repairing wounds in a shorter time. It even heals damage on the skin from sun exposure and prevents photoaging. These vitamins can even help in preventing collagen breakdown.
3. Supports Weight Loss
As jackfruit is loaded with nutrition and even low in calories. Consuming jackfruit makes one feel fuller for longer. They also don’t experience as much hunger. According to research jackfruit seeds have low water and fat-absorption ability, which assists in the prevention of obesity.
4. Improve Sleep
According to research adding magnesium to the meal can result in better quality sleep. It also reduces insomnia, especially for older adults who are at higher risk for magnesium deficiency. However, eating jackfruit can improve sleep and its quality.
5. Ulcers
According to studies the natural chemical present in jackfruit can help in preventing the sores forming inside the stomach.
6. Prevents Cardiovascular Diseases
According to studies jackfruits prevent cardiovascular diseases. As the fruit is loaded with fiber and antioxidants that promote heart health. The cholesterol level is reduced because of fiber and potassium levels. While potassium helps to reduce the negative impact of sodium levels, which prevents artery damage. Jackfruits contain resveratrol that provides cardiovascular support. It can be beneficial in treating cardiovascular diseases such as ischemia and atherosclerosis.