Short Note
The health benefits of Jackfruit have been linked to its broad range of physicochemical uses.
A single seed is wrapped in a white aril, which is surrounded by a thin brown spermoderm that covers the fleshy white cotyledon. Jackfruit cotyledons are high in protein and carbohydrates.
Trees that produce jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) are members of the Moraceae family.
They grow in Africa, India, and many other Southeast Asian countries. It is one of the most important tropical evergreen trees and is widely cultivated.
Jackfruits are classified into two varieties: one is small, fibrous, soft, mushy, sweet, and with the feel of a raw oyster. The second type is crisp and crunchy, but not particularly sweet.
Jackfruit juice, candies, and a fruit bar made from ripe jackfruit are just a few of the many jackfruit products that have been developed.
Health Benefits
1. Cardiovascular Health
It has been discovered that the potassium in jackfruit aids in decreasing blood pressure and counteracting the effects of sodium, which raises blood pressure and damages the heart and blood vessels.
The jackfruit also has heart-healthy qualities thanks to its vitamin B6 constituent, which lowers blood homocysteine levels and hence reduces the risk of heart disease.
2. Bone Strength
Magnesium is a nutrient that aids calcium absorption and interacts with calcium to build bones and prevent bone-related illnesses such as osteoporosis.
Jackfruits are filled with magnesium.
3. Gut Health
The jackfruit’s high fiber content avoids constipation and promotes smooth bowel movements.
Besides clearing carcinogenic substances from the large intestine, it also provides protection for the colon mucous membrane.
4. Anemia Treatment
Jackfruit contains iron, which aids in the prevention of anemia and promotes the healthy circulation of blood.
5. Thyroid Health
Jackfruit is high in copper (an essential micromineral), which plays a key role in thyroid gland metabolism, particularly hormone production and absorption.
6. Antiviral Capabilities
According to the results of an invitro experiment, the herpes simplex virus type HSV-2, varicella zoster virus, and cytomegalovirus have all been shown to be susceptible to the inhibitory action of jackfruit lectin from A. heterophyllus.
Jackfruit lectin may have an effect directly on the viral envelope or on the host cell’s surface, therefore preventing the spread of the virus.
7. Skin Health
Natural aging of the skin results in damage, which is aggravated in skin that has been exposed to the sun for an extended period of time.
Long-term exposure to UV radiation has been linked to major side effects on human skin, including skin cancer, oxidative stress, early aging of the skin, sunburn, and immune suppression.
Collagen is a protein that gives skin structure and gives it its firmness and strength. Vitamin C is essential for its formation.
Since the human body cannot naturally produce vitamin C, we must consume foods that contains vitamin C in order to profit from its health benefits.
Jackfruit for instance is proven to be an excellent source of vitamin C.
Because jackfruit is devoid of casein and gluten, it has a systemic anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. Vitamin C, flavonoids, potassium, magnesium, fiber, and antioxidants are all present in jackfruit, along with flavonoids.
(References: Comprehensive Review in Food Science and Food Safety)
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