Menu
eMediHealth Logo
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result
eMediHealth Logo
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result

Home > Nutrition > What Makes Jackfruit Good for You: Health Benefits and Nutritional Facts

What Makes Jackfruit Good for You: Health Benefits and Nutritional Facts

December 18, 2022 - Updated on December 21, 2022
9 min read
By Anthony Payne, NMD, MD (Hon.)

In this article:

  • Reasons Why Jackfruit Is Good for Your Health
  • Nutritional Content of Jackfruit
  • Precautions to Consider
  • Final Word

Jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world, and its bright-yellow edible pods are very sweet and juicy. There’s a seed inside each pod, largely composed of starch and protein.

reasons why jackfruit benefits your health and nutrition facts

Native to South India, this miracle fruit thrives all through summer and its cultivation has now spread to a number of tropical South-East Asian countries as well.

It is rich in dietary fibers and has a significant amount of flavonoid pigments, such as carotene, xanthine, lutein, and cryptoxanthin. (1)

The easily digestible pods of jackfruit contain simple sugars like fructose and sucrose. In addition, it contains no gluten or casein. For those who relish a good piece of succulent fruit, they would love to dig their teeth into jackfruit as it is made up of 80% water.

Advertisements

Note: Excessive consumption of jackfruit may cause stomach upset, so eat it in moderation. Plus, it may not be suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Reasons Why Jackfruit Is Good for Your Health

Here are 10 nutritional facts and health benefits of jackfruit.

1. Supports the immune system

Jackfruit is rich in vitamin C (an antioxidant), which supports the functioning of white blood cells. (2) This antioxidant also helps neutralize free radicals in the body, which can damage cell membranes and even DNA. (3)

Thus, a healthy intake of jackfruit can help fortify your immune system, which is vital for resisting viral and bacterial infections including common colds and the flu.

Just 100 g (3.5 oz) of jackfruit provides 13.8 mg or 17% of your daily requirement of vitamin C. (4)

2. Keeps skin healthy

consuming jackfruit can delay skin aging and promote skin health

Fretting about premature skin aging will serve no purpose other than augmenting the damage.

What you can do instead is increase your intake of vitamin C-enriched jackfruit. This will provide your body with additional vitamin C, which plays a key role in the synthesis of collagen, a protein that helps keep skin firm and tight, thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Advertisements

Furthermore, its antioxidant content will help scavenge free radicals generated in the skin by ultraviolet rays and other sources. These free radicals wreak havoc on your skin by inducing oxidative stress and expediting the aging process. (5)

In addition, jackfruit helps keep the skin moisturized and well hydrated due to its high water content. Well-hydrated skin tends to glow and look younger.

3. Improves energy level

Jackfruit contains simple sugars such as fructose and sucrose that give your body an instant energy boost. It contains no saturated fat or cholesterol. (4)

It is the ideal energy booster for people with diabetes because the sugar in this fruit is categorized as slowly available sugar (SAG). This essentially means that jackfruit releases sugar in a slow, restrained manner, thereby mitigating the threat of hyperglycemia.

A cup of jackfruit makes a great addition to your diet, especially if you are involved in sports or other activities for which you need to keep your energy level consistently up.

4. Relieves constipation

dietary fiber in jackfruit helps keep the digestive system healthy

The dietary fiber in jackfruit helps keep the digestive system working smoothly. This fibrous fruit works as a natural laxative by adding bulk to your stools and softening them up for easy and efficient fecal elimination. Thus, jackfruit helps regulate timely bowel movements and prevent constipation and hemorrhoids.

Advertisements

However, as mentioned above, eating too much jackfruit can prove counterproductive to dispelling your tummy troubles and may end up aggravating stomach unrest. In order to maximize jackfruit’s digestive health benefits, moderate consumption is the key.

5. Lowers high blood pressure and homocysteine

The vitamin C in jackfruit helps scavenge and combat free radicals, which are often at the root of many chronic ailments including heart disease. (6)

In addition, the potassium in it helps regulate blood pressure by modulating the sodium level in the body. Excess sodium can cause a rise in blood pressure, especially in people genetically predisposed to this. (7)

The fruit also contains vitamin B6, which helps reduce homocysteine levels in the blood and may help lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes. (8)

6. Maintains healthy vision

jackfruit contains nutrients beneficial for eye health and vision

Jackfruit contains vitamin A, (4) an essential nutrient for the eyes. This vitamin is critical to healthy vision and plays a role in preventing cataracts, night blindness, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. (9)

Vitamin A even helps strengthen the mucous membranes which create a film on the cornea that protects the eyes from bacterial and viral infections. (10)

Advertisements

The vitamin C in jackfruit promotes the production and maintenance of healthy capillaries and helps support the proper functioning of retinal cells. It also contains the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which scavenge free radicals produced by ultraviolet (UV) light and various bodily processes. (11)

7. Strengthens bones

Jackfruit is rich in magnesium, a nutrient that helps in the absorption of calcium. (4) Magnesium and calcium work together to strengthen the bones and prevent bone-related disorders, such as osteoporosis. (12)

In addition, it contains potassium, which prevents the loss of calcium through the kidneys and thereby improves calcium density in bones, especially in post-menopausal older women. (13)

Advertisements

8. Supports thyroid health

jackfruit consumption can help support thyroid health

Jackfruit contains zinc, magnesium, potassium, and selenium, all of which play an important role in thyroid hormone production and utilization. (14)

Jackfruit also contains B vitamins, which support healthy thyroid functioning, with B12 being of special interest as many people with primary hypothyroidism have a deficiency of this vitamin and, thus, benefit from dietary and oral supplementation of it. (15)

9. Prevents anemia

Thanks to its iron content, jackfruit can help prevent anemia induced by a red blood cell deficiency. In addition, the vitamin C content in it improves the absorption of iron in the body. Lack of vitamin C in the body can render it incapable of absorbing sufficient dietary iron required for the blood-building process. (16)

Moreover, jackfruit is well endowed with magnesium and copper, both of which assist in the production of blood in the body.

10. Protects against cancer

The vitamin C in jackfruit scavenges free radicals, which can damage cells leading to the development of cancer. (17) It also contains vitamin K, manganese, and dietary fibers, which help lower the risk of some forms of cancer, such as colorectal cancer. (18)

In addition, it contains phytochemicals, including lignans, isoflavones, and saponins, which help combat cancer-causing free radicals in the body. (19)

Nutritional Content of Jackfruit

Enriched with vitamins A, C, and B6, calcium, potassium, iron, folic acid, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and magnesium, jackfruit packs quite a healthy punch. (4)

Nutritional value of jackfruit per 100 grams:

  • Water – 73.46 g
  • Energy – 95 kcal
  • Protein – 1.72 g
  • Total lipid (fat) – 0.64 g
  • Carbohydrate – 23.25 g
  • Fiber – 1.5 g
  • Sugars – 19.08 g
  • Calcium, Ca – 24 mg
  • Magnesium, Mg – 29 mg
  • Phosphorus, P – 21 mg
  • Potassium, K – 448 mg
  • Sodium, Na – 2 mg
  • Vitamin C – 13.7 mg
  • Thiamin – 0.105 mg
  • Niacin – 0.920 mg
  • Vitamin B-6 – 0.329 mg
  • Folate – 24 mcg
  • Vitamin A – 5 mcg

Precautions to Consider

precautions to take prior consuming jackfruit
  • There isn’t sufficient evidence to attest to the safety of using jackfruit during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Thus, it’s best for women in such vulnerable states to stay on the safe side and avoid its use.
  • In some cases, people with active allergies to birch pollen were found to exhibit a similar reaction to jackfruit as well. On account of this cross-sensitization risk, people who are allergic to birch pollen are advised to use jackfruit cautiously.
  • Since jackfruit exhibits an antidiabetic effect in some cases, taking it with standard drugs that lower blood sugar can raise the risk of hypoglycemia or excessively low blood sugar in people with diabetes. In order to prevent such disruption of blood sugar control, consult with your doctor to appropriately alter the dose of your diabetes medication.
  • Since jackfruit extracts have been found to induce drowsiness. Given this property, jackfruit might compound the effect of general anesthesia or other sedative drugs administered during or after surgery and cause excessive or prolonged drowsiness. It is thus recommended to cease using this fruit at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Final Word

Jackfruit is richly endowed with a plethora of nutrients that provide many wonderful health benefits. You can use the ripe fruit to make jam, jelly, ice cream, candies, cakes, and chutneys (spicy sauces), while the pods even make a great addition to fruit salads, smoothies, and healthy snacks.

You can even use raw jackfruit for cooking curries, stews, and other delicious vegetable dishes. Additionally, owing to its meaty texture, jackfruit has gained considerable traction amongst new-age vegans and vegetarians as a nifty meat substitute.

References
  1. Swami SB, Thakor NJ, Haldankar PM, Kalse SB. Jackfruit and Its Many Functional Components as Related to Human Health: A Review. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1541-4337.2012.00210.x. Published October 16, 2012.
  2. GorkomGNYvan, Wieten L, Bos GMJ. Influence of Vitamin C on Lymphocytes: An Overview. Antioxidants. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5874527/. Published March 10, 2018.
  3. Tariq SA. Role of ascorbic acid in scavenging free radicals and lead toxicity from biosystems. Molecular Biotechnology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17914166. Published September 2007.
  4. Fooddata Central Search Results. FoodData Central. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/174687/nutrients.
  5. Emerit I. Free radicals and aging of the skin. EXS. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1450595. Published 1992.
  6. Khansari N, Shakiba Y, Mahmoudi M. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress as a major cause of age-related diseases and cancer. Recent Patents on Inflammation & Allergy Drug Discovery. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19149749/. Published January 2009.
  7. Terker AS, Zhang C, Yang C- L. Potassium Modulates Electrolyte Balance and Blood Pressure through Effects on Distal Cell Voltage and Chloride. Cell Metabolism. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4332769/. Published January 6, 2015.
  8. Mansoor MA, Kristensen O, Hervig T, et al. Plasma total homocysteine response to oral doses of folic acid and pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6) in healthy individuals. Oral doses of vitamin B6 reduce concentrations of serum folate. Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10353328/. Published April 1999.
  9. Rasmussen HM, Johnson EJ. Nutrients for the aging eye. Clinical Interventions in Aging. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3693724/. Published June 19, 2013.
  10. LUCA LDE, Wolf G. Vitamin A and Protein Synthesis in Mucous Membranes. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article-abstract/22/8/1059/4818618. Published August 1, 1969.
  11. Roberts JE, Dennison J. The Photobiology of Lutein and Zeaxanthin in the Eye. Journal of Ophthalmology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4698938/. Published December 20, 2015.
  12. Castiglioni S, Cazzaniga A, Albisetti W. Magnesium and Osteoporosis: Current State of Knowledge and Future Research Directions. Nutrients. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3775240/. Published July 31, 2013.
  13. Zhu K, Devine A, Prince RL. The effects of high potassium consumption on bone mineral density in a prospective cohort study of elderly postmenopausal women. Osteoporosis International. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18575949/. Published February 2009.
  14. Rousset B, Dupuy C, Miot F. Thyroid Hormone Synthesis And Secretion. Endotext. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK285550/. Published September 2, 2015.
  15. Jabbar A, Yawar A, Waseem S, et al. Vitamin B12 deficiency common in primary hypothyroidism. JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18655403. Published May 2008.
  16. MONSEN ELAINE. Ascorbic Acid: An Enhancing Factor in Iron Absorption. ACS Symposium Series. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/bk-1982-0203.ch005. Published November 1, 1982.
  17. Huy LAP-, He H, Huy CP-. Free Radicals, Antioxidants in Disease and Health. International Journal of Biomedical Science. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3614697/. Published June 2008.
  18. Shin A, Li H, Shu XO, Yang G, Gao YT, Zheng W. Dietary intake of calcium, fiber and other micronutrients in relation to colorectal cancer risk: Results from the Shanghai Women’s Health Study. International Journal of Cancer. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17019716/. Published December 15, 2006.
  19. Jagtap UB, Panaskar SN, Bapat VA. Evaluation of antioxidant capacity and phenol content in jackfruit (Artocarpusheterophyllus Lam.) fruit pulp. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20198442/. Published June 2010.
  • Was this article helpful?
  • YES, THANKS!NOT REALLY
Spread the Love❤️
Advertisements
Advertisements
Advertisements
Advertisements

Newsletter

Get our BEST updates delivered to your inbox:



This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Categories

  • Nutrition
  • Wellness
  • Oral Care
  • Eye Care
  • Heart Health
  • Skin & Beauty
  • Women’s Health
  • Ear, Nose & Throat
  • Respiratory Health

Links

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Cookie Policy
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
eMediHealth

This site provides content for informational purposes only. The information provided is not intended for use as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In case of a medical concern or emergency, please consult your healthcare provider.

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation.

Our Network: Little Extra

© 2019 eMediHealth. All rights reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Nutrition
  • Skin & Beauty
  • Wellness
  • Yoga & Meditation
  • Women’s Health
  • Heart Health
  • Allergy & Immunology
  • Bones & Joints
  • Child Health
  • Digestive
  • Ear, Nose & Throat
  • Eye Care
  • Glands & Hormones
  • Health News
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mental Health
  • Nervous System
  • Oral Care
  • Pain Management
  • Respiratory Health
  • Sleep Disorders
  • Urological Health

© 2019 eMediHealth. All rights reserved.