Jackfruit Benefits – 11 Jackfruit Benefits You Need to Know

Jackfruit is a really versatile fruit that originates from South India. It grows in tropical and subtropical areas like Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, and even Florida. Part of the Moracae genus (think figs and mulberries), jackfruit is the largest tree fruit in the world. It can grow up to 35kg in weight and 35 inches in length! It has a rough outer skin, which can be green or yellow in colour. Jackfruit contains almost every vitamin and mineral you could need, so it’s no wonder it is gaining popularity in Western countries. This article will show you 11 incredible jackfruit benefits that you simply need to know.

Jackfruit benefits bowel health [1,2]

Jackfruit contains two types of dietary fibre: soluble and insoluble. Insoluble fibre passes through your intestinal tract, adding bulk to your stool, helping you to eliminate waste. Insoluble fibre also allows you to eliminate waste faster. The less time that waste spends in the intestinal tracts, the less chance there is of developing colon cancer [3]. Moreover, while research in this area is limited, dietary fibre may also have a positive impact on cognition and mood due to its role in regulating systemic inflammation, depression, and anxiety [4].

Jackfruit benefits your cardiovascular system

Jackfruit has a good potassium content, so it can be beneficial in lowering blood pressure. This helps in preventing heart disease and strokes. Potassium improves muscle and nerve function. Another heart-friendly function of jackfruit is that it is a source of vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 reduces homocysteine levels in the blood, thus lowering the risk of heart disease [5].

Jackfruit benefits your eyesight

Jackfruit contains a generous amount of Vitamin A and carotenoid antioxidants like lutein [1], which are essential in maintaining eye health by keeping the retina and optic nerve intact. Vitamin A also protects the mucous membrane of the cornea, which acts as a barrier against bacteria [6].

Jackfruit has anti-inflammatory properties

Jackfruit contains phenolic compounds and phytochemicals [7], which demonstrate anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. These compounds may be used to create treatments for inflammation-related diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and Parkinson’s disease [8]. These properties also act to regulate inflammatory reactions on the skin such as acne [9].

Jackfruit benefits your youthful appearance

Jackfruit is an excellent source of Vitamin C, which is necessary in the production of collagen, the protein that keeps skin strong and supple [2]. Jackfruit also contains antioxidants, flavonoids, potassium, magnesium, selenium, and zinc [1], therefore could be highly beneficial in aiding skin repair and reducing acne inflammation. Thanks to jackfruit’s high water content, you can enjoy the benefits of hydrated, smooth skin. Thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties above, jackfruit could also aid in the healing process of wounds and burns [9].

Jackfruit benefits bone health

Jackfruit provides an abundance of magnesium, which aids in the absorption of calcium in the body [2]. When you absorb calcium efficiently, your bones become stronger and you are more resistant to bone-related disorders such as osteoporosis. While jackfruit provides some calcium, there are better sources like leafy greens [10]. Therefore, combine leafy greens with jackfruit in your meals for increased calcium absorption.

Jackfruit benefits blood quality

Jackfruit contains iron [1]. Iron is vital for healthy blood and to avoid conditions like anaemia. The vitamin C content of jackfruit aids in iron absorption in the body. Therefore, combine leafy greens with jackfruit to give yourself a good dose of iron [11].

Jackfruit benefits free-radical and toxin elimination

Toxins and free-radicals are widely known to cause cancer in the body [12]. Jackfruit provides the body with antioxidants, phytonutrients, and flavonoids that destroy free-radicals and expel toxins from the body. The vitamin C content of jackfruit also reduces inflammation that could lead to diseases like cancer [1].

Jackfruit benefits hormonal functioning

Jackfruit is a great source of copper and niacin (vitamin B3), which helps thyroid metabolism, nerve function and hormone production [2].

Jackfruit benefits diabetic symptoms

Glycemic Index (GI) is a measure of how quickly our blood sugar levels rise after eating. Jackfruit has a low glycemic index (GI) due to the high fibre content of the fruit: slower digestion helps prevent blood sugar spikes [13].

In a 1991 study, diabetic and non-diabetic adults who consumed jackfruit were found to have significantly improved blood sugar levels [5]. This is thanks to flavonoid antioxidants found in jackfruit, which are known to promote blood sugar stability [5,14].

Jackfruit contains 11 amino acids [2]

Jackfruit does not provide a complete protein in itself, but it is a good source of the 9 essential amino acids [15] including lysine, which is considered elusive in a vegan diet. This means jackfruit benefits a vegan diet hugely.

Jackfruit also contains two more conditional amino acids: tyrosine and cysteine. Conditional amino acids are not vital, but are considered greatly helpful in times of illness or stress [15], so incorporating jackfruit to your diet can help you fight off colds and flu, and help your body to recover from stress factors.

With all of these jackfruit benefits considered, you may want to start eating this nutritional powerhouse every day! This article has been all about the sweet fleshy part of the jackfruit, but did you know that you can also eat the seeds?! Check out our article on jackfruit seeds now!