Jackfruit is a tropical fruit that is native to South and Southeast Asia. It is a member of the mulberry family and is known for its large size and unique flavour. It is grown in India, Indonesia and Thailand to name just a few countries.
In recent years, jackfruit has gained popularity in Western countries as a meat alternative due to its meat-like texture when unripe. In this article, we discuss the benefits of jackfruit and the nutrition facts about this versatile and delicious fruit.
🌟Jackfruit Benefits
1. Nutrient Content
One of the main benefits of jackfruit is its high nutrient content. Jackfruit is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. It is also a good source of dietary fibre, which can help to promote healthy digestion, weight management and prevent constipation. Additionally, jackfruit is low in calories and fat, making it a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight. For this reason, it's also a great meat alternative.
2. Meat Alternative
Another benefit of jackfruit is its ability to act as a meat substitute. When unripe, the texture of jackfruit is similar to that of meat, making it a great option for vegetarians and vegans. The meat-like texture of unripe jackfruit can be used in a variety of dishes, such as jackfruit curry, fajitas and even stir fry to name just a few. This allows people who follow a plant-based diet to enjoy dishes that they may have had to give up if they didn't have jackfruit as an option.
In addition, ripe jackfruit is great for using in desserts. It's much sweeter once it is ripe, and similar in taste to mango, but some people say it's like pineapple too. Check out these canned jackfruit recipes for more cooking inspiration.
3. Health Benefits
Jackfruit is also known to offer a host of other health benefits. Jackfruit is rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect the body against damage from free radicals. The fruit is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties which also can protect against free radicals.
As jackfruit contains vitamin c, this can also help skin health and appearance.
Some studies have suggested that consuming jackfruit or its extracts may have a beneficial effect on blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
In some studies, jackfruit extract has been shown to reduce blood pressure and improve heart function. The potassium in jackfruit may also help to lower blood pressure.
Jackfruit has a fairly low glycemic index score, which means it can help to regulate blood sugar levels by preventing rapid spikes in blood sugar after eating. Some studies have also suggested that compounds found in jackfruit may help to improve insulin sensitivity, which can help to manage blood sugar levels. Source.
It's important to note that more research is needed to confirm the effects of jackfruit on blood pressure and blood sugar levels in humans. And it's not recommended to rely solely on a food to manage health conditions, it's important to consult a health professional for proper guidance.
4. Energy
Jackfruit is also a good source of energy. A 100-gram serving of jackfruit contains about 95 calories, making it a great choice for those looking to boost their energy levels by including it in their meals. The fruit is also a good source of carbohydrates, which can help to provide a sustained energy boost.
5. Protein
In addition to its meat-like texture, jackfruit contains some protein. A 100-gram serving of jackfruit contains about 2 grams of protein. This roughly puts it on par with the protein content found in okra, spinach and cauliflower. While this doesn't make it a great source of protein, it is still a nutrient rich fruit to include in veggie or vegan meals. Jackfruit is however, a great source of fiber, carbohydrates and vitamin c, along with lots of other vitamins and minerals. Loads of good stuff (part of why we like it so much!).
📋 Jackfruit Nutrition Facts
In terms of nutrition facts, according to the US department of agriculture, a 100-gram serving of raw jackfruit contains:
- 95 calories
- 1.72 grams of protein
- 0.64 grams of fat
- 23.2 grams of carbohydrates
- 1.5 grams of fiber
- 19.1 grams of sugar
- 13.7 milligrams of vitamin C
- 0.329 milligrams of vitamin B6
- 5 µg vitamin A
- 0.13 milligrams of zinc
- 29 milligrams of magnesium
- 448 milligrams of potassium
In conclusion, jackfruit is a versatile and nutritious fruit that offers a host of benefits. Its high nutrient content, meat-like texture, and low calorie count make it a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.
Its ability to act as a meat alternative also makes it a great option for vegetarians and vegans. With its delicious flavour and numerous health benefits, it's no wonder that jackfruit is becoming increasingly popular in Western countries. So, next time you're at the supermarket, be sure to give jackfruit a try!
Looking for more jackfruit content? Find out how to cook with jackfruit and where to buy jackfruit.
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