Weighing in at up to 50 pounds, the jackfruit is the largest tree fruit in the world; a ripe fruit can be as large as 3 feet across. Since it is so huge, jackfruit grows from sturdy, thick branches or even the trunk of the jackfruit tree; it doesn’t hang or dangle like apples, peaches or other tree grown fruits. Some trees can even bear fruit at ground level or underground. Also known as Artocarpus heterophyllus, this nutritious and striking fruit is packed with vitamins and minerals. In addition to its distinctive size and shape, the jackfruit has some remarkable properties that make it a must-try for just about everyone.
Get ready to grab a big knife and dig into this dynamic and potent fruit; even a small jackfruit will weigh about 15 pounds and yield a great deal of edible fruit and seeds. Leaning more about this distinctive and unusual fruit can help you decide if you need to make room in your diet for this known cancer killer.
1. Jackfruit trees produce abundant amounts of fruit.
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Jackfruit trees produce abundant amounts of fruit – https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com
Despite the fruit’s overwhelming size and weight, a single jackfruit tree can produce over two hundred individual fruits per year. This is a tropical plant from South Asia and warm temperatures and humidity year-round allow the tree to grow and thrive 365 days per year.
2. Hard or soft – both forms of jackfruit offer benefits.
Hard or soft – both forms of jackfruit offer benefits – http://www.si-seeds.com
The texture of the jackfruit’s flesh determines how large it is and what it is called. A soft jackfruit is oversized and has sweet, soft (but not mushy) juicy flesh. A hard jackfruit is larger, heavier and more dense, with more firm flesh. Both have a similar flavor and both provide the same nutrients, but differences in texture may make one type more appealing to you than another.
3. Lots of seeds ensure rapid reproduction.
Lots of seeds ensure rapid reproduction – http://www.si-seeds.com
Each jackfruit produces anywhere from 100 to 500 seeds per year; it can reproduce rapidly and create even more fruits. While most people use jackfruit for the flesh, the seeds themselves are edible; they simply need to be roasted or boiled and enjoyed.
4. You can eat jackfruit raw or cooked.
You can eat jackfruit raw or cooked – http://sweetsimplevegan.com
When jackfruit is ripe and soft it can be eaten raw; it has a sweet scent and tastes like a cross between a papaya, a banana and a melon. Unripe jackfruit can be eaten as well, but it is cooked and prepared like a vegetable. It can be boiled, roasted, mashed or added to soups or stews.
5. You can combat osteoporosis with jackfruit.
You can combat osteoporosis with jackfruit – http://www.thejackfruitcompany.com
Jackfruit contains high amounts of Magnesium—a single serving contains about 7% of the magnesium your body needs each day. Since magnesium helps the body absorb calcium, jackfruit is a powerful aid in the fight against bone loss and osteoporosis.
6. Eating jackfruit may cut your risk of heart disease.
Eating jackfruit may cut your risk of heart disease – http://assets.epicurious.com
Jackfruit is also packed with potassium; there is a whopping 448 milligrams of potassium in each 100-gram serving of the tasty fruit. Potassium can help cut your risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke and is required daily for optimal health.
7. Jackfruit is great for your vision.
Jackfruit is great for your vision – http://res.cloudinary.com
Rich in Vitamin A, Jackfruit can also help your eyes stay young and healthy; Vitamin A is also a known skin restorative and contributes to a youthful, glowing complexion.
8. You can combat infection with jackfruit’s anti-oxidant power.
You can combat infection with jackfruit’s anti-oxidant power – http://bariballagriculture.com
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You may be used to oranges for your daily dose of vitamin C, but jackfruit is also an excellent source of this immune system powerhouse. The potent vitamin C in jackfruit is a powerful anti-oxidant that helps your body fight off infection by ramping up your immune system.
9. Jackfruit is low in calories.
Jackfruit is low in calories – http://4.bp.blogspot.com
At under 100 calories per serving, jackfruit is a tasty, low-cal side dish or addition to dessert. When cooked in vegetable form, jackfruit can be used to bulk up soups and other meals without adding a lot of calories.
10. Jackfruit provides the energy you need, without caffeine.
Jackfruit provides the energy you need, without caffeine – https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com
Jackfruit is packed with SAG, or slowly available glucose. This is the healthy form of carbohydrate and has a naturally low glycemic index; jackfruit is particularly appealing to diabetics. The fruit has a naturally sweet taste without a large amount of sugar. The glucose in jackfruit provides a burst of energy without the sugar crash that can come after a sweet snack.
11. Jackfruit can help you kick your high blood pressure to the curb.
Jackfruit can help you kick your high blood pressure to the curb – https://images.fineartamerica.com
Improve your blood pressure with jackfruit; the high amount of potassium makes your body better at regulating sodium. Reduced sodium levels lead to lower blood pressure and a healthier heart. Since jackfruit is packed with 16 percent of your daily requirement of Vitamin B, it can help reduce your risk of heart disease and provides a burst of energy when you consume it, too.
12. Jackfruit improves digestion – and gets rid of constipation.
Jackfruit improves digestion – and gets rid of constipation – https://lh3.googleusercontent.com
Jackfruit can be used to remedy constipation; the fruit has lots of soluble fiber, which helps your digestion and makes it easier for your body to absorb nutrients. A serving of jackfruit can provide up to 25% of your daily fiber needs, so eat up for great digestion.
13. Consuming jackfruit can cut your cancer risk.
Consuming jackfruit can cut your cancer risk – https://www.practostatic.com
From the powerful anti-oxidants present in jackfruit to its ability to move the digestive process along, this potent fruit can help reduce your risk of colon cancer. Some of the nutrients present in jackfruit are also potent cancer killers; some research has shown that jackfruit can help combat cancer cells and prevent them from multiplying.
14. Even the wood of the jackfruit tree has a purpose.
Even the wood of the jackfruit tree has a purpose – http://1.bp.blogspot.com
The jackfruit is popular for more than its food properties: the wood from the jackwood tree is resistant to both fungi and termites. In Indonesia, furniture, homes, boats and even musical instruments are made from jackwood. This prized wood resists humidity damage and retains its shape, even when exposed to the harmful elements.
15. Jackfruit is used as medicine in Indonesia.
Jackfruit is used as medicine in Indonesia – https://i1.wp.com/
Extracts from the jackfruit’s roots are used to treat a variety of symptoms, from simple fever to diarrhea and asthma. Like many herbal remedies, this use has been passed down through generations.
16 (Bonus Point!) Even the leaves of the jackfruit tree are useful.
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Even the leaves of the jackfruit tree are useful – http://3.bp.blogspot.com
They can be fed to goats and other livestock after the fruit is picked. As you can see, each part of this natural wonder is useful – from the cancer fighting and nutrient dense fruit to the wood used for manufacturing everything from home décor to musical instruments.
Learning more about the many benefits of this nutritional powerhouse can help you incorporate it into your own health and wellness routine. If you haul a jackfruit home from the store, be prepared to spend some time cutting – and have a plan for every part of this delicious and unusual fruit.
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