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Benefits of Jackfruit (Kathal) And Nutrition Value Its Side Effects

Last Updated: Dec 06, 2022

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Jackfruit refers to the largest tree fruit in the world and is savoured all over for its delicious sweetness. It is an exotic, tropical fruit that has been cultivated in Southeast Asian countries for centuries. Jackfruit is packed with various nutrients and minerals and is better known for its many health benefits.

Jackfruit (Kathal)

Jackfruit is a unique and appealing tropical fruit that has a distinct musky smell and deliciously sweet in taste. The fruit is usually harvested during the summer and fall. There are large-sized specimens available of this fruit with an average fruit size measuring between 10 to 60 centimeters in length and about 25 to 75 centimeters in diameter. This exotic jackfruit is green in color when not ripe, it turns light brown and spreads a strong fragrance as it ripens. Due to its high protein value, jackfruit is a popular meat substitute among vegans and vegetarians.

Nutritional Value of Jackfruit (Kathal)

In layman terms, jackfruit is known as the ‘jack of all fruits’. A rich source of vitamin, minerals, phytonutrients, carbohydrates, electrolytes, fiber and proteins, jackfruit is considered as a great food source for quick energy boost. Although jackfruit is high on calories, yet it is free of cholesterol or saturated fats.

Jackfruit Nutritional facts Per 100 grams

95
Calories
0.6 g
Total Fat
2 mg
Sodium
448 mg
Potassium
23 g
Total Carbohydrate
1.7 g
Protein

Vitamins and Minerals

2 %
Vitamin A
0.02
Calcium
0.15
Vitamin D
22 %
Vitamin C
1 %
Iron

Health Benefits of Jackfruit (Kathal)

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Mentioned below are the Jackfruit (Kathal) health benefits, check out how jackfruit fruit and its seed offers offers lot of nutritional value:

Jackfruit Boost your Immune System

Jackfruit is high in vitamin C content, an essential nutrient known for its antioxidant property. Along with giving an instant energy boost, it helps to prevail over diseases like cancer, asthma, tumours, etc. Being a natural source of various vitamins and minerals, it upgrades the body’s immunity against common diseases like cold, flu and cough.

Healthy Calories in Jackfruit Seeds

If you are feeling tired and need a quick energy boost, there are only a few fruits that can be as effective as jackfruit. This fruit is particularly good because it contains a good amount of carbohydrates and calories, and no bad fat. Jackfruit contains simple, natural sugars such as fructose and sucrose that are easily digestible by the body. Not just that, these sugars are characterized as ‘slowly available glucose’ or SAG, which implies that the jackfruit releases glucose in the body in a restrained manner. This is the reason for the low glycemic index of the fruit. Hence, jackfruit is a good source of natural sugar for diabetics.

Overall Jackfruit Health Benefits

1 cardiovascular system

One of the main causes for an unhealthy heart is the increased sodium levels in the body. Potassium deficiency can aggravate the condition as potassium is known to control the sodium levels in the body. Potassium is also essential for coordinating and maintaining muscle function; this includes heart muscles. Jackfruit is a great source of potassium and fulfills 10% of the body’s daily potassium need. Hence, jackfruit can help in regulating blood pressure and prevent a heart attack.

Jackfruit Fiber for Good Digestion

Jackfruit is a rich source of fiber. This dietary fiber offers significant amount of roughage, i.e., about 1.5 grams of roughage per 100 grams serving. This roughage acts as a natural laxative for preventing constipation and improving digestion.

Protection from colon cancer and piles

The high content of antioxidants in the jackfruit cleanses the colon. Though it does not directly impact in treating colon cancer, it does help in reducing the progression of the condition. This fruit is also very effective in alleviating and preventing piles. Chronic constipation leads to piles and with its high dietary fiber content, jackfruit prevents constipation.

Jackfruit Good for Eyes

Jackfruit is a wonderful source of vitamin A, a nutrient that is essential for good eye health. This anti-oxidant improves vision and protects the eyes from free radicals. By strengthening the mucous membrane that creates a layer on the cornea, jackfruit can also prevent any bacterial or viral eye infections. It contains Lutein Zeaxanthin that protects the eyes from the harmful UV rays. This component also contributes significantly to improving your vision in dim or low light. Jackfruit can also help in preventing macular degeneration. The fruit is also known to be effective in preventing night blindness.

Jackfruit Provies Relief in Asthma

Jackfruit extracts are known to help in alleviating the symptoms of asthma such as extreme difficulty in breathing, wheezing and panic attacks. Boiling the roots of jackfruit and consuming the extract has shown effective results in reducing the symptoms of asthma.

For preventing calcium loss from the body

With its high amount of calcium, jackfruit is a wonderful remedy for bone related illnesses such as arthritis or osteoporosis. The high potassium content of this fruit decreases the loss of calcium from the kidneys thereby increasing the bone density and strengthening the bones.

Jackfruit Helps in Preventing Anemia

Anemia is a condition that is characterized by a reduction in the red blood cells (RBC) in the body that leads to slow transportation of oxygen in the body, leading to lethargy, excessive fatigue, pale skin and frequent cases of black-out. Jackfruit is a rich source of iron that fights deficiency of RBCs in the body and the vitamin C content of the fruit promotes absorption of iron by the body.

Jackfruit For Flawless Skin and Glowing complexion

Jackfruit seeds is not just great for consumption but it can be a wonderful and natural product for your healthy skin. Jackfruit seeds are particularly rich in fiber that can detoxify your system and give you a glowing skin. You can even apply a paste of the jackfruit seeds and milk on your face for a healthy glow.

For regulating blood sugar levels

Jackfruit is rich in this nutrient thereby helping in regulating blood sugar levels High blood sugar levels in the body can be due to deficiency of manganese. .

Jackfruit For Management of Thyroid

Thyroid can be quite annoying if not managed properly. Copper is an essential nutrient present in jackfruit that is vital for thyroid metabolism and for regulating hormone imbalances.

Uses of Jackfruit (Kathal)

Being a common ingredient in Southeast Asian kitchens, jackfruits are used in various ways. Some of these are-

  • Flesh and seeds are used in curries, especially in Bangladesh.
  • Roasted seeds are consumed as snacks.
  • The flesh is seasoned with savoury BBQ or teriyaki sauce.
  • Fruit is used for preparing sweet dishes in some parts of India, etc.

Jackfruits are used to prepare many local and international dishes in various parts of the world.

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Side-Effects & Allergies of Jackfruit (Kathal)

Though a healthy food, jackfruit may lead to certain side effects and allergic reactions. These could be

  • Induces birch pollen allergies
  • Involved in blood coagulation
  • Causes alteration in glucose tolerance
  • Seeds of jackfruit may lead to immune-stimulative effects, etc.

Though there is no scientific evidence, there is a general perception that jackfruit may induce miscarriage, therefore only limited quantities of the fruit are consumed during pregnancy.

Origin And Cultivation of Jackfruit (Kathal)

Though a healthy food, jackfruit can cause some side effects and allergic reactions. The fruit is particularly not advised for people with birch pollen allergies. The fruit is also not recommended for consumption by people who suffer from blood related disorders, as it can increase coagulation. While typically the fruit is good for diabetics but it may even cause an alteration in their tolerance levels to glucose hence, diabetics should consume jackfruit in limited amount. In patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy and in patients with tissue transplants, seeds of jackfruit may have an immune-stimulative effect. There are varied opinions on consumption of jackfruit during pregnancy. Though there is no scientific evidence, there is general perception that jackfruit may induce miscarriage. However, consuming limited quantities of the fruit during pregnancy is advised for its powerful laxative properties and vitamin content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who should not eat jackfruit?

People suffering from certain disorders like birch pollen allergies, diabetes, blood-related disorders and undergoing immunosuppressive therapy should not eat jackfruit.

Can jackfruit be eaten raw?

Yes, jackfruit is preferred to be eaten raw because once it is completely ripened, it smells awful like spoiled onions. Raw jackfruit is used to prepare curry and snacks whereas half-ripened fruit is used to make sweet dishes.

Does jackfruit cause weight gain?

Jackfruit does not cause weight gain because it is low in calories. It contains only 155 calories per cup.

Is jackfruit high in sugar?

Jackfruit contains a large amount of natural sugar. These natural sugar may raise the blood sugar level in the body.

References

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    Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
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    Reviewed ByDt. Ms. Shilpa MarwahB.Sc (Home Science), Post Graduation Diploma in Dietetics and Public Health NutritionDietitian/Nutritionist
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