While jackfruit is a nutritious and beneficial fruit, it's important to note that it cannot prevent diseases on its own. However, a balanced and healthy diet that includes jackfruit, along with other fruits, vegetables, and whole foods, can contribute to overall well-being and support a healthy immune system. Here are some diseases that a balanced diet, including jackfruit, may help lower the risk of:
1. Heart Disease: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, like jackfruit, can contribute to heart health by reducing cholesterol levels and supporting blood pressure management.
2. Diabetes: The fiber content in jackfruit may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, which can be beneficial for individuals with diabetes.
3. Digestive Disorders: The fiber in jackfruit can aid digestion and promote a healthy gut, reducing the risk of digestive issues like constipation and promoting regular bowel movements.
4. Skin Problems: The vitamin C and antioxidants in jackfruit may support skin health, helping to combat oxidative stress and promote collagen production for healthier-looking skin.
5. Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of vitamin C and phytonutrients found in jackfruit may help reduce inflammation in the body, which is associated with various chronic diseases.
6. Bone Health: The mineral content in jackfruit, such as calcium and magnesium, can contribute to bone health and reduce the risk of conditions like osteoporosis.
7. Eye Health: The vitamin A content in jackfruit is beneficial for eye health and may help reduce the risk of age-related eye disorders.
Remember that while incorporating jackfruit and other nutritious foods into your diet can support overall health, a balanced lifestyle that includes regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and avoiding harmful habits is essential for disease prevention.
It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and recommendations related to your health and dietary needs.
Benefits of Jackfruit:
- 1. Lower Inflammation in the Body: Jackfruit is rich in vitamin C, which helps reduce inflammation and lowers the risk of chronic diseases.
- 2. Promote Healthy Skin: The vitamin C and antioxidants in jackfruit improve skin health, preventing skin problems and promoting a youthful appearance.
- 3. Keep the Heart Healthy: With potassium and fiber, jackfruit supports a healthy heart by counteracting the negative effects of sodium on blood pressure and reducing cholesterol levels.
The jackfruit is a large fruit-bearing tree that grows well in warm tropical areas. It is found in countries like India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines, among others. The fruit itself is huge, weighing up to 55 kg and can be as long as 90 cm with a diameter of 50 cm. A mature jackfruit tree can produce around 200 fruits each year, and older trees may even yield up to 500 fruits annually.
The jackfruit is unique because it is a multiple fruit made up of many individual flowers, and its unripe petals are edible. When ripe, the fruit is sweet and commonly used in desserts. Canned green jackfruit has a mild taste and a texture similar to meat, often referred to as "vegetable meat."
In South and Southeast Asian cuisines, both ripe and unripe jackfruits are commonly used in various dishes. The fruit is also available internationally, either canned or frozen, and used in different products like noodles and chips.
Where did the name "jackfruit" originate?
- The term "jackfruit" originates from the Portuguese word "jaca," which has its roots in the Malayalam language term "chakka." This information was recorded by Hendrik van Rheede in the Hortus Malabaricus, Volume III, in Latin. The book was later translated by Henry Yule in Jordanus Catalani's "Mirabilia descripta: the wonders of the East."
- Ripe jackfruit has a natural sweetness, resembling the flavors of pineapple or banana. It can be used in various dishes, such as custards, cakes, and shaved ice desserts like es teler in Indonesia or halo-halo in the Philippines.
- In southern India, it is paired with rice for traditional breakfast idlis, and jackfruit dosas can be made by incorporating the fruit into the batter. The seeds from ripe fruits are edible after cooking, with a milky and sweet taste similar to Brazil nuts. They can be boiled, baked, or roasted, resembling the flavor of chestnuts when roasted. Young jackfruit leaves are tender and can be used as a vegetable.
Here are the names of jackfruit in different languages:
- 1. English: Jackfruit
- 2. Portuguese: Jaca
- 3. Malayalam: Chakka
- 4. Spanish: Yaca
- 5. French: Jacquier
- 6. Filipino (Tagalog): Langka
- 7. Indonesian: Nangka
- 8. Hindi: Kathal
- 9. Bengali: Kathal
- 10. Tamil: Pala Pazham
- 11. Kannada: Halasu
- 12. Telugu: Panasapandu
- 13. Marathi: Phanas
- 14. Gujarati: Phanas
- 15. Sinhala: Kos
- 16. Thai: Khanun
- 17. Vietnamese: Mít
- 18. Burmese: Panthein
- 19. Chinese (Simplified): 菠萝蜜 (Bōluómì)
- 20. Japanese: ジャックフルーツ (Jakku Furūtsu)
Simple Recipe for Jackfruit Tacos and its nutrition facts.
Nutrition Facts of Jackfruit (per 100g serving):
- Calories: 95
- Total Fat: 0.64g
- Saturated Fat: 0.143g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 2mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 23.25g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.5g
- Sugar: 19.08g
- Protein: 1.72g
- Vitamin C: 13.8mg (23% of daily value)
- Vitamin A: 110 IU (2% of daily value)
- Potassium: 303mg (9% of daily value)
- Calcium: 24mg (2% of daily value)
- Iron: 0.6mg (3% of daily value)
- Magnesium: 29mg (7% of daily value)
- Phosphorus: 21mg (2% of daily value)
Jackfruit is a nutritious and delicious tropical fruit that provides a good source of essential nutrients. It is particularly rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system and helps with collagen production for healthy skin.
Jackfruit is also a good source of potassium, an essential mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and supports heart health. Additionally, it has dietary fiber, which promotes good digestion and aids in digesting.
As a low-calorie fruit with no cholesterol or saturated fat, jackfruit can be a beneficial addition to a balanced and healthy diet. Its natural sweetness makes it a versatile ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes, offering a tasty and nutritious alternative to other fruits.
Whether enjoyed fresh, canned, or cooked in various recipes, jackfruit is an excellent choice for promoting overall well-being and enjoying a unique and satisfying tropical flavor.
Recipe: Jackfruit Tacos
Ingredients:
- - 1 can of young green jackfruit in brine or water
- - 1 tablespoon olive oil
- - 1 small onion, finely chopped
- - 2 cloves garlic, minced
- - 1 teaspoon chili powder
- - 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- - Salt and pepper to taste
- - 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
- - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- - 2 tablespoons lime juice
- - Corn tortillas
- - Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, and vegan sour cream (optional)
Instructions:
- Drain and rinse the canned jackfruit. Using your hands or a fork, shred the jackfruit into smaller pieces, resembling the texture of pulled pork.
- In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. The onion and garlic should be sautéed after being added until they are fragrant and translucent.
- Add the shredded jackfruit to the skillet and stir to combine with the onions and garlic.
- Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper over the jackfruit. Stir well to evenly coat the jackfruit with the spices.
- Pour in the vegetable broth or water and stir in the tomato paste. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let the jackfruit simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until it becomes tender and absorbs the flavors.
- Remove the lid and continue cooking for a few more minutes until the liquid reduces and the jackfruit gets a slightly crispy texture.
- Drizzle lime juice over the jackfruit and give it a final stir.
- Warm the corn tortillas on a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side until they become pliable.
- Assemble the tacos by filling each tortilla with the jackfruit mixture. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, and vegan sour cream if desired.
- Serve the delicious jackfruit tacos immediately and enjoy!
Note: You can modify the seasonings and spices to suit your personal preferences. To further personalize your tacos, feel free to add other toppings like salsa, pickled onions, or guacamole. This recipe is also versatile, and you can use the seasoned jackfruit as a filling for burritos, sandwiches, or salads. Enjoy this tasty and plant-based alternative to traditional tacos!